Short answer

The correct format

A complete US mailing address has the recipient name, street address or PO Box, and a final city, two-letter state abbreviation, and ZIP Code line. Put the sender block in the upper-left corner, the recipient block in the center, and postage in the upper-right. Keep the address on the same side as the postage.

Standard letter
JANE DOE
1234 MAIN ST
SPRINGFIELD IL 62704
Apartment address
JORDAN LEE
123 MAIN ST APT 4B
CHICAGO IL 60610
Business address
ATTN MORGAN RIVERA
NORTHSTAR DESIGN CO
850 MARKET ST STE 240
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94102
PO Box address
TAYLOR KIM
PO BOX 1842
DENVER CO 80201

What mailing information belongs on an envelope?

For the delivery address, include the recipient name, organization when useful, delivery address line, and city, state, and ZIP Code. Use either a street address or a PO Box for the delivery address, not both for the same destination.

A return address uses the same basic parts as the delivery address. It helps undeliverable mail come back to the sender and belongs in the upper-left corner of the address side.

  • Recipient or company name
  • Street address with apartment or suite, or a PO Box
  • City, two-letter state abbreviation, and ZIP Code
  • Sender name and address in the return block

Copy and paste a standard letter address

Replace the sample lines with the exact name and address supplied by the recipient. Keep the city, state, and ZIP Code together on the final line and avoid adding notes below the delivery address.

Apartment, business, and PO Box variations

Put an apartment or suite designator on the delivery address line when it fits. For business mail, place the person or attention line above the company name. A PO Box replaces the street line; do not add a street address below it unless the recipient specifically provided a dual address.

Where the information goes on the envelope

Write both address blocks on the front, parallel to the longest side. The recipient block belongs in the center area, the return block in the upper-left, and postage in the upper-right. Leave the lower portion clear for postal processing.

  • Use dark, legible lettering on a light envelope
  • Keep the delivery block away from the edges
  • Confirm the ZIP Code with USPS before mailing
  • Do not put unrelated text below the delivery address

Questions about this format

What information should I put on an envelope?

Put the recipient name, street address or PO Box, and city, state, and ZIP Code in the center. Put the sender name and address in the upper-left and postage in the upper-right.

Can I copy and paste an envelope address?

Yes. Copy each address line as a separate line, then verify the spelling, apartment or suite number, city, state abbreviation, and ZIP Code before mailing.

Official references

Reviewed against the postal guidance listed below. EnvelopeFormat is independent and is not affiliated with USPS or Royal Mail.

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