What happens to a letter mailed without a stamp

If a letter is mailed without a stamp, it is considered undeliverable and will not be processed by the postal service. Here's what typically happens:

  1. The letter is rejected: When the letter is processed at a post office or a mail processing facility, it will be rejected because it does not have a valid postage stamp.
  2. The letter is returned to the sender: The postal service will typically return the letter to the sender, usually with a notice indicating that it was not delivered due to lack of postage.
  3. The sender may be charged a fee: In some cases, the sender may be charged a fee for the return of the letter, which can range from a few dollars to several dollars, depending on the postal service and the circumstances.
  4. The letter may be destroyed: If the letter is not returned to the sender, it may be destroyed by the postal service. This is usually the case if the letter is deemed to be of no value or if it is not possible to return it to the sender.

It's worth noting that some postal services may have different policies regarding letters without stamps. For example, some countries may allow letters without stamps to be delivered, but only if the sender pays a fee or provides a valid reason for not having a stamp.