Address mailing rules

Here are some common mailing rules to keep in mind:

Addressing a Mailing Piece

  1. Use the correct format: Use the following format for addressing a mailing piece:
    • Recipient's name
    • Street address or post office box number
    • City, state, and ZIP code
    • Optional: apartment or suite number, company name, or attention line
  2. Use the correct titles: Use the following titles:
    • Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., Prof., Rev., etc.
    • Avoid using titles like "Esq." or "Jr." unless they are part of the recipient's name
  3. Use the correct abbreviations: Use the following abbreviations:
    • St. for Street
    • Ave. for Avenue
    • Blvd. for Boulevard
    • Dr. for Drive
    • Rd. for Road
    • Apt. for Apartment
    • Ste. for Suite
  4. Use the correct punctuation: Use a comma after the recipient's name and before the street address or post office box number.

Addressing International Mail

  1. Use the correct format: Use the following format for addressing international mail:
    • Recipient's name
    • Street address or post office box number
    • City
    • Country name (use the country's official name)
    • Postal code (if required)
  2. Use the correct postal codes: Use the following postal codes:
    • Canada: use the postal code (e.g., M5A 1A1)
    • United Kingdom: use the postcode (e.g., SW1A 1AA)
    • Other countries: use the postal code if required (e.g., Australia: use the postcode, Germany: use the postal code)

Addressing Mail to a Business

  1. Use the company name: Use the company name instead of the recipient's name.
  2. Use the street address or post office box number: Use the street address or post office box number of the business.
  3. Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the business.
  4. Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the business.

Addressing Mail to a Government Agency

  1. Use the agency name: Use the name of the government agency.
  2. Use the street address or post office box number: Use the street address or post office box number of the agency.
  3. Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the agency.
  4. Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the agency.

Addressing Mail to a Military Address

  1. Use the military title: Use the military title (e.g., Captain, Sergeant, etc.).
  2. Use the name: Use the recipient's name.
  3. Use the unit and box number: Use the unit and box number of the military installation.
  4. Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the military installation.
  5. Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the military installation.

Addressing Mail to a Post Office Box

  1. Use the post office box number: Use the post office box number instead of a street address.
  2. Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the post office.
  3. Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the post office.

Addressing Mail to a Rural Route

  1. Use the rural route number: Use the rural route number instead of a street address.
  2. Use the box number: Use the box number instead of a street address.
  3. Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the rural route.
  4. Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the rural route.

Remember to always check with the postal service or the recipient's organization to confirm the correct addressing format for a specific mailing piece.