How Much Does It Cost to Fax at the Post Office?

Faxing remains a necessary method for transmitting certain official, legal, or medical documents. Many individuals and businesses still require access to a physical fax machine. Understanding available options for sending faxes is important for those who do not own a dedicated fax machine.

Faxing Services at the Post Office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not universally offer faxing services to the public. While some individual Post Office branches might provide faxing, it is not a standard offering. If a Post Office offers faxing, it is typically for sending documents only, and receiving faxes is generally not available. Contact your local Post Office directly to confirm availability.

Where to Find Faxing Services

Given that Post Offices do not consistently offer fax services, several other convenient locations typically provide public faxing options. Office supply stores, such as Staples or Office Depot, often have dedicated print and fax centers available for customer use. Similarly, print and ship centers like FedEx Office and The UPS Store are common places to find fax machines, offering both self-service and staff-assisted options.

Public libraries also frequently provide faxing services, though their availability and specific policies can vary by branch. Some libraries may restrict faxing to local or toll-free numbers and might not offer incoming fax reception. Additionally, some financial institutions may offer fax services to their clients, and business centers within hotels or airports can be an option for travelers, though these are typically less accessible to the general public.

Cost of Faxing Services

The cost of sending a fax varies significantly depending on the provider and the destination of the fax. Most services charge per page, with different rates for local, domestic long-distance, and international faxes. For instance, office supply stores and print and ship centers generally charge between $1.50 and $4.00 per page for local or domestic faxes, with international faxes costing more, potentially ranging from $5.00 to $8.00 per page.

Public libraries often present a more economical option, with costs typically ranging from $0.25 to $1.00 per page for domestic faxes. Factors influencing the total cost include the number of pages, whether the fax is local or long-distance, and any additional services like confirmation receipts. Inquire about pricing before sending a fax.