Digital stamps

A system comprising:

• a processor;
• a computer-readable data storage system, operably connected to the processor, that stores program instructions;
• and
• one or more cameras operably connected to the processor;
• wherein the program instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations comprising:
• receiving an item for delivery;
• obtaining, using the one or more cameras, address information from the item, the address information indicating a destination;
• determining, using the one or more cameras, that the item lacks any physical indicia indicating that a delivery fee has been paid or will be paid;
• determining that a digital stamp for the item exists;
• and
• directing the item for delivery to the destination.

A computer-implemented method comprising:

• receiving an item for delivery;
• obtaining, by an automated sorting system using one or more cameras, address information from the item, the address information indicating a destination;
• determining, by the automated sorting system using the one or more cameras, that the item lacks any physical indicia indicating that a delivery fee for the item has been paid or will be paid;
• determining, by the automated sorting system, that a digital stamp for the item exists in a data file of digital stamp information;
• and
• directing, by the automated sorting system, the item for delivery to the destination.