How to Address an Envelope

Sending personal letters was replaced by emails years ago, at least for the most part. Business letters are still being sent and therefore there is still a need to know how to properly address an envelope. Addressing an envelope properly helps get your letter to the correct destination on time.



Step1
To address an envelope, print the return address neatly in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope.


Step2
Begin by writing the sender's name and/or the company's name on the first line of the address.


Step3
Add the sender's street address (include Ave., St. or Blvd., as well as apartment, office or suite number) or post office (P.O.) box number on the second line.


Step4
Include mail-stop numbers, for mail distribution within a large company, where an apartment or suite number would appear on the second line.


Step5
Print the city name followed by a space, the two-letter capitalized state abbreviation and the ZIP code (five-digit or ZIP+4) on the third line.


Step6
Include the country name, if necessary, in capital letters on the fourth line of the address.


Step7
Print the mailing address (the destination address) in the center of the envelope or package, putting each element of the address in the same order as outlined in Steps 1 through 6 above.


Step8
Attach proper postage to the upper right-hand corner of the envelope, on the same side of the envelope as the destination address and return address.