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USPS Address Guidelines

Addresses are a critical element in your mail’s success, but they must be written correctly to ensure they can be read by postal delivery services. USPS Address Guidelines outline the format for writing postal addresses on envelopes and postcards.



Using the proper format for your department’s addresses can help speed up your mailing process and ensure your mail is delivered to the right place. It is also essential for obtaining ancillary services such as package tracking, delivery confirmation and merchandise return service. Including a return address on your mail is mandatory in both the US and Canada. The return address is used by mail delivery services to return your mail if it’s undeliverable or to refund postage for a piece that was mailed without enough postage.


In order to make your mail more readable, use all capital letters and at least 10-point type. Make sure there is a space 3/4” x 5/8” in the lower right corner of your envelope for the Intelligent Mail barcode. Also, leave one inch around your entire address block for postage metering.


The first line of an address should have the recipient’s name. The second line should contain the building number and street name. The third line should have the city, state and ZIP code. Make sure all suffixes, directionals and abbreviations are standardized. Directional words like "east" or "west" should be placed after the city, but before the state and ZIP code.

If your recipient is located overseas, use a military postal code (AA for Armed Forces America, AE for Armed Forces Europe or AP for Armed Forces Pacific) in lieu of the state name. If your recipient is in the military, be sure to include their departmental recharge ID on the address.


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