Printing postage on an envelope can save time, improve accuracy, and make your mail look professional. However, it is important to understand that you cannot simply print a picture of a stamp and use it as legal postage. USPS requires approved postage methods such as online postage labels, postage meter indicia, or permit imprints. When done correctly, printed postage is fully accepted for mailing letters, documents, and packages.
This guide explains how to print USPS postage on an envelope, including approved methods, proper placement, printing steps, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Counts as Printed USPS Postage
USPS only accepts postage that comes from approved systems. Valid printed postage includes:
USPS Click-N-Ship postage labels
PC Postage providers (online postage services)
Postage meter indicia
Permit imprint (for bulk business mail)
Decorative stamp images or downloaded stamp pictures are not valid for mailing.
Where USPS Postage Must Be Placed
Postage must appear in the upper-right corner of the envelope.
Placement rules:
Leave clear space around the postage
Do not print over seams or flaps
Avoid the barcode area at the bottom
Keep the address area unobstructed
USPS scanners need clean, flat postage placement to process mail correctly.
What You’ll Need
Before printing postage, prepare the following:
A printer (inkjet or laser)
Plain or standard envelopes
A USPS-approved postage service
Correct recipient and return addresses
A test envelope
Always test on plain paper first.
Method 1: Print Postage Using USPS Click-N-Ship
USPS Click-N-Ship allows you to buy and print postage online.
Steps:
Visit the USPS Click-N-Ship website.
Enter the sender and recipient addresses.
Select the mail class and package details.
Pay for the postage.
Download the postage label.
Print the label at 100% scale.
Attach it to the upper-right area of the envelope.
This method is best for tracked mail and packages.
Method 2: Print Postage Using Online Postage Services
PC Postage providers allow you to print postage directly from your computer.
Steps:
Sign in to your postage service.
Enter the mailing details.
Choose the postage type.
Print the indicia at actual size.
Place it in the upper-right corner of the envelope.
These services are ideal for frequent business mail.
Method 3: Use a Postage Meter
Postage meters print official indicia directly on envelopes.
Steps:
Load the envelope into the meter.
Select the postage amount.
Print the indicia.
Mail the envelope as usual.
This is common in offices that send daily mail.
Method 4: Permit Imprint for Bulk Mail
Businesses that send large volumes can use permit imprints.
Key points:
Requires USPS approval
Uses pre-printed indicia
Postage is paid through a USPS account
This option is best for mass mailings.
Print Settings That Matter
To keep your postage readable and scannable:
Paper Size: Match envelope size
Scaling: 100%
Print Quality: Normal or High
Tray: Manual feed for envelopes
Paper Type: Plain
Never use “Fit to Page” when printing postage.
How to Apply Printed Postage
For labels:
Place the label flat
Avoid wrinkles or bubbles
Do not cover barcodes with glossy tape
Keep edges smooth
For direct envelope printing:
Make sure the envelope is clean and dry
Avoid textured or coated surfaces
Common Problems and Fixes
Postage Not Scanning
Reprint at 100% scale
Use higher print quality
Avoid low-ink printing
Postage Prints Crooked
Adjust the paper guides
Use manual feed
Print one envelope at a time
Ink Smears
Use printer-compatible envelopes
Let ink dry fully
Avoid glossy surfaces
USPS Rejects the Mail
Make sure postage is from an approved source
Check placement and visibility
Avoid covering barcodes
Can You Print a Stamp Image and Use It?
No. A printed picture of a stamp is not valid postage.
USPS only accepts official postage from approved systems.
Final Tips
Printing USPS postage on an envelope is safe and legal when you use approved methods like Click-N-Ship, PC Postage services, postage meters, or permit imprints. Always place postage in the upper-right corner, print at 100% scale, and test before mailing important items.
This guide covers everything you need to know about printing USPS postage on an envelope.