Certified mail
How do I mail a letter?
Updated · By the SendMyLettersOnline team
Put the recipient's name and address in the center of the envelope, your return address in the top-left corner, and a First-Class Mail stamp (a Forever stamp works) in the top-right corner, then drop it in a blue USPS collection box, your mailbox with the flag up, or a post office. A standard letter weighing up to 1 ounce needs one stamp; heavier or odd-shaped envelopes need more postage.
| Part | Where | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient name | Center, line 1 | JANE DOE |
| Street address (with apt/unit) | Center, line 2 | 123 MAIN ST APT 4 |
| City, state, ZIP | Center, last line | SPRINGFIELD IL 62701 |
| Return address | Top-left corner | Your name and address |
| Postage | Top-right corner | Forever stamp or metered postage |
Step by step
- Fold the letter in thirds so it fits a standard #10 envelope.
- Write or print the addresses; use the two-letter state code and the ZIP Code (look up a ZIP).
- Add postage. Check the current stamp price and whether your letter needs extra postage on usps.com.
- Mail it from a collection box, your home mailbox or a post office.
Things that cost extra postage
- Letters over 1 ounce (each additional ounce is charged).
- Square, rigid or lumpy envelopes, which cannot go through USPS machines.
- Large envelopes (flats), which are priced differently from letters.
No stamps, printer or envelope?
Type the letter online and we print, envelope, stamp and mail it for $3.99. See type a letter online and mail it.
Quick answers
How do I mail a letter if I don't have stamps or envelopes?
Buy stamps at usps.com or a post office, or use an online service that includes postage and envelope.
How do I send a letter to someone without a printer or post office nearby?
Type it online and have it printed and mailed for you.
Can I send a letter without a return address?
USPS generally delivers First-Class letters without one, but if it cannot be delivered it cannot be returned to you. Certified Mail requires sender information.
What to do next
Skip the stamp and envelope: type it, and we print and mail it.
Mail a letter onlineSources
- USPS: First-Class Mail
- USPS: Prices
- USPS ZIP Code Lookup
- USPS Publication 28: Postal Addressing Standards
Checked: . General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.