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How to Use Domestic Stamps

Stamps are a form of postage required to send letters, magazines and packages through the mail. While the exact use of the stamps as well as the cost will vary from country to country, they are typically relative to the weight and size of the item being mailed. Postage must be paid prior to the item being placed in the mail. Insufficient postage will result in a package or letter being returned to the sender with postage due.

Instructions

- 1
  Check with your local post office if you are unsure how much postage to apply to your letter. The price of shipping letters and packages varies based on weight. The price of stamps is subject to change. As of November 2010, a standard domestic stamp cost 44 cents.
- 2
  Apply the stamp to the designated area on the parcel being sent. For example, on a letter or postcard, the stamp is applied to the upper right hand corner of the back of the envelope or card. More than one stamp may be necessary depending on the weight of the letter. A letter can weigh up to 13 oz. without needing additional postage.
- 3
  Add stamps as necessary to the upper right corner of the back of the envelope to apply the correct postage to an international letter. The cost of mailing an international letter varies by country and by weight. If in doubt, bring the letter to the local post office. International postage rates start as low as 75 cents. For example, mailing a letter to Italy in 2010 cost a minimum of 98 cents in postage stamps.
- 4
  Drop the envelope with the postage in a mailbox.

Stamp Collecting