Postage Options
Small businesses shipping a few packages can print and pay for postage online. Larger shippers can apply for a permit imprint and save money with commercial rates. Other convenient postage options are postage meters, precanceled stamps, and custom stamps. USPS® and third-party vendors offer a variety of ways to track and pay for postage.
Print Postage from Your Computer
See two of the most convenient shipping services to get postage for your mail and packages. With just a few clicks, you can set shipping preferences and print postage labels from your home or office.
Print Labels Online with Click-N-Ship®
Easily print domestic Priority Mail Express®, Priority Mail®, and First-Class Package Service® shipping labels at your convenience. All you need to get started is a free USPS.com business account, computer, and standard printer. With the USPS Loyalty Program™, earn credits for your Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express labels printed online.
Download Click-N-Ship Business Pro™
Use our downloadable desktop software to document and pay for postage via electronic manifest files. Manage your volume shipping with built-in tracking and reporting tools.
Calculate Postage Correctly
Save Time by Doing It Right
Make sure you round the weight of your package up to the nearest pound or ounce to avoid underpayment and delaying delivery.
For example, if your package weighs 3 lbs 5 oz, it would be charged at the 4 lb-rate. If you have a First-Class Package Service-Retail® that weighs 7.3 oz, it must be charged at the 8 oz-rate.
Quick Compare
See USPS mailing and shipping services and the different ways to pay for and print postage.
Ways to Print Postage
USPS Picture Permit Indicia
USPS Picture Permit® indicia (PPI) allows organizations to customize the Permit Imprint Indicia on First-Class Mail® postcards and letters, and USPS Marketing Mail® letters by incorporating their organization logo, brand image, or trademark.
How It Works
Easily register your PPI in Business Customer Gateway (BCG), submit your customized PPI design mailpiece, and monitor the review status on the BCG Dashboard. Once we approve your design, you can start entering your mailpieces into the USPS mailstream.
NOTE: You must have a permit to register for Picture Permit Indicia. Complete the Application for Picture Permit.
Register for PPI
- Log in to Business Customer Gateway and select Register for PPI.
- Upload a PDF copy of the addressed mailpiece showing the actual envelope or postcard with its dimensions, barcode, barcode clear zone, and proposed PPI design.
- Select Submit and monitor your review status from the BCG Dashboard.
Have more questions?
Postage Meter Printing
A postage meter prints postage directly onto your mail or onto a meter tape. Postage meters can be used for all mail services except Periodicals.
How It Works
Apply for a Permit
There are special markings required for bulk mailings that can be applied with your meter stamp.
PS Form 3615 to Apply for a Permit PDF (2 MB)
Pay Annual Fees
The annual mailing fee allows you to send bulk mailings from one Post Office™ for 1 year. The mailing fee is separate from the application fees and postage.
Get a Postage Meter
Postage meters are only available from authorized providers. Vendors set service and leasing fees.
Disclaimer: The Postal Service® does not endorse any company or product not offered by the Postal Service, including the advertisers on this web page.
Permit Imprints
If you're a large volume mailer, using a permit imprint to make postage payments, you don't have to buy postage in advance, reset your meter, or affix stamps. Simply print postage information in the upper right corner of the mailpiece and only pay for postage when mailings are sent.
How It Works
Apply for a Permit
You must apply for a permit to use permit imprint.
PS From 3615 to Apply for a Permit PDF (2 MB)
Pay Permit and Annual Fees
The annual mailing fee allows you to make commercial mailings from one Post Office™ for 1 year. This fee is separate from the permit imprint application fees and postage and fees for the mailpiece.
Permit Imprint Fee Information
Design & Mailing Requirements
When designing your permit imprint, be sure to follow USPS formatting guidelines. Indicia formats vary by mail class.
Mailing Requirements
- Have at least 200 mailpieces or 50 lbs with each piece weighing the same.
- Create a mailing at least once every 2 years to keep permit account active.
- Do not hand-draw or use type-written Permit Imprint Indicia on mailpieces.
- Mailpieces must be delivered to a Post Office or Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU).
Precanceled Stamps
Using precanceled stamps is an easy way to get started with bulk mailing.
How It Works
Apply for a Permit
There is no application fee associated with the permit. After you receive your permit number and receipt, you’ll be able to purchase and use precanceled stamps.
Download PS Form 3615 PDF (2 MB)
Prepare Postage Statement
Fill out a postage statement to determine how much postage you owe when you drop off your mail at the Post Office™.
Pay for Stamps Used
Establish an advance deposit account to pay for the postage you owe on your precanceled stamp mailings.
- Mailpiece must have a complete domestic return address in the upper-left corner.
- Precanceled stamps must be placed in the upper right corner of the mailpiece.
- Mail with precanceled stamps must be brought to the Post Office where you have your permit.
- You can’t return unused stamps to the Post Office.
