How to Address an Envelope
Address any envelope correctly in four simple steps.
⚡Quick Answer
Write your return address in the top-left corner, the recipient's full address centered on the envelope, and affix a stamp to the top-right. Always include the complete ZIP code and any apartment number to guarantee reliable delivery.
Step-by-Step Guide
Write Your Return Address (Top-Left)
Print your name and full mailing address in the top-left corner so the post office can return undeliverable mail to you. Include your street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code on two or three lines. Keep the text small enough to leave the center area clear for the recipient's address.
Write the Recipient Address (Center)
Write the recipient's full name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code centered on the envelope, both horizontally and vertically. Use the USPS-standard two-letter state abbreviation (e.g., CA, NY, TX) to help automated mail sorters read the address correctly. Make sure every line is legible and that the city and ZIP code appear on the final line.
Add Apartment or Suite Numbers
Always include Apt, Suite, or Unit numbers on the same line as the street address — for example, '123 Main St Apt 4B'. Omitting this detail is one of the most common reasons mail is returned or misdelivered to the wrong unit. If the suite number is too long to fit on the same line, place it on a separate line directly above the city-state-ZIP line.
Place a Stamp (Top-Right)
Affix a valid postage stamp firmly in the top-right corner before dropping the envelope in a mailbox or post office. Make sure the stamp matches the correct postage rate for the weight and size of your envelope — a standard Forever Stamp covers one ounce for a regular letter. For heavier envelopes or oversized formats, visit a post office to weigh the envelope and purchase the correct postage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the return address have to be included?
A return address is not legally required by USPS, but it is strongly recommended for every piece of mail you send. Without it, any undeliverable envelope — due to a wrong address, an unclaimed package, or an insufficient ZIP code — will simply be discarded rather than returned to you. Always writing your **return address** saves postage, time, and the frustration of lost correspondence.
What if I don't know the ZIP code?
Look up the correct ZIP code at **usps.com/zip4** before sealing the envelope — the tool lets you search by street address and returns the exact 5-digit or 9-digit ZIP+4 code. Sending a letter with a missing or incorrect ZIP code can delay delivery by days or result in the envelope being returned. Using the full **ZIP+4 code** also speeds up automated sorting and improves delivery accuracy.
Can I use a printed label instead of handwriting?
Yes, **printed address labels** are perfectly acceptable and are often preferred because they are machine-readable and less prone to errors than handwriting. You can print labels directly from word processing software or generate them on usps.com. Just make sure the label is affixed flat without wrinkles, as creases can cause **barcode scanners** at sorting facilities to misread the address.
What is the correct format for a business or international address?
For a **business address**, include the company name on the first line, the recipient's name on the second line (prefaced with 'Attn:' if needed), followed by street, city, state, and ZIP. For **international mail**, write the destination country in capital letters on the very last line and use the foreign postal format for the lines above it — for example, many countries place the postal code before the city name. USPS recommends writing the **country name in English** so that domestic sorters can route the envelope to the correct international gateway.