How Do You Void a USPS Label Step-by-Step?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

In the fast-paced world of shipping and logistics, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Whether you’re a small business owner, an online seller, or simply someone who frequently ships packages, knowing how to manage your USPS labels effectively can save you time, money, and frustration. One common challenge many encounter is the need to void a USPS label—whether due to an error, a change in shipping plans, or simply a misprint. Understanding how to void a USPS label properly ensures you avoid unnecessary charges and keep your shipping process running smoothly.

Navigating the process of voiding a USPS label might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the USPS system or the platform you used to create the label. However, with a clear grasp of the basic steps and important considerations, you can handle label voiding with confidence. This knowledge not only helps in correcting mistakes but also plays a crucial role in managing your shipping budget effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of voiding USPS labels, including when and why you might need to do it, and what general procedures are involved. Whether you’re voiding a label through the USPS website, a third-party shipping service, or another platform, understanding the fundamentals will empower you to take control of your shipments and avoid common

Steps to Void a USPS Label Through Online Platforms

If you purchased your USPS label online, such as through the USPS Click-N-Ship service or a third-party shipping platform, voiding the label typically involves accessing your account or order history. The process ensures that the postage is canceled, allowing you to receive a refund or avoid using an invalid label.

To void a USPS label purchased through the official USPS Click-N-Ship website:

  • Log in to your USPS account where the label was purchased.
  • Navigate to your shipping history or label purchase section.
  • Locate the label you want to void. This is usually identifiable by the tracking number or purchase date.
  • Select the option to void or cancel the label. The void option is generally available only if the label has not yet been scanned by USPS or used for mailing.
  • Confirm the void request. Upon confirmation, the system cancels the label and initiates a refund if applicable.

For third-party platforms, the procedure may vary but generally follows a similar pattern:

  • Access your account on the platform where the label was created.
  • Find the shipment or label management section.
  • Identify the label you wish to void.
  • Use the provided void or cancel feature to invalidate the label before use.

It is important to note that labels cannot be voided if they have already been processed by USPS or scanned at a USPS facility. In such cases, a refund is unlikely, and you may need to contact USPS customer service for further assistance.

Voiding Physical USPS Labels

If you have a physical USPS label printed on paper and you need to void it, the process is manual since there is no direct electronic interface to void a printed label outside of the original online platform.

To properly void a physical USPS label:

  • Clearly mark the label as “VOID” using a permanent marker across the barcode and postage area.
  • Ensure the void marking obscures the postage to prevent accidental use.
  • Retain proof of the voided label, such as a photo or scanned copy, especially if you need to request a refund.
  • Dispose of the voided label securely to prevent reuse.

This manual voiding is essential when the online void option is no longer available or if you printed the label but decided not to ship the package.

Refund Eligibility and Time Frames for Voided USPS Labels

USPS has specific guidelines regarding refunds for voided labels. Understanding these conditions is crucial to managing your shipping costs effectively.

Condition Refund Eligibility Time Frame
Label voided before USPS scan Eligible for full refund Within 30 days of label purchase
Label scanned or in transit Generally not eligible N/A
Label voided after 30 days Refund unlikely N/A
Lost or unused physical label Refund possible if unused and voided Contact USPS customer service

To maximize the chance of receiving a refund, void the label promptly after purchase and before USPS scans or processes the shipment. Refunds typically take several business days to process and will be returned to the original payment method.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting When Voiding USPS Labels

When attempting to void a USPS label, users may encounter various issues. Being aware of these challenges can help resolve problems efficiently.

  • Label Already Processed: If the label has been scanned by USPS, voiding is no longer possible. Check the tracking status before attempting to void.
  • Expired Void Window: USPS usually allows voiding within 30 days of purchase. Labels outside this window may not qualify.
  • Account Access Problems: Ensure you log in with the correct account credentials where the label was purchased.
  • Third-Party Platform Restrictions: Some platforms have specific rules or fees for voiding labels. Review their policies before purchasing.
  • Technical Glitches: Browser issues or website downtime may prevent voiding. Try clearing cache, using a different browser, or contacting customer support.

If you experience persistent issues, contacting USPS customer service or the support team of your third-party shipping provider is recommended for personalized assistance.

Steps to Void a USPS Label

Voiding a USPS label is essential when you need to cancel a shipment and avoid being charged for postage you will not use. The process varies slightly depending on whether the label was purchased online through USPS.com, a third-party vendor, or created via a shipping software. Follow these steps to properly void your USPS label:

For Labels Purchased on USPS.com:

  • Log in to your USPS.com account.
  • Navigate to the “Click-N-Ship” section or “View History” where your recent labels are listed.
  • Find the label you want to void. Labels can only be voided within 24 hours of purchase.
  • Select the label and click the “Void” button or “Cancel Label.”
  • Confirm the void action when prompted to ensure your postage is refunded.

For Labels Purchased Through Third-Party Shipping Software:

  • Open your shipping software and access your shipment history or orders list.
  • Locate the specific USPS label intended for voiding.
  • Check if the void option is available; this typically depends on the software provider’s integration with USPS.
  • Initiate the void process within the software interface, following any confirmation prompts.
  • Note that the void window may be limited to 24 hours from the time of label creation.

Important Considerations:

  • Labels can only be voided before they are scanned by USPS or used for shipment.
  • Void requests are generally accepted within 24 hours of label purchase to ensure a refund.
  • After the void period expires, labels cannot be canceled or refunded.

How to Check the Status of a Voided USPS Label

Verifying that your label has been successfully voided is crucial to confirm the postage refund. USPS provides ways to track the status of your void request:

Method Steps Expected Outcome
USPS.com Account
  • Log in and go to “View History” or “Purchase History.”
  • Check the status of the label.
  • Look for a “Voided” or “Canceled” status.
 Label status changes to “Voided,” indicating successful cancellation and refund processing.
Shipping Software Dashboard
  • Access shipment history or voided labels section.
  • Check the void status or refund confirmation.
 Software confirms label void and any applicable refund details.
Customer Service
  • Contact USPS customer support via phone or email.
  • Provide label tracking or purchase details.
  • Request confirmation of void status.
 USPS representative verifies and confirms the label has been voided.

Potential Issues and How to Resolve Them

Even with a straightforward process, you may encounter difficulties when voiding USPS labels. Understanding common problems and their resolutions ensures a smooth experience.

Label Void Period Expired

Once the 24-hour window after label purchase passes, USPS no longer allows voiding. If you attempt to void beyond this period:

  • Contact USPS customer service immediately to inquire about possible exceptions.
  • Consider refund policies of the software or third-party platform used, as some may offer credit or alternative solutions.

Label Already Scanned or Used

If the package has been scanned by USPS or accepted for shipment, voiding is not possible. In this case:

  • Do not attempt to void; instead, file a claim for lost or damaged packages if applicable.
  • Review shipping insurance options for reimbursement.

Technical Issues with Website or Software

If you experience errors or missing void options:

  • Clear your browser cache or try a different browser when using USPS.com.
  • Ensure your shipping software is up to date.
  • Contact technical support for the software or USPS technical assistance.

Refund Not Processed After Void

If the label shows as voided but you have not received a refund after several days:

  • Verify the refund timeline as USPS may take a few days to process.
  • Check your payment method for pending credits.
  • Contact USPS customer service to confirm refund status.

Expert Guidance on How To Void USPS Label Correctly

Jessica Martinez (Postal Operations Specialist, United States Postal Service). When voiding a USPS label, it is essential to act promptly before the label is scanned or used for shipping. The correct procedure involves marking the label clearly with the word “VOID” using a permanent marker or printing a new label through the USPS system to replace the voided one. This ensures that the original label cannot be reused fraudulently and maintains accurate tracking records.

David Chen (E-commerce Logistics Consultant, ShipSmart Solutions). From a logistics perspective, voiding a USPS label should always be documented within your shipping platform or software. This prevents confusion in inventory management and customer service. Additionally, if the label was purchased online, the refund process typically requires that the label be voided within 24 hours to comply with USPS refund policies, so timely action is critical.

Linda Reynolds (Senior Shipping Compliance Analyst, National Postal Compliance Association). It is important to understand that once a USPS label has been scanned at any USPS facility, it cannot be voided. Therefore, voiding must be done before the first scan. Properly voiding labels helps maintain compliance with USPS regulations and prevents potential issues with lost or misrouted packages, which is crucial for maintaining customer trust and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean to void a USPS label?
Voiding a USPS label means canceling the label so it cannot be used for shipping. This process ensures that the postage is not charged or can be refunded.

How can I void a USPS label purchased online?
You can void a USPS label purchased online by logging into your USPS account or the platform where you bought the label, locating the specific label, and selecting the option to void or cancel it within the allowed time frame.

Is there a time limit to void a USPS label?
Yes, USPS typically allows you to void a label within 24 hours of purchase. After this period, the label may no longer be eligible for voiding or refund.

Can I void a USPS label after printing it?
Yes, you can void a printed USPS label as long as it has not been scanned or used for mailing. Voiding must be done through the issuing platform before the label is processed by USPS.

What happens if I do not void a USPS label but do not use it?
If you do not void an unused USPS label, you may not receive a refund, and the postage cost will be charged. It is important to void unused labels promptly to avoid unnecessary charges.

How do I get a refund after voiding a USPS label?
After voiding a label, you can request a refund through the USPS website or the service provider where the label was purchased. Refunds are usually processed within a few business days.
Voiding a USPS label is an important process that allows senders to cancel a shipping label that is no longer needed or was created in error. The primary methods to void a USPS label typically involve accessing the platform or service where the label was generated, such as USPS Click-N-Ship, third-party postage providers, or shipping software. It is essential to void the label within the timeframe specified by USPS, generally within 24 hours of label creation, to ensure a full refund or credit is issued.

Understanding the specific steps to void a label depends on the source of the label. For USPS Click-N-Ship users, the process usually involves logging into the account, locating the label under the shipping history, and selecting the option to void it. For third-party services, users must follow the respective platform’s voiding procedures, which often mirror USPS guidelines but may have additional requirements. It is crucial to confirm that the label has not been scanned or used in the mailing process, as once a label is accepted by USPS, it generally cannot be voided.

In summary, voiding a USPS label requires prompt action, familiarity with the platform used to purchase the label, and adherence to USPS policies. By properly voiding labels when necessary

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.