EnvelopeFormat
USPS-style guideReviewed July 18, 2026

Envelope Format:
Where Everything Goes

Return address upper left · Recipient center · Stamp upper right

One clear layout for letters, cards, bills, and forms.

Standard envelope format showing return address, recipient address, and stamp placement
Standard US envelope format showing the return address, recipient address, postage, and clear barcode area.
  1. 01
    Return addressUpper-left corner
  2. 02
    Recipient addressCentered on the front
  3. 03
    PostageUpper-right corner

Ready to copy

A correctly formatted address

Keep each address part on its own line. Include the apartment number when there is one.

From / return addressUpper left
ALEX MORGAN
742 EVERGREEN ST
PORTLAND OR 97205
To / recipient addressCenter
JANE DOE
1234 MAIN ST APT 5B
SPRINGFIELD IL 62704
Use this sample in the preview

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Preview your envelope

Type or paste your addresses. Nothing is uploaded or saved.

Return address
Recipient address
YOUR NAMERETURN ADDRESSCITY ST ZIP
STAMP
RECIPIENT NAMESTREET ADDRESSCITY ST ZIP
KEEP CLEAR

This preview checks placement only. It does not validate the address or postage.

Three simple steps

How to address an envelope

  1. 1

    Add your return address

    Write the sender’s full name, street address, city, two-letter state abbreviation, and ZIP Code in the upper-left corner.

  2. 2

    Center the delivery address

    Write the recipient’s details near the center. Put an apartment or suite number on the street line when it fits.

  3. 3

    Apply the right postage

    Place postage in the upper-right. The amount depends on size, weight, shape, services, and destination.

For easier machine reading: use dark ink on a light background, simple lettering, standard state abbreviations, and minimal punctuation. Uppercase is preferred, not required for ordinary handwritten mail.

Before you mail it

6 common envelope mistakes

  • Missing apartment numberAdd APT or STE on the street line.
  • Incorrect ZIP CodeConfirm it with the USPS ZIP Code lookup.
  • Address near an edgeMove the recipient block toward the center.
  • Writing at the bottomLeave room for the postal barcode.
  • Decorative or faint inkUse clear, high-contrast lettering.
  • No return addressAdd one so undeliverable mail can return.

Quick answers

Envelope format FAQ

Practical answers for standard US letters. Special mail classes can have extra requirements.

What is the correct format for an envelope?

Place the sender’s return address in the upper-left corner, the recipient’s delivery address in the center, and postage in the upper-right corner. Keep the lower portion clear for postal barcode printing.

Where does the return address go on an envelope?

The return address goes in the upper-left corner on the front of a standard US envelope.

Where does the recipient address go?

Place the recipient’s address in the center area of the envelope, leaving clear space around it and below it.

Where does the stamp go on an envelope?

Place the stamp or other postage in the upper-right corner on the front of the envelope.

Is a return address required?

A return address is recommended because it allows undeliverable mail to be returned. USPS requires it for certain mail classes, services, endorsements, and circumstances.

How do I write an apartment number?

Put the apartment number on the same line as the street address when it fits, such as “1234 MAIN ST APT 5B.” If it does not fit, place it on the line immediately above the street address.

Should an envelope address be written in all caps?

All caps are preferred for machine readability, but ordinary handwritten addresses do not have to be uppercase. Clear, high-contrast lettering matters most.

Should I use punctuation in an address?

USPS-style addresses generally omit unnecessary punctuation. Write the city, two-letter state abbreviation, and ZIP Code together on the final line.

Can I write the return address on the back?

For the clearest standard US format, place it in the upper-left corner on the front. Some decorative mail uses the back flap, but front placement is less ambiguous for automated processing.

How much postage does an envelope need?

Postage depends on size, weight, thickness, shape, and destination. Check current prices with USPS before mailing.

Source & review

Built from official guidance

Reviewed July 18, 2026 against publicly available USPS letter-mailing guidance and Publication 28. EnvelopeFormat is an independent educational website and is not endorsed by USPS.