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wikiHow to Mail a Letter

Four Methods:Getting the Letter Ready to MailFinding the Right PostageMailing the LetterLetter HelpCommunity Q&A

In the age of email and texting, writing a handwritten letter is a thoughtful way to show someone you're thinking about them. However, it takes a little more effort to mail a letter than it does to press "send." If you're unaccustomed to using snail mail, you may be confused as to how to make sure your letter gets to the right place. You can ensure this by writing the address correctly, and using appropriate postage.

Method 1
Getting the Letter Ready to Mail

  1. 1
    Choose an envelope. It's important to find an envelope of the right type for your letter. If you choose an envelope that's too light, for example, your heavy stationery might break through the envelope while it's in transit. Take the following factors into consideration as you decide what kind of envelope you need for your letter:
    • The weight of the paper. The weight of the envelope should match the weight of the paper and any other contents you may be mailing with it. If your letter is written on heavy cardstock, or you're including something else like photos inside, choose a sturdy envelope that can handle the contents.
    • The size of the paper. The size of the envelope should be appropriate for the size of the paper. Letters written on standard sized 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper are typically folded into thirds, then mailed in a business-sized envelope. Letters written on notecards may be mailed in smaller envelopes.
    • The intent of the letter. If you're mailing a cover letter, you'll want to choose a professional-looking business-sized envelope. A personal note may be sent in a decorative, colorful envelope if you wish.
    • The letter's destination. If you're mailing the letter overseas, you may want to use a sturdy envelope, since there is a greater chance it could get damaged along the way.
  2. 2
    Enclose the letter and seal the envelope. Once you've chosen the right envelope for your letter, place the letter inside and lick the edge of the envelope to moisten the glue, then press it shut to seal the letter.
    • You can wet a sponge with a little water to moisten the envelope glue if you don't want to lick it.
    • Place a bit of clear tape along the edge of the seal if you are afraid the letter might open on its journey.
  3. 3
    Address the envelope. Write the address of the recipient in the middle of the front of the envelope. Include the recipient's name, apartment or house number, street name, city, state or province, and zip or postal code. Use clear, printed letters written in dark ink so that the post office knows just where to send it.
      • Skyler White
      • 2004 Rosethorn Court, Apt. 4
      • Albuquerque, New Mexico 87041
      • United States
  4. 4
    Write your return address. In the top left corner of the envelope, write your name and address. You may also choose to write it on the back of the sealed envelope or use a printed return address label. Including your address will ensure that the letter comes back to you if for some reason it doesn't make it to the recipient.

Method 2
Finding the Right Postage

  1. 1
    Use a first class letter stamp. If you're mailing a letter of standard size and weight within the same country, place a first class letter stamp in the top right corner of the letter. Stamps are available for purchase at the post office, online at usps.gov, and at some convenience stores.
    • Stamps come with either standard or special designs. If you want to purchase a decorative stamp, go to the post office and ask to see their selection.
    • Stamps rise in price every few years. If you have old postage stamps, check usps.gov to make sure they're still valuable enough to use. You may have to use two.
  2. 2
    Buy extra postage. Letters that are heavy or oversized and letters that are being mailed overseas require extra postage to reach their destination.
    • If you have a scale at home, you can weigh and measure your letter to determine how much postage you'll need to pay. Record the measurements, then check usps.gov for rates. Affix as many stamps as you need to the top right corner of your letter.
    • If you don't have a scale, take your letter to the post office to have it weighed. The postal worker will be able to calculate exactly how much postage you'll need to buy.

Method 3
Mailing the Letter

  1. 1
    Place the letter in a blue mailbox. If you live in the United States, you'll notice blue USPS mailboxes bolted to the sidewalk in cities and suburbs. Walk to one of the boxes, open it with the handle, place your letter in the slot, and close it. A postal worker will collect your letter and start the delivery process.
  2. 2
    Place the letter in your own mailbox. If you have a mailbox on your house, you can place your letter there and alert your mail carrier of its presence by lifting the red metal flag affixed to the side of the box. When the flag is raised, the mail carrier knows that there's a letter that needs to be mailed.
  3. 3
    Take the letter to the post office. If you need to buy postage at the post office, you can leave your letter with the post office worker and he or she will mail it for you. Even if you don't need to buy postage, you can still take your letter to the post office to be mailed.
    • See www.usps.com for information on where to find the closest post office.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • At what time should I put the envelope in my personal mailbox?
    wikiHow Contributor
    You should put it before the mail is delivered, and be sure to put the "flag" up. This way, the mailman will know that you have outgoing mail, and pick it up for you.
  • Do I have to buy extra postage?
    wikiHow Contributor
    It depends on the weight of the letter and where you are sending it to. Usually, a regular postage stamp will be enough, but if the letter is heavier than usual, or is going to another country, then you will most likely need to buy extra postage.
  • Is it free to mail a letter?
    wikiHow Contributor
    No. In most countries, regular sized letters/postcards cost a minimal fee to mail; this fee is represented by a postage stamp, which you can purchase from your local post office. Stamp prices can vary, but if you are sending a domestic letter that weighs under one ounce (this applies to the U.S. only), a letter only requires one stamp to send.
  • When should I use registered mail to send something?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Registered mail is good for sending anything quite valuable. If you're simply interested in knowing for sure that what you send is actually delivered, there are cheaper ways of doing that. "Certified" mail will accomplish that goal. But the cheapest way is to request a "return receipt." Just ask the postal clerk to send your item "return receipt requested." Once the item is delivered, you will receive a receipt signed by the recipient.
  • If I'm sending a letter from a friend's house in his mailbox, do I have to put my friend's address or can I put mine?
    wikiHow Contributor
    It's your choice. If you're sending it from your friend's mailbox because you don't have one, then you should use your friend's address.
  • Does a first class stamp cost less if the envelope is not sealed?
    wikiHow Contributor
    No. The price of postage is based solely on weight, not if the envelope is sealed or unsealed. It is highly recommended that you seal your envelope. If you leave it unsealed, the letter could fall out, or someone could take it out and read it.
  • Why do I have to apply a stamp?
    wikiHow Contributor
    It costs money for mail to be delivered, and stamps are how you pay shipping fees, basically.
  • How do I send a letter if I have no stamps?
    wikiHow Contributor
    You will be unable to send the letter unless you buy stamps. Stamps are like a fee for sending the letter. If you send the letter without paying, it will not be sent.
  • What will happen to my letter if I don't use enough postage?
    wikiHow Contributor
    In the U.S., mail with insufficient postage will be delivered as addressed, and the Postal Service will attempt to collect from the addressee the postage due. If the addressee will not pay the postage due, the Postal Service will return the mailpiece to the sender, and the sender will have to start over, putting new and sufficient postage on the mailpiece.
  • What is the smallest size letter I can send?
    wikiHow Contributor
    3 1/2 inches x 5 inches for a normal letter. You could potentially mail a smaller one if you pay an additional surcharge. If in doubt, it would be best to take the letter to the post office and ask there.
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  • Check with your country's postal service for postage rates.


  • Depending on the country, not all information in this article is accurate. If you live outside the United States, check with your local post office for information for your country.

Things You'll Need

  • Letter
  • Envelope
  • Pencil/Pen
  • Stamp

Sources and Citations

  • www.usps.com

Article Info

Categories: Letters

In other languages:

Español: enviar una carta, Português: Enviar uma Carta

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