# How to Address an Envelope Properly: Complete USPS Guide ![Diagram showing the correct placement of sender and recipient addresses and the stamp on an envelope.](/images/envelope-address-diagram.jpg) Addressing an envelope correctly ensures your mail reaches its destination quickly and reliably. Follow these USPS-approved formatting rules for best results. ## Basic Format **Three key elements:** 1. **Return address** (top left) 2. **Recipient address** (center) 3. **Stamp** (top right) ## Standard Layout ### Return Address (Top Left) **Example:** ``` YOUR NAME 123 YOUR STREET CITY STATE ZIP ``` ### Recipient Address (Center) **Example:** ``` RECIPIENT NAME 456 THEIR STREET CITY STATE ZIP ``` ## USPS Formatting Rules - **ALL CAPITAL LETTERS** - **No punctuation** (commas, periods) - **Use pen**, never pencil - **Official state abbreviations** (CA, NY, TX) - **Include ZIP+4** when possible (12345-6789) - **Look up ZIP codes** using the [USPS ZIP Code Lookup](https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input) ### Pro Tip **Use block letters** and write clearly. Poor handwriting is the #1 reason mail gets delayed or returned. ## Common Addressing Situations ### Apartments **Example:** ``` JOHN SMITH 123 MAIN ST APT 5C SEATTLE WA 98101 ``` ### Business Mail **Example:** ``` JANE DOE ABC COMPANY 555 BUSINESS BLVD ATLANTA GA 30301 ``` ### PO Boxes **Example:** ``` MARY JONES PO BOX 123 PORTLAND OR 97201 ``` ### Military (APO/FPO) **Example:** ``` SGT JAMES MILLER UNIT 12345 BOX 678 APO AE 09876 ``` ### International Mail **Example:** ``` Return Address: YOUR NAME 123 YOUR STREET BOSTON MA 02101 USA Recipient: JOHN CLARK 117 RUSSELL DRIVE LONDON W1P 6HQ UNITED KINGDOM ``` ## Current Postage Rates (2025) - **Letters (1 oz)**: $0.78 - **Each additional ounce**: $0.29 - **International**: $1.55 - **Nonmachinable surcharge**: +$0.49 ## Common Mistakes to Avoid - Using pencil or decorative fonts - Missing apartment numbers - Wrong ZIP codes - Placing text below ZIP line - Dark colored envelopes - Incorrect state abbreviations ## Quick Reference: State Abbreviations

State	Code	State	Code
California	CA	New York	NY
Texas	TX	Florida	FL
Illinois	IL	Pennsylvania	PA

[See full list at USPS.com](https://pe.usps.com/text/pub28/28apb.htm) ## Address Placement Guidelines ### Return Address - **Position**: Upper left corner - **Size**: At least 1/4 inch from edges - **Lines**: Maximum 5 lines ### Recipient Address - **Position**: Center of envelope - **Margins**: At least 1 inch from left edge - **Space**: Leave 5/8 inch from bottom edge ## Special Delivery Instructions ### Attention Lines **Example:** ``` ABC COMPANY ATTN JOHN SMITH 555 BUSINESS BLVD ATLANTA GA 30301 ``` ### Care Of (C/O) **Example:** ``` JANE DOE C/O ROBERT JONES 123 MAIN STREET DENVER CO 80202 ``` ## Final Checklist - [ ] Return address top left - [ ] Recipient address centered - [ ] All caps, no punctuation - [ ] Complete ZIP codes - [ ] Correct postage - [ ] Legible writing - [ ] Proper state abbreviations **Result**: Mail delivered faster and more reliably. ### Additional Tips - **Use the correct envelope size** - standard business size is 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" - **Weigh your mail** if unsure about postage - **Drop off before collection times** for faster processing

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