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Do USPS Labels Expire?
Do you know if your USPS shipping labels expire? If not, you might be in for a surprise the next time you try to use one! In this blog post, we'll answer the question of whether or not USPS labels expire, and provide some information on how long they last. Keep reading to learn more!
How long is a shipping label good for? Well, shipping labels from USPS expire their validity 28 days after printing based on the ship-by date. There is typically a grace time at post offices, though that is not always guaranteed. These USPS return shipping labels from a retailer that accepts returns are accepted for an entire year.
Read further to learn how USPS shipping labels expire and what you can do to save time and effort when utilizing them.
How To Tell If A USPS Shipping Label Is Expired?
Check the "Ship By" date on the label, often in the bottom corner, to determine whether your USPS shipping label is outdated. Postal workers typically utilize the "ship by" date as a guide to ensure that items are sent out on time and will reach the correct delivery address. The significance of this date varies depending on your shipping service.
For instance, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express items have a limited delivery window and receive higher shipping priority than other packages, making them arrive faster. Due to the short scheduled delivery, the ship-by date on these labels is far more significant for correct delivery timeframes than on other mail forms, such as First Class.
Ask your local post office if you have any questions about whether they will accept a parcel with an expired shipping label.
Related: USPS Lost My Package: What Do I Do?
What Should I Do If My USPS Shipping Label Expires?
Don't get upset if your USPS shipping label expires. If your shipment is one to three days past its expiration date, you can always contact your local post office to see if they can still accept it. You still have a few options if, for whatever reason, your local post office cannot accept the item or the mailing label is too old to be accepted!
- You have ten days from the time you print the shipping label, for instance, to get a refund if you purchased your shipping labels from USPS (not buy it).
- You can buy a new shipping label using the money you get back after making a refund request!
- Additionally, you can get USPS shipping labels at a discount by using online shipping software, or you can easily USPS return labels online via shipping software.
- Furthermore, most of these services permit refunds as long as USPS never scanned the label, irrespective of how recently you printed it.
Related: How Late Does USPS Deliver?
Are There Any Circumstances Where A USPS Label Will Not Expire, Regardless Of When It Was Issued Or Printed On The Label Itself?
Yes, there are a few circumstances where a USPS label will not expire. For example, if you print a label but do not use it within 30 days, the label will automatically be voided, and you will not be able to use it. Additionally, if you void a label within 48 hours of printing, you will also be unable to use that label. Finally, if a label is damaged or illegible, you cannot use it.
Is There A Way To Extend The Life Of Your USPS Labels Beyond Their Expiration Date If Needed?"
If you need to extend the life of your USPS labels, you can do so by printing a new label with the same tracking number. As long as the tracking number is valid, the label will not expire. Additionally, you can contact USPS customer service to request an extension on your label's expiration date.
Related: What Do the USPS Tracking Status Updates Mean?
If My Package Doesn't Arrive At Its Destination, Can I Still Use The Expired USPS Label To Try And Track It Down Or Get A Refund/Replacement From The Post Office?
If your package does not arrive at its destination, you can use the expired USPS label to try and track it down. However, you will not be able to get a refund or replacement from the post office if the label has expired. You need to contact USPS customer service to get a refund or replacement.
Recommended: USPS Didn't Pick Up My Package- What Should I Do?
