Do USPS Scan-based Return Shipping Labels Expire?

This article provides a comprehensive guide to shipping label expiration, helping you understand the key factors that impact label validity and management.

Picture this: you use a shipping software to easily create a USPS outbound shipping label and a USPS scan-based return shipping label to include in the box you’re sending to a customer. After the package arrives, your customer waits 90 days to request a refund. Will that return label be accepted by the USPS or do USPS scan-based return shipping labels expire? (Spoiler alert: yes, the label will still be accepted.)

It’s a great question to consider, especially for businesses with lengthy return policies. The U.S. Postal Service makes it incredibly convenient to print scan-based return shipping labels that are only charged the postage fee if and when they’re used, helping small and medium-sized businesses balance their cash flow and keep up with exceedingly-high consumer demands.

It’s also important to know if and when these labels expire, so you can set customer expectations appropriately. This article will cover best practices for managing shipping labels, the importance of accuracy in label information to prevent delays and misdeliveries, and how label validity impacts the delivery of parcels. Additionally, understanding the timing of label purchase and when labels are printed is crucial, as expiration dates may be stricter after printing.

Label Validity and Usage

Label validity is a crucial factor in the shipping process, directly impacting whether your packages reach their destinations smoothly and on time. Every shipping label, including USPS shipping labels, comes with an expiration date that determines how long the label remains valid for use. Understanding these expiration dates is essential for shippers, as using an expired label can result in delivery delays, additional costs, or even the return of packages to the sender.

For most carriers, including USPS and UPS, shipping labels are valid for a specific period, which can range from a few days to up to one year, depending on the type of service and the carrier’s policy.

Return labels, such as those provided by USPS, are generally longer valid than outbound shipping labels—often remaining usable for up to one year from the date of creation. This extended validity is especially helpful for businesses with flexible or lengthy return policies, giving customers ample time to send back their return packages.

Unused labels also have their own policies. For example, USPS labels that have not been used or updated with tracking information are typically eligible for an automatic refund after a set period, usually around 28 days. This means that if a shipping label is created but never scanned or used, the cost can often be refunded, helping businesses manage shipping costs more efficiently.

It’s essential to comply with all carrier and post office regulations when creating and using shipping labels. This includes following guidelines for hazardous materials and ensuring proper packaging. Failure to do so can invalidate a label, even if it hasn’t technically expired, and may result in compliance issues or rejected shipments.

If a label does expire, the consequences can be significant. Expired labels may cause your packages to be delayed, incur extra fees, or be returned to the sender. Some carriers and post offices may offer a short grace period, but this is not guaranteed and is subject to the carrier’s discretion. To avoid these issues, it’s best to monitor the validity of your shipping labels and use them within the specified timeframe.

Modern shipping platforms and online tools make it easy to create, track, and manage shipping labels, including return labels. These tools often integrate directly with carriers like USPS, allowing you to verify label details, monitor expiration dates, and ensure compliance with all requirements. Regularly reviewing your shipping labels and updating them as needed is a best practice for maintaining efficiency and avoiding costly mistakes.

For businesses and individuals alike, understanding the costs and consequences associated with expired shipping labels is crucial. Inform your customers about the correct usage and validity of their return labels to prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth return process. If you encounter any issues with label validity or expiration, consult your carrier’s policy or contact their customer service for guidance.

By staying proactive and informed about label validity and expiration dates, you can ensure your shipping operations remain efficient, compliant, and cost-effective—delivering a better experience for both your business and your customers.

When Do USPS Scan-based Return Shipping Labels Expire? 

USPS scan-based return shipping labels are often created the day the shipment is sent out. They can also be created later and then sent as a PDF to the customer if a label wasn't included in the box. Either way, it's important for there to be some leeway between the creation date and the expiration date to accommodate for the time it takes to mail the package, try out the items, etc. 

Here's the good news: USPS scan-based return shipping labels expire after one year (or 365 days).

So, you can rest easy knowing that your customers have plenty of time to use their return label before it's too late. And, if the label expires before they can use it, you can simply create a new return label and send it to your customer via email for them to print and affix to the package. 

Ready to Print Your Own USPS Scan-based Return Shipping Labels? 

Sign up for a free Shippo account to access discounts up to 90 percent on USPS postage. Plus, Shippo simplifies the fulfillment process, integrating with your e-commerce platform of choice, like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Weebly to name a few, so you can automatically import orders, create shipping labels in bulk, and share tracking information with customers.  Our USPS shipping software makes it easy to access the lowest-possible USPS rates and schedule USPS pickups. 

• Pre-built integrations into shopping carts like Magento, Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and others.
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FAQ: USPS Return Shipping Label Expiration

1. Do USPS scan-based return shipping labels expire?
Yes. USPS scan-based return shipping labels expire one year (365 days) from the date they are created. This long validity window supports merchants with flexible or extended return policies.

2. What happens if a USPS return label expires before a customer uses it?
If a label expires, it may lead to delays or the package being returned to the sender. However, you can simply create a new return label and email it to the customer to use instead.

3. Can unused USPS labels be refunded?
Yes. USPS typically issues automatic refunds for unused labels that never receive a scan or tracking update—usually after about 28 days. This helps businesses avoid paying for labels that were never used.

4. Why is understanding label validity important for merchants?
Using expired or invalid labels can cause delivery delays, extra fees, or rejected shipments. Knowing label validity helps merchants set accurate customer expectations, avoid compliance issues, and maintain smooth, cost-effective shipping operations.

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