How to address care of mail

Addressing care of mail, also known as "care of" or "c/o," is a way to direct mail to a specific person or organization when you don't know their exact address or when you want to send mail to a shared mailbox. Here are some tips on how to address care of mail:

Format:

Examples:

Tips:

  1. Use the correct title: Use a title such as "Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr./Prof." before the name, if applicable.
  2. Include the organization: If the person is associated with an organization, include the name of the organization to help ensure the mail is delivered correctly.
  3. Use the correct city and state: Make sure to include the correct city and state to help the mail carrier deliver the mail to the correct location.
  4. Use the correct ZIP code: Use the correct ZIP code to ensure the mail is delivered to the correct post office.
  5. Be specific: If possible, include a specific address or a landmark to help the mail carrier deliver the mail correctly.
  6. Check with the post office: If you're unsure about the correct format or the recipient's address, check with the post office for guidance.

When to use care of mail:

  1. When you don't know the exact address: If you're not sure of the exact address of the person or organization, use care of mail to direct the mail to the correct location.
  2. When sending mail to a shared mailbox: If multiple people share a mailbox, use care of mail to direct the mail to the correct person.
  3. When sending mail to a temporary address: If someone is staying at a temporary address, use care of mail to direct the mail to the correct person.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your mail is delivered correctly and efficiently, even when you don't know the exact address of the recipient.