In philately a franchise stamp or frank stamp is a stamp given to an individual or organisation to enable them to send mail without charge.[1] Typical recipients include charities, refugees and soldiers on active service (military franchise stamps).
France overprinted a 90c stamp with an olive branch design for refugees from the Spanish Civil War (Scott No. S1)[2] and Brazil issued a franchise stamp between 1865 and 1870 for use by soldiers during the war with Paraguay.[3] In Portugal franchise stamps were issued to members of the military commission in charge of prisoners of war and to a number of other organisations, including the Red Cross Society, civilian rifle clubs and the Geographical Society of Lisbon.[4]
Franchise stamps have also been issued by Switzerland and Spain.[4]
In 1948, franchise stamps were issued by the Allied Military Government to permit exemption from the travel permit fee when crossing borders.[5]