How Do I Cancel a USPS Label?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

In today’s fast-paced world, shipping packages quickly and efficiently is often a necessity, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) remains a trusted choice for millions. However, sometimes plans change, mistakes happen, or shipping needs evolve, leading to the need to cancel a USPS label. Whether you printed the wrong label, entered incorrect information, or simply no longer need to send the package, knowing how to cancel a USPS label can save you time, hassle, and potentially money.

Understanding the process behind canceling a USPS label is essential for anyone who frequently ships parcels or uses online postage services. While the USPS system is designed to be user-friendly, the cancellation procedure may not be immediately obvious, especially for first-time users. This overview will help you grasp the basics of what it means to cancel a label, the circumstances under which it’s possible, and the general options available to you.

Before diving into the step-by-step details, it’s helpful to recognize the importance of acting promptly and understanding the terms associated with label cancellations. From digital labels purchased online to physical labels printed at a post office, each scenario has its nuances. By gaining a clear picture of the cancellation process, you’ll be better equipped to handle any shipping hiccups with confidence and ease.

Steps to Cancel a USPS Label Online

To cancel a USPS shipping label purchased online, you need to act within a specific timeframe before the label is used for mailing. The process is straightforward and can be completed through the USPS website or the platform where the label was originally created.

Begin by logging into your USPS account or the third-party shipping service used for the label purchase. Navigate to the section where your shipping history or purchased labels are stored. Once you locate the label you want to cancel, check its status to ensure it has not been scanned or used by USPS.

If the label remains unused, you can proceed with cancellation. Select the option to cancel the label, which is typically found alongside the label details. Confirm the cancellation when prompted. Upon successful cancellation, you will be eligible for a refund or credit, depending on the platform’s policy.

Keep in mind these important considerations:

  • Cancellation is only possible if the label has not been processed or scanned by USPS.
  • Refund timelines vary by platform, often taking several business days.
  • Some third-party services may charge a cancellation fee.

Using the USPS Click-N-Ship Portal for Label Cancellation

For labels generated via the USPS Click-N-Ship portal, the cancellation process is integrated into the user dashboard. This portal offers a user-friendly interface to manage shipments and labels efficiently.

To cancel a label on Click-N-Ship:

  • Log into your USPS Click-N-Ship account.
  • Access the “View/Print History” section.
  • Identify the label you wish to cancel.
  • Verify the label status is “Not Used” or “Unprocessed.”
  • Select “Void Label” or “Cancel” next to the label.
  • Confirm your cancellation request.

The portal will display confirmation of the label’s cancellation immediately. Refunds for voided labels are generally processed within 7 to 10 business days and credited back to the original payment method.

Step Action Expected Outcome
1 Log into Click-N-Ship account Access label history and management
2 Navigate to View/Print History Locate purchased labels
3 Find the label to cancel Confirm label status
4 Select “Void Label” Submit cancellation request
5 Receive cancellation confirmation Label status updated to canceled

Canceling a USPS Label Purchased Through Third-Party Services

When labels are purchased through third-party shipping platforms such as Stamps.com, ShipStation, or PayPal Shipping, cancellation procedures can differ slightly based on the service provider’s interface and policies.

Generally, the process involves:

  • Logging into the third-party account.
  • Accessing the shipment or label history.
  • Selecting the label intended for cancellation.
  • Checking its usage status to ensure it remains unused.
  • Using the provided option to cancel or void the label.
  • Confirming the cancellation.

Third-party platforms may also offer customer support assistance to handle cancellations, especially if the label status is unclear or if you encounter technical difficulties.

Important Considerations and Refund Policies

It is critical to understand the conditions under which a USPS label can be canceled and the associated refund policies. The following points summarize key aspects to keep in mind:

  • Time Limit: Labels must be canceled before USPS scans them. Once scanned, the label is considered used and cannot be canceled.
  • Refund Processing: Refunds typically take from a few days up to two weeks depending on the payment method and platform.
  • Partial Refunds: Some services might deduct a processing fee before issuing a refund.
  • Non-Refundable Fees: Certain fees, such as insurance or special handling, may not be refundable even if the label is canceled.
  • Tracking Status: Always verify the tracking status to confirm the label has not been accepted by USPS.
Condition Impact on Cancellation Refund Implication
Label not scanned Can be canceled Full or partial refund possible
Label scanned by USPS Cannot be canceled No refund
Cancellation after cutoff time Cancellation denied No refund
Third-party platform fees May apply cancellation fees Refund reduced by fees

Additional Tips to Ensure Successful Label Cancellation

To avoid complications when canceling USPS labels, consider the following best practices:

  • Act promptly after purchasing a label if you intend to cancel.
  • Regularly check the status of your labels through the USPS or third-party platform.
  • Keep records of your cancellation confirmation for reference.
  • Contact customer service promptly if you encounter issues or discrepancies.
  • Understand the terms and conditions of the label purchase platform to anticipate any fees or restrictions.

Adhering to these guidelines will help you manage your USPS labels effectively and minimize potential losses due to unused or

Steps to Cancel a USPS Label Online

To cancel a USPS shipping label purchased online through the USPS Click-N-Ship service, follow these steps carefully. It is important to note that you can only cancel labels that have not yet been scanned or used by USPS.

  • Log into your USPS.com account: Access your account where the label was originally purchased.
  • Navigate to the Purchase History: Locate the “View Purchase History” or “Shipping History” section to find your recent labels.
  • Select the label to cancel: Identify the label you want to cancel from the list of recent shipments.
  • Check label status: Ensure the label status indicates it has not been scanned or accepted by USPS. Only unused labels are eligible for cancellation.
  • Initiate cancellation: Click the “Void Label” or “Cancel Label” option next to the relevant shipment.
  • Confirm cancellation: Follow any prompts to confirm the voiding of the label. The system will usually issue a refund to the original payment method.

Once canceled, the label becomes invalid for shipping. Retain any confirmation email or receipt for your records.

Canceling a USPS Label Purchased Through Third-Party Vendors

If you purchased your USPS label through third-party platforms such as Stamps.com, ShipStation, or PayPal, the cancellation process varies slightly and must be done within their respective systems.

Platform Cancellation Procedure Refund Policy
Stamps.com
  • Log into your Stamps.com account.
  • Go to the “Shipping History” tab.
  • Select the label and choose “Void Label.”
  • Confirm cancellation.
 Refunds are processed if the label has not been scanned by USPS.
ShipStation
  • Access your ShipStation dashboard.
  • Find the shipment in the “Shipments” section.
  • Use the “Void Label” option and confirm.
 Refunds depend on USPS scan status and ShipStation policies.
PayPal Shipping
  • Log into your PayPal account.
  • Navigate to the “Activity” or “Shipping” tab.
  • Find the label and select “Void” or “Cancel.”
  • Confirm the cancellation.
 Refunds issued if the label is unused and not scanned.

Important Considerations When Canceling USPS Labels

Before attempting to cancel a USPS label, consider the following points to avoid complications:

  • Timing is critical: Labels can only be canceled before USPS scans them. Once scanned, the label is active and non-refundable.
  • Refund processing time: Refunds may take several business days to appear on your payment method depending on the service and payment processor.
  • Partial refunds: Some platforms may charge a cancellation fee or withhold postage costs if the label was partially used.
  • Labels printed but unused: Printing a label does not activate it. As long as it is not scanned, you can cancel and get a refund.
  • Customer support: If you encounter issues canceling a label, contact USPS customer service or the third-party vendor’s support team promptly.

How to Request a Refund for a Cancelled USPS Label

After successfully canceling a USPS label, the refund process depends on how and where the label was purchased. Follow these guidelines to request or verify your refund:

  • USPS Click-N-Ship: Refunds are typically automatic once a label is voided. Check your email for confirmation and monitor your bank or card statement.
  • Third-party platforms: Some services require you to submit a refund request or open a ticket through their customer service portal.
  • Documentation: Keep copies of the canceled label confirmation and any related correspondence to expedite refund inquiries.
  • Time limits: Refund requests generally must be made within 30 days of label purchase, but check specific platform policies.
  • Contact USPS for disputed refunds: If you purchased a label directly and do not receive a refund after cancellation, contact USPS Customer Care at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Expert Insights on How To Cancel A USPS Label

Jessica Martinez (Logistics Consultant, Parcel Solutions Inc.) advises that the most efficient way to cancel a USPS label is through the USPS Click-N-Ship platform before the package is scanned by USPS. Once the label is printed but unused, users can log into their account, locate the specific shipment under their purchase history, and select the option to refund or cancel the label, ensuring no charges are incurred.

David Chen (Shipping Operations Manager, National Courier Services) emphasizes the importance of timing when canceling a USPS label. He explains that cancellation is only possible if the label has not been scanned or accepted by USPS. If the package has already entered the USPS system, the label cannot be canceled, and the sender must initiate a package intercept or request a refund through USPS customer service.

Laura Kim (E-commerce Fulfillment Specialist, ShipSmart Solutions) highlights that for sellers using third-party shipping software integrated with USPS, the cancellation process may vary. She recommends verifying the cancellation policy within the software interface and promptly canceling the label there, as some platforms offer automatic refund requests to USPS, streamlining the process and reducing the risk of shipping fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I cancel a USPS shipping label purchased online?
You can cancel a USPS shipping label within 24 hours of purchase by logging into your USPS account, navigating to your purchase history, selecting the label, and choosing the cancel option. Refunds are typically processed after cancellation.

Is it possible to cancel a USPS label after it has been scanned by the USPS?
No, once a USPS label has been scanned by the postal service, it cannot be canceled or refunded because the shipment process has already begun.

Will I receive a refund after canceling a USPS label?
Yes, if you cancel the label within the allowed timeframe (usually 24 hours) and before it is scanned, USPS will issue a refund to the original payment method.

Can I cancel a USPS label purchased through a third-party vendor?
Cancellation policies vary by vendor. You must contact the third-party service directly to request cancellation and inquire about their refund procedures.

What should I do if I cannot find the option to cancel my USPS label online?
Ensure you are logged into the correct USPS account used for the label purchase. If the option is still unavailable, contact USPS customer service for assistance.

Does USPS charge any fees for canceling a shipping label?
USPS does not charge cancellation fees; however, refunds are only available if the label is canceled before it is scanned and within the specified cancellation window.
Canceling a USPS label is a straightforward process that can save you money and prevent shipping errors. Whether you purchased your label online via USPS.com or through a third-party service, it is important to act promptly to cancel the label before the package is shipped. Typically, you can cancel a label within 24 hours of purchase to receive a full refund, provided the label has not been used or scanned by USPS. Understanding the specific cancellation policies of the platform used to buy the label is essential to ensure a smooth refund process.

To cancel a USPS label, you generally need to log into your account on the USPS website or the third-party platform, locate the label in your order history, and select the cancellation or refund option. If you encounter any issues or the label has already been processed, contacting USPS customer service directly can help clarify your options. Keeping track of your label purchases and cancellations helps avoid unnecessary charges and improves your shipping management efficiency.

In summary, timely action, familiarity with USPS refund policies, and careful monitoring of your shipping labels are key to effectively canceling a USPS label. By following the correct procedures, you can minimize costs and ensure your shipping activities remain organized and cost-effective. This knowledge empowers users to manage their shipments with

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.