Character Limits for USPS Labels | Overview

To ensure all of the information you need gets printed on your label, make sure you understand the character limits for each carrier's label.

Special characters, such as ñ é í ó ú ü ¿ ¡, cannot be used. These characters will need to be removed and replaced with the Roman alphabet. To allow for additional space, we recommend abbreviating when you can. Using Google Translate can be a great tool in factoring what changes can be made.

Ship From - USPS Character Limits

Field	Maximum character count
Name (First and Last combined)	46
Company name	46
Address line 1	46
Address line 2	46
City	50
State	50

Ship To - Domestic - USPS Character Limits

Field		Maximum character count
Name (First and Last combined)		47
Company name		47
Address line 1 & Address line 2	Format w/ order number	44
	Format w/ other label option Learn how to customize the label.	42
City		50
State		50
SKU (on List Order Items labels)		100

The 'Order Number' label option is the default label option and the 'List Order Items (SKU)', 'List Order Items (Item Name)', and 'Carrier Note' are the non-default label options. Learn more about customizing USPS domestic labels.

Ship To - International - USPS Character Limits

Field		Maximum character count
Name	Only First and Last name	34
	Combined First, Last, and Company name	33
Address line 1	PS Form 2976	47
	PS Form 2976-A PS Form 2976-B	27
Address line 2	PS Form 2976	47
	PS Form 2976-A PS Form 2976-B	27
City		27
Province		27
The product description on customs form *		50
SKU (on USPS shipment labels generated by Stamps.com)		20

In the case of long descriptions, the information may appear truncated. However, as long as character count is within max limits, USPS is receiving the full product description.

Tips for Abbreviating USPS Shipping Addresses

Keep in mind that not all characters have the same "width". There are instances where the to/from address is cut off, even though the address fits within the character requirements. In these instances, please cancel the label, and repurchase it. When you repurchase, make sure to abbreviate the field wherever possible.

If you are having trouble meeting the character requirements, we recommend you abbreviate where possible. Here are some suggested abbreviations:

N	North	Rd	Road
S	South	St	Street
E	East	Ct	Court
W	West	Ln	Lane

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