Why This Is a Common Problem
Most people don't own printers anymore. According to recent surveys, home printer ownership has dropped significantly as most documents have gone digital. But sometimes you still need to send physical mail—a legal document, a personal letter, or official correspondence.
The good news: you have options. Here are three ways to mail a letter without a printer.
Option 1: Handwrite Your Letter
The simplest solution is often the best. For personal letters, handwriting adds a personal touch that printed text can't match.
When handwriting works well:
- Personal letters to friends or family
- Thank you notes
- Greeting cards
- Short correspondence
When handwriting doesn't work:
- Legal or official documents
- Long letters (more than a page)
- Documents requiring a specific format
- When legibility is critical
Cost: Just paper, envelope, and postage (~$1-2 CAD)
Option 2: Use a Library or Print Shop
Public libraries and print shops like Staples offer printing services. You can email your document or bring it on a USB drive.
Where to print:
- Public libraries — Usually $0.10-0.25 per page
- Staples/Office Depot — Self-serve kiosks available
- FedEx Office — Printing and shipping services
- UPS Store — Print and mail in one stop
Pros:
- Low cost per page
- Professional quality printing
- Some locations offer mailing services too
Cons:
- Requires leaving home
- May need to wait in line
- Still need to buy envelopes and stamps separately
- Multiple stops if library doesn't sell stamps
Total cost: $1-5 CAD depending on page count and location
Option 3: Use an Online Mailing Service
Online mailing services handle everything—printing, envelope, postage, and delivery to the post office. You write your letter online and they mail it for you.
How it works:
- Type your letter on the website
- Enter the recipient's address
- Pay online
- The service prints and mails it for you
Pros:
- Never leave home
- No supplies needed (paper, envelopes, stamps)
- Professional formatting and printing
- Track your mail online
- Works for both domestic and international mail
Cons:
- Costs more than DIY for single letters
- Not suitable for handwritten notes
Cost: $6-12 CAD all-inclusive (domestic to international)
Which Option Should You Choose?
The best option depends on your situation:
- Personal letter to someone special? → Handwrite it. The personal touch matters.
- Need to print a legal document? → Library or print shop for the lowest cost.
- Value convenience over cost? → Online mailing service. No errands, no supplies.
- Sending mail internationally? → Online service is often easier than figuring out international postage.
- Send mail regularly without a printer? → Online service saves time over repeated trips to print shops.
Send a Letter with PostPal
PostPal makes mailing letters simple. Type your letter, enter the address, and we handle the rest—printing, envelope, postage, and mailing. Domestic letters are $6 CAD, international letters are $12 CAD.