Where to Put a Postage Stamp: Mailing Basics

Sending mail seems simple enough, but proper stamp placement matters more than you might think. Whether you’re mailing a letter, postcard, or package, knowing where to put a postage stamp helps your mail reach its destination quickly and avoid processing delays. This guide covers everything you need to know about postage stamp placement and mailing address format.

Key takeaways:

• Always place stamps in the upper right corner of envelopes, postcards, and packages
• Stamps go on the front side only, about one inch from the top and right edges
• Use the same placement rules whether you’re mailing a letter, postcard, or package
• Proper stamp location helps postal equipment scan your mail quickly
• Stamps.com lets you print postage directly on mail, skipping physical stamps entirely

Where to put a stamp on an envelope

The universal rule for stamp placement on envelopes is straightforward: place your postage stamp in the upper right corner of the envelope’s front side. This standard position applies to all letter-sized mail in the United States and most countries worldwide.

Position your stamp about one inch from the top edge and one inch from the right edge of the envelope. This placement ensures postal sorting equipment can easily scan and process your mail. The USPS processing system is designed to read stamps in this specific location, so following these postage stamp guidelines helps your mail move through the system smoothly.

What side does a stamp go on?

Understanding what side of the envelope stamps go on is essential for proper mailing. Always place stamps on the front of your envelope, never on the back. The front is the side where you write or print the recipient’s mailing address. This letter stamp location is critical because postal equipment scans the front of envelopes during processing.

The stamp location on the envelope should always be in the upper right corner when looking at the front of the mail piece. Even if you’re using multiple stamps to meet postage requirements, they should all be positioned in the upper right area, though they can be arranged in a row or small cluster if needed.

Postage stamp placement on different mail types

Where to put a stamp on a postcard

Postcard stamp placement follows the same basic rule as envelopes. Place your stamp in the upper right corner of the address side of the postcard. The address side is the side where you write the recipient’s information, not the picture or message side.

Since postcards are typically smaller than standard envelopes, make sure your stamp doesn’t overlap with the address area. Leave enough space between your stamp and the recipient’s address to ensure both are clearly readable by postal equipment and mail carriers.

Where to put a stamp on a package

For packages and larger mail pieces, the Forever Stamp placement on envelope rules still apply. Position your postage in the upper right corner of the package’s address side. If you’re using multiple stamps or a printed shipping label from Stamps.com, keep all postage indicators in that upper right zone.

When using Priority Mail envelopes from USPS, follow standard stamp placement on letter guidelines. However, many businesses use Stamps.com to print postage directly on these envelopes. This removes the need for physical stamps.

Mailing address format and stamp rules

Proper mailing address format works hand-in-hand with correct postage stamp placement. Your return address should go in the upper left corner, the recipient’s address in the center, and the postage in the upper right corner. This three-corner system is the foundation of USPS standards on how to address an envelope.

Does the stamp go on the left or right? Always the right. Does a stamp have to be top right? Yes, for standard mail processing. Postal workers can hand-process mail with wrong stamp placement. But following USPS guidelines means faster delivery and less chance of returns.

How to use postage stamps effectively

Learning how to put a stamp on a letter correctly is just the start. Here are some additional mailing tips to ensure your mail arrives on time:

Make sure your stamp is securely attached to the envelope. If using traditional stamps, press firmly to ensure good adhesion. Loose stamps can fall off during processing, leaving your mail without proper postage.

Check that you’re using the correct postage amount. Standard letters require one Forever Stamp, but heavier or oversized mail needs additional postage. Stamps.com weighs your mail and figures out exact postage costs. This helps you avoid overpaying or underpaying.

Keep stamps clean and undamaged. Postal equipment needs to scan the stamp clearly, so avoid placing stamps over seams, tape, or wrinkled areas of the envelope.

Streamline your mailing with Stamps.com

While understanding where to put a postage stamp is important, you can skip the stamp placement process entirely with Stamps.com. Instead of buying physical stamps and affixing them to each piece of mail, you can print postage directly onto envelopes, labels, and packages from your home or office.

Stamps.com offers several benefits over traditional stamps:

Accurate postage calculations: No more guessing how many stamps you need. Stamps.com weighs your mail and calculates exact postage down to the cent, ensuring you never overpay or underpay.

Convenient printing: Print postage on demand, whenever you need it. No more trips to the post office or worrying about running out of stamps at inconvenient times.

Professional look: Printed postage looks better than regular stamps. This matters for business mail.

Time savings: Skip the line at the post office entirely. Print your postage, drop your mail in any USPS mailbox, and you’re done.

Learn more about creating professional shipping labels with our complete guide to shipping labels.

Common stamp placement questions answered

Can I put a stamp anywhere else on the envelope?

While postal workers will usually process mail with stamps in other locations, non-standard USPS postage placement can slow delivery. Always use the upper right corner for fastest processing.

What if I’m using multiple stamps?

When you need more than one stamp to meet postage requirements, arrange them in the upper right corner area. You can place them side by side in a row or stack them in a small cluster, as long as they stay in that upper right zone.

Do international letters follow the same rules?

Most countries use similar stamp placement conventions, but it’s always smart to check specific requirements for your destination country. The upper right corner is the international standard for letter stamp location.

Understanding postage stamp guidelines

Following proper postage stamp placement might seem like a small detail, but it’s part of a larger system designed to move millions of pieces of mail efficiently every day. USPS processes over 400 million pieces of mail daily, and standardized practices like consistent stamp placement help keep that massive operation running smoothly.

Traditional physical stamps still have their place, especially for occasional mail users. If you want to know more about buying stamps in bulk, check out our article on how many postage stamps are in a book.

Ready to simplify your mailing?

Now that you know where to put a postage stamp on every type of mail, you’re ready to send letters, postcards, and packages with confidence. Whether you’re using traditional stamps or modern mailing solutions, proper stamp placement ensures your mail reaches its destination efficiently.

For businesses and frequent mailers, Stamps.com takes away stamp placement worries. You also get better rates and more convenience than traditional stamps. Print exact postage from your desk, track deliveries, and integrate mailing into your workflow seamlessly.

Want to learn more about efficient shipping and mailing? Explore our comprehensive guide on how to ship a package for everything you need to know about sending packages of any size.

Skip the stamp placement guesswork. Why worry about where to put a postage stamp when you can print exact postage directly on your mail? Stamps.com takes the guesswork out of mailing with accurate postage calculations, discounted rates, and the convenience of printing from your desk. Start your free trial of Stamps.com today. 

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