Address mailing rules
Here are some common mailing rules to keep in mind:
Addressing a Mailing Piece
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- Use the company name: Use the company name instead of the recipient's name.
- Use the street address or post office box number: Use the street address or post office box number of the business.
- Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the business.
- Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the business.
Addressing Mail to a Government Agency
- Use the agency name: Use the name of the government agency.
- Use the street address or post office box number: Use the street address or post office box number of the agency.
- Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the agency.
- Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the agency.
Addressing Mail to a Military Address
- Use the military title: Use the military title (e.g., Captain, Sergeant, etc.).
- Use the name: Use the recipient's name.
- Use the unit and box number: Use the unit and box number of the military installation.
- Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the military installation.
- 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
- Use the post office box number: Use the post office box number instead of a street address.
- Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the post office.
- Use the ZIP code or postal code: Use the ZIP code or postal code of the post office.
Addressing Mail to a Rural Route
- Use the rural route number: Use the rural route number instead of a street address.
- Use the box number: Use the box number instead of a street address.
- Use the city and state or province: Use the city and state or province of the rural route.
- 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.