How long does custom engraving take?
At Sun City Engraving & Awards, a custom engraved piece ships within 2 business days of the order (military and first-responder plaques within 3), then USPS carries it. Orders to ZIP codes starting 798, 799, 880 ship one business day sooner. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout.
From order to doorstep, in four steps.
The only step that depends on you is the first one: type the wording carefully, because we engrave exactly what you type.
You
Type it and order
Day 0
Type the wording on the product page and check the live preview. The clock starts when you place the order.
We
We engrave it in El Paso
Within 2 business days
We engrave exactly what you typed. Military and first-responder plaques take 3 business days.
We
It ships by USPS
ZIPs 798, 799, 880: a day sooner
Orders shipping to El Paso and Las Cruces-area ZIP codes (798, 799, 880) ship one business day sooner, free.
USPS
It travels
Typically 1–5 business days
Transit depends on distance and the USPS service you choose at checkout. The table below has typical days by city.
Typical transit from El Paso.
Business days in transit after we ship, estimated from USPS zones for a parcel leaving El Paso. They are estimates, not guarantees. Add up to 2 business days for engraving.
| To | USPS zone | Ground Advantage | Priority Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso, TXships a business day sooner | 1 | 2–3 | 1–2 |
| Las Cruces, NMships a business day sooner | 2 | 2–3 | 1–2 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 3 | 2–3 | 1–2 |
| Tucson, AZ | 3 | 2–3 | 1–2 |
| Phoenix | 4 | 3–4 | 2 |
| Dallas | 4 | 3–4 | 2 |
| San Antonio | 4 | 3–4 | 2 |
| Denver | 4 | 3–4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles | 5 | 3–5 | 2–3 |
| Chicago | 6 | 4–5 | 2–3 |
| Atlanta | 6 | 4–5 | 2–3 |
| New York | 8 | 4–5 | 2–3 |
If you need it sooner.
Order early
The 2 business days start at the order, so a day saved here is a day saved at the door.
Add the next-business-day upgrade
A next-business-day upgrade is available as an add-on on the product page in the shop. Its price is shown there.
Pick a faster USPS service
If engraving time is fine but transit is not, choose a faster service at checkout.
Ship to an El Paso-area ZIP
Orders shipping to El Paso and Las Cruces-area ZIP codes (798, 799, 880) ship one business day sooner, free.
What can slow an order down.
Weekends and holidays
Business days are Monday to Friday. Thanksgiving week and the weeks before Christmas are USPS’s busiest.
Military and first-responder plaques
They ship within 3 business days instead of 2.
A typo
We engrave exactly what you type, so a misspelled name means a remake and a new ship date. Our mistakes and shipping damage are remade free (send a photo within 7 days). Errors in what you typed are remade at 50% off.
A blurry logo or photo
Logos and photos engrave in one tone, not colour. A sharp file engraves sharp; a small screenshot engraves soft.
Christmas 2026: the last order dates.
- For Christmas delivery
- Order by Monday, December 14
- With Priority shipping
- Through Wednesday, December 16
- Business gifts
- Order by Friday, December 11, logo file by Monday, December 14
Questions
How long does it take to get a plaque made?
An engraved plaque from Sun City Engraving & Awards ships within 2 business days of the order, and military and first-responder plaques within 3. USPS transit comes on top, typically a few business days within the US.
Can I get an engraved piece today?
No. Every piece is engraved to order in El Paso and shipped by USPS; there is no storefront. A next-business-day upgrade is available as an add-on on the product page in the shop.
When does the clock start?
When you place the order. Because the live preview shows your layout before you buy, there is nothing to wait for after checkout: the 2 business days count from the order.
Do weekends and holidays count?
No. Business days are Monday to Friday. Days when we are closed or USPS does not run are not counted either.
Do El Paso orders ship sooner?
Orders shipping to El Paso and Las Cruces-area ZIP codes (798, 799, 880) ship one business day sooner, free.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping cost and Texas sales tax are calculated at checkout in the shop. Ships anywhere in the US by USPS.