Can I Fax at the Post Office?

Yes, but only at selected branches, and often with higher costs and tighter restrictions than you might expect. Most national post offices no longer guarantee public fax machines. Let’s break down what you need to know and explore cheaper (and more flexible) digital alternatives like Fax.Plus.

Does the Post Office Fax?

Most post offices no longer offer fax services. In the 1980s and 90s, post offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia began offering public fax machines. They became a lifeline for small businesses and people without office equipment at home.

However, today, due to decreasing demand, higher costs, and the availability of digital alternatives like online faxing, these fax services have largely disappeared.

If you need to fax documents, you're usually better off using an online fax service  instead.

Step-by-Step: Sending a Fax at the Post Office

If your local post office does still provide fax services, here's what you would typically need to do:

  • Locate a branch: Search online or call ahead to confirm fax availability.

  • Prepare your documents: Remove staples, flatten pages, and add a clear cover sheet with the recipient’s info.

  • Queue and send: Either hand your documents to a clerk or use a kiosk (if available).

  • Pay the fee: Cash, credit, or mobile wallet—this varies by country and location.

  • Get confirmation: You’ll receive a slip showing the status of your fax. Keep it!

How Much does it Cost to Fax at the Post Office?

The post office fax cost depends on the destination and number of pages. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pricing:

Fax.Plus Cost

  • First 10 credits are free, Using Fax.Plus can significantly reduce costs especially for frequent fax users.

  • 6.99$ for 200 pages (included local, long-distance and international pages)

Domestic vs. International Rates

  • Domestic fax: Approximately $2–$3 for the first page. Additional pages cost $1–$2 per page

  • International fax: Approximately $4–$5 for the first page. Additional pages cost $2–$3 per page

Hidden Fees

  • Long-distance surcharges: Some offices charge more for faxes across state lines or to mobile numbers.

  • Retry fees: If your fax fails and must be sent again, you may be charged twice.

Post Office Limitations & Caveats

a blue clock icon on a white background

Hours of Operation

Post offices follow business hours. If you miss the day’s cutoff, your fax may not be sent until the next morning.

Sending-Only Service

Most post offices don’t receive faxes for the public. They only support sending.

Privacy Concerns

Public faxing often happens at an open counter. Sensitive information—like medical records or contracts—may be visible to others.

Fax.Plus Online Fax: Alternative to the Post Office 

Fax.Plus offers a digital alternative that’s always available:
  • Send and receive faxes from your phone or computer—no machine required.

  • Works in over 180 countries.

  • Free plan option.

Post Office vs. Fax.Plus Comparison

Post Office

Availability

Tick icon

Limited

Cost per fax

0.2$ per page

2-3$ per page

Privacy

Tick icon
Cross icon

Receive Faxes

Tick icon
Cross icon

Ease of Use

Phone, Desktop, Email

Cross icon
Switch to Fax.Plus

FAQs

Can I receive a fax at the post office?
Arrow
Usually not. Most post offices only support outgoing faxes.
What happens if my fax fails to send?
Arrow
At the post office, you may be charged again to resend. With Fax.Plus, you’ll get instant alerts and can retry without starting over.
Is it safe to fax sensitive documents through the postal service?
Arrow
Privacy can be a concern at open counters. For sensitive documents, Fax.Plus uses encryption to keep your information safe.
Do all countries post offices still offer faxing?
Arrow
No. Many have phased it out. Always call and check with your local branch first.
How long does a post-office fax take to arrive?
Arrow
Delivery time depends on the destination’s fax line and network traffic. Most are received within a few minutes. Faxes sent through Fax.Plus are delivered in less than a minute, and you'll receive an email confirmation once the fax has been sent.

Start faxing now.

Create an account to save time and money by sending free faxes from a computer or mobile to anywhere in the world.

Partner with us!

Join our affiliate program and deliver exceptional online faxing solutions to your audience.
Become a Partner