Does UPS Print Labels? Complete Guide to UPS Shipping & Return Labels

When you need to ship or return a package, printing the shipping label is often the first hurdle—especially if you don't own a printer. Many people ask whether UPS can print labels for them, and the answer depends on where you go, what type of label you have, and what the seller's return policy allows.

This guide explains when and where UPS can print shipping or return labels, what it usually costs, and what to do if you only have your phone or no printer—based on real, day-to-day shipping scenarios.

Can UPS Print Shipping Labels?

Yes, UPS can print shipping labels in many cases, especially at The UPS Store locations, as long as you already have a digital label (PDF, email, or QR code). Printing availability depends on the specific location.

In practice, most customers arrive with a label generated online—often as a PDF attached to an email or downloaded from a seller's website. As long as the file is clear and readable, UPS Store staff can usually print standard UPS shipping labels without issue. The exact workflow may vary slightly by store, but the requirement is the same: you must already have the label created.

Can UPS Print Return Labels?

UPS can print return labels if the label has already been generated by the seller or created by you through UPS.com or a shipping platform. Return eligibility and who pays for return shipping are set by the seller, not UPS.”

In real return scenarios, this usually works in one of two ways:

✔️ The seller emails you a UPS return label (PDF) or provides a return QR code

✔️ The seller allows returns but requires you to create and pay for your own shipping label

In the first case, many UPS Store locations can print the provided return label for you. In the second case, customers commonly create a normal UPS shipping label addressed back to the seller and then choose whether to print it at home or in-store.

Can You Print Labels at The UPS Store?

Yes, most The UPS Store locations offer shipping and return label printing, and they are often the most convenient option if you don't have a printer and want to handle everything in one visit.

It's important to note that The UPS Store locations are independently owned and operated franchises. This means that:

• Printing availability may vary by store

• Pricing is set locally

• Some stores may have format or size limitations

For best results, confirm with your local UPS Store before visiting, especially if you have a specific label format or only a digital version on your phone.

Does UPS Charge to Print a Label?

In most cases, The UPS Store charges a fee to print shipping or return labels, with prices set by each individual store.

Based on common store practices, customers should expect:

• A per-page printing fee

• Possible price differences between plain paper and label stock

• In some locations, an extra charge if staff assist with file retrieval or computer use

For someone shipping only occasionally, this fee is usually minor. However, regular shippers quickly notice that repeated per-label charges can exceed the cost of printing labels independently.

How Can I Print a UPS Shipping Label Without a Printer?

If you don't have a printer, you can generate a UPS shipping label online, save it as a PDF or email, and bring it to a participating UPS Store for printing.

This is a common solution for one-time shipments. In real-world use, many customers simply keep the label email on their phone, walk into a UPS Store, and ask staff to print it. The main trade-offs are waiting time and printing fees, which become more noticeable with frequent shipments.

Can UPS Print a Label From My Phone?

Yes, many UPS Store locations can print labels directly from your phone if you have a PDF, email attachment, or supported QR code.

Typical phone-based workflows include:

• Forwarding the label email to the store's print address

• Opening the PDF on a store computer with staff assistance

• Presenting a QR code that staff can scan to retrieve the label

Regular travelers and sellers often download the label to their phone in advance or save a screenshot of the QR code. This avoids issues if cellular reception is weak inside the store.

Can UPS Access Points Print Labels?

Most UPS Access Point locations do not offer general label printing, although some can print labels as part of specific QR-code-based return programs.

Access Points are designed mainly for package pickup and drop-off. In certain retailer-integrated return flows, the location scans your QR code, prints the label through its system, and attaches it to the package. Outside of those workflows, Access Points should not be treated as full printing locations.

Who Is Responsible for Providing a UPS Return Label?

The seller or merchant is responsible for providing a UPS return label and defining the return terms, not UPS.

In practice:

• If the seller's return page includes a “Get UPS Return Label” option, the label is merchant-provided

• If the policy states “customer pays return shipping,” you will usually need to create and pay for your own UPS shipping label

UPS supplies the shipping infrastructure, but return eligibility and cost decisions are set by the seller.

Is It Better to Print UPS Labels at Home?

For frequent shipping, printing UPS labels at home is generally faster, more predictable, and more cost-effective than relying on store printing.

Printing labels at home with a 4x6 shipping label printer allows you to:

• Avoid per-label printing fees charged by stores

• Prepare shipments immediately, without waiting for store hours

• Batch print multiple labels for daily or weekly shipping runs

• Drop off packages faster, with labels already attached

For occasional shipments, paying a small in-store printing fee can be a convenient short-term option.

As shipping volume increases, however, many individuals and small businesses switch to home label printing to reduce recurring costs, save time, and gain more control over their shipping workflow.

Recommended reading:

How to Print UPS Shipping Labels with a Thermal Printer

Best Shipping Label Printers for 2026

Key Takeaways for UPS Label Printing

UPS offers several ways to handle shipping and return labels, but printing services depend heavily on location and workflow. Knowing when to use a UPS Store, when an Access Point is sufficient, and when home printing makes sense helps avoid delays and unnecessary costs.

For occasional shipments, store printing is convenient. For consistent shipping volume, printing labels at home provides better control, speed, and long-term efficiency.