Creating a USPS shipping label takes about five minutes on the USPS website or through Click-N-Ship, their online shipping tool

You can print a shipping label from home without going to the post office. The USPS Click-N-Ship service lets you pay for postage online, print the label on regular paper or label stock, and drop your package at any mailbox or post office location. You'll need the recipient's address, your return address, the package weight, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or USPS account balance).

The label includes a barcode that tracks your package from pickup to delivery. Once you print it, tape it to your package and you're done — no need to stand in line or wait for a clerk.

Key Takeaways

  • You create labels through Click-N-Ship on usps.com or through the USPS mobile app, both free to use.
  • You need a USPS account (free to set up) before you can create your first label.
  • The label prints on regular 8.5 x 11 paper or on 4 x 6 label stock, and you tape or stick it to your package.
  • You pay for postage when you create the label, and the price depends on package weight, destination, and which service you choose (Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, or First Class).

Setting up your USPS account

Go to usps.com and click "Sign Up" in the top right corner. You'll enter your email address, create a password, and provide your name and home address. USPS will send you a confirmation email — click the link to verify your account. The whole process takes about two minutes and costs nothing.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to create labels. USPS keeps a record of your past shipments, so you won't have to re-enter addresses you've used before.

How to create a label step by step

Log into your USPS account and click "Create a Label" or "Ship a Package." You'll see a form asking for the recipient's address, your return address (which USPS fills in automatically if you've already entered it), package weight, and dimensions. Enter the zip codes for both addresses — USPS uses these to calculate the price.

Next, choose your shipping service. Priority Mail is the most common option and usually costs less than Priority Mail Express. Priority Mail Express is faster (1 to 2 days) but more expensive. First Class is the cheapest option for small, light packages. USPS shows you the price for each service before you commit.

Review the label preview, choose whether to print on regular paper or label stock, and click "Pay and Print." Your label will open as a PDF. Print it when ready or save it to print later. Tape the label to your package so the barcode faces outward and nothing covers it.

What to do after you print your label

You can drop your package at any USPS mailbox or take it to a post office location. If you use a mailbox, put the package inside and raise the flag on the side so the mail carrier knows to pick it up. If you take it to the post office, hand it to a clerk or use the self-service kiosk if your location has one.

USPS will scan your package when it's picked up, and you'll receive tracking updates by email. You can also log into your USPS account anytime to check the status of any package you've shipped.

Using the USPS mobile app instead

The USPS mobile app (available on iOS and Android) has the same Click-N-Ship feature built in. Open the app, log in with your account, and tap "Ship a Package." The process is identical to the website version, except you can take a photo of the recipient's address instead of typing it. The app prints labels the same way — to your home printer or a printer at a nearby location.

Some people find the app faster for repeat shipments because it remembers frequent addresses and lets you create a label in fewer taps.

Costs and payment options

USPS charges you for postage when you create the label. The price depends on three things: how much your package weighs, where it's going, and which service you choose. A Priority Mail package weighing one pound going across the country costs less than a Priority Mail Express package of the same weight going the same distance.

You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or by adding money to a USPS account balance in advance. If you ship frequently, some people load money into their USPS account so they don't have to enter card details every time. There are no hidden fees — the price you see before you print is the price you pay.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your label won't print, make sure your printer is connected and turned on, and that you have paper loaded. If the PDF opens but looks blank, try downloading it again or opening it in a different browser. Some older printers don't print barcodes clearly — if your barcode looks faded or smudged, reprint the label on fresh paper.

If you create a label by mistake and haven't printed it yet, you can delete it from your account and create a new one. If you've already printed it and paid for it, you can request a refund through your USPS account, though the refund process takes a few business days. Never use a label you didn't create yourself — each label is tied to a specific shipment and payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a label without a printer at home?

Yes. You can create the label online, save the PDF, and email it to yourself or a friend who has a printer. You can also take your package to the post office and ask a clerk to print the label there, though this defeats the purpose of creating it online. Some UPS stores and shipping centers also print USPS labels for a small fee.

What if I don't know the exact weight of my package?

You can estimate, but USPS charges based on the actual weight when your package is scanned at the post office. If your estimate is too low, you'll owe the difference. If it's too high, you won't get a refund. A kitchen scale or bathroom scale works fine — just place the package on it and note the weight in pounds and ounces.

Can I change the address after I print the label?

No. Once you print a label, it's locked to that address and recipient. If you need to ship to a different address, create a new label. If you haven't printed the label yet, you can delete it and start over.

Do I need to tell the recipient their tracking number?

You don't have to, but many people do. Your recipient can use the tracking number to see when the package will arrive. You can find the tracking number on the label itself or in your USPS account under "Shipment History."

What happens if my package doesn't fit in a mailbox?

Take it to the post office instead. A mail carrier won't pick up a package that's too large for a standard mailbox, even if the flag is raised. At the post office, hand it to a clerk or use the self-service kiosk if available.