The United States Postal Service provides methods for printing shipping labels directly at the post office, useful for customers without a home printer. This process relies on prepaying postage online and generating a special digital code, rather than attempting to print a local file. Printing a label at a postal facility is tied directly to using official systems, such as the Label Broker service. This service bridges the gap between digital postage purchase and physical label creation, resulting in a ready-to-mail package.
Using the Label-Less QR Code Service
The most reliable method for printing a shipping label at a post office is utilizing the Label Broker feature, which generates a unique Quick Response (QR) code. This process begins when a customer prepares and pays for postage through an online platform, such as the USPS Click-N-Ship service. When prompted for the label format, the user must select the option to “Print later at Post Office” instead of printing the label at home.
After completing payment, the USPS system sends a confirmation email containing a Label Broker ID, presented as both a scannable QR code and an 8-to-10 character alphanumeric code. This digital code stores all prepaid shipping information, including addresses, package weight, and service class. The customer then takes their sealed package and the digital QR code—displayed on a mobile device—to a participating post office location.
Once at the post office, the customer can use a Self-Service Kiosk or go to the retail counter to have the label generated. The code is scanned or manually entered into the USPS system, which retrieves the label data from the Label Broker repository. This action triggers the printing of the physical shipping label, which is then affixed to the package for immediate shipment. This streamlined process allows customers to benefit from lower Commercial Base Pricing rates available through online purchase, rather than paying the higher retail rates at the counter.
Utilizing Self-Service Kiosks (SSKs)
Self-Service Kiosks (SSKs) offer an automated option for printing labels, often accessible 24 hours a day in post office lobbies. These machines mimic many functions of the traditional retail counter, including weighing packages, purchasing stamps, and calculating postage for Priority or Express Mail. The SSKs are equipped with scanners and thermal printers capable of supporting the Label Broker system.
A customer with a Label Broker QR code can scan it directly at the SSK to instantly print their shipping label, eliminating the need to wait for a retail associate. The kiosks are configured to interface with the USPS online postage system to retrieve the label data.
SSKs are designed only for specific postal transactions and do not allow for general computer use. These machines will not permit a user to connect external devices, such as a USB flash drive, or log into a personal email account to print arbitrary PDF files. Printing capability is restricted to labels generated directly through the USPS Label Broker or labels purchased on the spot via the kiosk interface. This design maintains system security while offering a self-service option for postage printing.
Retail Counter Printing Limitations
A retail clerk can print a shipping label for a customer, but this service is strictly governed by official postal procedure and is not a general printing service. The most common way a clerk prints a label is by scanning the Label Broker QR code or entering the ID generated after the customer prepaid postage online. The clerk’s terminal is integrated with the Label Broker system, allowing them to retrieve the existing, paid-for label and print it on a thermal label printer.
Counter staff are prohibited from printing labels from personal sources, such as a customer’s email attachment, a smartphone file, or a third-party shipping platform. The post office network is not set up to process non-standard digital files, and security protocols prevent clerks from accessing customer devices. If a customer has not prepaid postage, the clerk can create and print a label, but this requires the postage to be purchased at the retail rate, which is higher than the online commercial rate.
The availability of this service depends on the post office having necessary equipment, such as a functioning thermal label printer connected to the retail system. Once the label is printed, it is affixed to the package immediately at the counter. Customers should ensure their package is sealed and ready for shipment before presenting the QR code to the retail associate.
Alternatives for Printing Shipping Labels
If post office printing options are unavailable, several alternatives exist for customers who need to print a prepaid shipping label. Public libraries often provide computer and printing services for a nominal fee, allowing users to access email, download the label file as a PDF, and print it on standard paper. This is a widely accessible option for obtaining a physical copy of a label.
Professional office supply stores and commercial print shops, such as those operated by FedEx or UPS, also offer comprehensive printing services. These locations handle digital files and can print a high-quality label, though services incur a fee and may not be as cost-effective as a library. For those using a third-party shipping platform, some carriers offer printing services directly at drop-off locations by generating a QR code for in-store printing.
When using alternatives, ensure the shipping label is printed clearly on standard paper and securely affixed to the package with clear packing tape, fully covering the label without obscuring the barcode. These external options provide backup solutions when a home printer is unavailable or when a post office lacks Label Broker capability.