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Delivery Address Guide
Learn how to properly write the recipient address in the center of envelopes
How to Write To Address on Envelope
The to address (delivery address) should be centered on the envelope. This is the most important part of your envelope as it determines where your letter will be delivered.
To Address Position
The to address should be centered and clearly visible
FROM:
JOHN SMITH
123 MAIN ST APT 4B
NEW YORK NY 10001-1234
TO:
JANE DOE
456 OAK AVENUE
LOS ANGELES CA 90001
STAMP
Here
Tap sections for details
Essential Elements
1
Recipient Name
Full name of the person or company receiving the mail
2
Street Address
Complete street address with apartment or suite number if applicable
3
City, State ZIP
City name and complete postal code with extensions
Address Format Examples
Standard Address
John Smith
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
Most common format for residential addresses
With Apartment
Mary Johnson
456 Oak Ave #12B
Los Angeles, CA 90002
Use #, Apt, or Unit for apartment numbers
With Postal Code Extensions
Bob Wilson
789 Pine Street
Chicago, IL 60601-1234
Complete postal codes improve mail processing speed
Business Address
ABC Company
Attn: Sales Dept
123 Business Blvd, Suite 200
Houston, TX 77001
Include department and suite information
PO Box
David Lee
P.O. Box 12345
Phoenix, AZ 85001
Use "P.O. Box" for post office boxes
Rural Address
Sarah Miller
123 County Road 5
Smalltown, TX 75001
Include county road or rural route numbers
Do's
- •Use clear, legible handwriting or printing
- •Include the complete postal code
- •Use all capital letters if possible
- •Leave space between address lines
- •Use black or dark blue ink
Don'ts
- •Don't use commas or periods in addresses
- •Don't write below the center line
- •Don't use fancy or hard-to-read fonts
- •Don't forget the apartment/suite number
- •Don't use pencil or light-colored ink
Mail Processing Tips
- • Complete postal codes can speed up delivery
- • Standardized addresses reduce processing errors
- • Complete information prevents delays or returns
- • Clear printing ensures OCR machines can read the address