UPSPrint

How to Create a UPS Return Shipping Label

UPS offers several return label options: Print Return Label (you print and include in box), Electronic Return Label (UPS emails it to the customer), Print and Mail (UPS mails a paper label to the customer), and UPS Returns on the Web (a self-service portal). For most e-commerce merchants, Electronic Return Label — where UPS emails the label PDF directly to the customer — is the most frictionless option. All UPS return options require a UPS shipping account.

Step-by-step

1
Log into UPS.com and go to Create a Return
Sign into ups.com → Shipping → Create a Shipment → Return Shipments. Select the return service type: Print Return Label, Electronic Return Label, or Print and Mail.
2
Enter the return origin and destination
The 'ship from' is your customer's address (the person returning). The 'ship to' is your return address or warehouse. For Electronic Return Label, enter the customer's email address so UPS sends it directly.
3
Choose UPS Ground for most returns
UPS Ground is the default for most return shipments — economical and reliable for packages up to 70 lbs and 165 inches combined length + girth. UPS 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air are available for urgent returns but significantly more expensive.
4
Select label validity period
UPS return labels can be valid for 1, 7, 30, or 90 days from creation. For retail return programs with no stated deadline, 90 days is standard. For specific return windows, match the label validity to your stated return policy.
5
Share the label with the customer
If you chose Electronic Return Label, UPS emails it automatically. Otherwise, email the PDF yourself or include the printed label in the original shipment. For a QR code option, use UPS My Choice to generate a mobile-friendly return label.

Good to know

•UPS Return Labels require a UPS account number — individual consumers without a business account must use UPS.com/ship and pay retail rates.
•UPS charges for return labels at creation (not on use) unless you have a negotiated contract with pay-on-scan terms.
•UPS Access Point returns allow customers to drop off without a printer — the Access Point scans a QR code and prints the label on their device.

Frequently asked questions

Does UPS offer free return labels?

Not inherently — someone pays for the postage. For merchant-funded return programs, the merchant pays. For consumer-paid returns, the customer pays at drop-off. UPS has no equivalent to USPS free return pickup.

Can a customer drop off a UPS return without a printer?

Yes, at UPS Access Points (Staples, CVS, and other participating retailers) and UPS Stores. The customer shows a QR code on their phone and the location prints the label.

What's the difference between UPS Electronic Return Label and Print Return Label?

Electronic Return Label: UPS emails the label PDF directly to the customer — no action needed from you beyond setup. Print Return Label: you download and print the label, then include it in the original box or email it as a PDF yourself.

How long is a UPS return label valid?

You choose validity when creating: 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, or 90 days. Expired return labels cannot be used — you'd need to generate a new one.