USPS.com: How to Track Packages, Buy Postage, and Use Key USPS Services

Updated

USPS.com is the U.S. Postal Service's self-service site for tracking packages, buying stamps and postage, printing labels with Click-N-Ship, calculating prices, looking up ZIP Codes, and managing mail (scheduling pickups, holding mail, changing your address). Most of these tools are reachable from the home page's Quick Tools menu or the Send/Receive/Shop sections without signing in; an account is only needed for features tied to your personal mail history, such as Informed Delivery.

Getting oriented on the home page

The home page is organized around a few entry points:

  • Quick Tools — a shortcut list for the most common tasks: Track a Package, Informed Delivery, Find USPS Locations, Buy Stamps, Book Passport Appointment, Schedule a Pickup, Calculate a Price, Look Up a ZIP Code, Hold Mail, Transit Time Map, Change My Address, Rent/Renew a PO Box, Free Boxes, Click-N-Ship, and Look Up HS Codes.
  • Send — Click-N-Ship, Stamps & Supplies, ZIP Code lookup, price calculator, pickup scheduling, locations, tracking, transit times, and background on sending mail and packages.
  • Receive — tracking, Informed Delivery, package intercept, redelivery, Hold Mail, Change of Address, PO Box rental, and mailbox guidelines.
  • Shop — stamps, shipping supplies, cards and envelopes, personalized stamped envelopes, collectibles, gifts, and business supplies.
  • Business and International — separate tool sets for business pricing, Every Door Direct Mail, international price calculation, customs forms, and HS code lookup.

The site also has a language selector (English, Español, Chinese) and a Register / Sign In link in the utility navigation.

Tracking a package

  1. Open Track a Package from Quick Tools (or the Tracking link under Receive).
  2. Enter the tracking number and submit.
  3. The result page shows the package's status and scan history.

If you don't have the number, Informed Delivery (below) can show incoming packages tied to your address once you're enrolled.

Buying stamps, supplies, and postage

  • Buy Stamps and the Postal Store let you order stamps, shipping supplies, cards, envelopes, and gifts. The store has its own search by keyword or SKU.
  • Free Boxes covers free Priority Mail and other USPS packaging; supplies can be ordered through the store.
  • Click-N-Ship is the online postage tool: you pay for and print postage and labels from home, then hand the package to USPS or schedule a pickup.

Prices for specific services aren't listed on the home page, so use Calculate a Price (domestic) or Calculate International Prices for current rates before you buy.

Prices, ZIP Codes, and delivery estimates

  • Calculate a Price — domestic postage estimates based on what you're sending.
  • Calculate International Prices — the international equivalent.
  • Look Up a ZIP Code — find or verify a ZIP Code for an address.
  • Transit Time Map — expected delivery windows between locations.
  • Look Up HS Codes — harmonized codes for international shipments and customs forms.

Managing mail and pickups

  • Schedule a Pickup — have a carrier collect packages at your address.
  • Hold Mail — pause delivery while you're away.
  • Change My Address — file a permanent or temporary move.
  • Informed Delivery — sign in or register to get mail previews and package notifications for your address.
  • Intercept a Package / Schedule a Redelivery — redirect or re-attempt delivery.
  • Rent/Renew a PO Box — manage a PO Box online.
  • Find USPS Locations and Book Passport Appointment — locate offices and book passport services.

What requires an account

Tracking, price calculation, ZIP Code lookup, and store shopping work without signing in. Informed Delivery and other features tied to your specific address or mail history require registering or signing in. The home page doesn't state which services carry fees beyond postage itself, so confirm costs on the individual tool page before completing a transaction.