Quick answer:
To address a letter, write the recipient’s name and address in the center of the envelope, your return address in the top left, and place the stamp in the top right.
That’s it.
But the details matter.
Keep reading for clear examples you can copy.
The 3 Parts of an Envelope
1. Return address → top left
2. Recipient address → center
3. Postage stamp → top right
Example:
John Smith
45 Oak Street
Denver, CO 80202
(top left)
Emily Johnson
789 Pine Avenue, Apt 4B
Seattle, WA 98101
(center)
How to Address a Letter: Step by Step
Step 1: Write the recipient’s full name.
Step 2: On the next line, write the street address.
Step 3: Add the apartment or suite number (same line or the line below).
Step 4: Write city, state, and ZIP code on the last line.
Step 5: Add your return address in the top left.
Step 6: Place the stamp in the top right.
The Standard Format
Line 1: Recipient name
Line 2: Street address
Line 3: City, State ZIP
Example:
Maria Gonzalez
1200 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Simple.
Tips for Faster Delivery
The United States Postal Service prefers addresses that are:
Printed clearly
Written in all caps (optional, but easier for scanners)
Free of punctuation
Using the two-letter state abbreviation
Example:
MARIA GONZALEZ
1200 SUNSET BLVD
LOS ANGELES CA 90028
Add the ZIP+4 when you have it.
How to Address a Letter to Different People
To one person
Mr. David Lee
123 Main Street
Boston, MA 02108
To a married couple
Mr. and Mrs. David Lee
or
David and Sarah Lee
To a family
The Lee Family
To a doctor
Dr. Anna Martinez
To someone at a company
Anna Martinez
ABC Corporation
500 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Writing to a company and don’t have a name? This is where most people get stuck →
How to Address Apartments, PO Boxes, and Suites
Apartment:
Emily Johnson
789 Pine Avenue Apt 4B
Seattle, WA 98101
PO Box:
Michael Brown
PO Box 3456
Austin, TX 78701
Office suite:
Laura White
200 Park Avenue Suite 1500
New York, NY 10166
How to Address a Letter to a Military Address
Military mail uses special codes instead of city and state.
Example:
PFC Alex Rivera
Unit 1234 Box 56
APO AE 09012
The code means:
APO / FPO / DPO = type of military post office
AE / AP / AA = region
Always check the exact format before sending.
How to Address an International Letter
For letters going abroad:
1. Write the address in the local format.
2. Put the country name on the last line, in capital letters.
3. Write the country in English when mailing from the US.
Example (Canada):
Chloe Martin
88 King Street West
Toronto ON M5H 1A1
CANADA
Example (United Kingdom):
James Wilson
14 Baker Street
London NW1 6XE
UNITED KINGDOM
How to Address the Inside of the Letter (Salutation)
Formal:
Dear Mr. Smith:
Friendly:
Dear Emily,
Don’t know the name?
Dear Hiring Manager:
Writing to a company?
Dear Customer Service Team:
Which Titles Should You Use?
Mr. → men
Ms. → women (safe default)
Mrs. → married women who prefer it
Mx. → gender-neutral
Dr. → doctors and PhDs
Not sure? Use the full name: Dear Taylor Morgan:
7 Common Mistakes When Addressing a Letter
1. Forgetting the ZIP code
2. Writing the return address on the wrong side
3. Putting the stamp in the wrong corner
4. Using messy handwriting
5. Forgetting the apartment number
6. Using the wrong title
7. Not double-checking the address
Quick Checklist
Before you mail:
✅ Recipient’s full name
✅ Correct street address
✅ City, state, ZIP
✅ Return address
✅ Stamp
✅ Clear writing
Done. Your letter is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the return address go?
In the top left corner of the envelope.
What if I don’t have a return address?
Always include one. If the letter cannot be delivered, it comes back to you.
How many stamps do I need?
It depends on weight and size. Check USPS for current rates.
Can I use a printed label?
Yes. A clean printed label works well for both personal and business mail.
Your Envelope Is Perfect. But What About the First Line Inside the Letter?
The person opening it decides what they think of you in about three seconds.
And most people get that first line wrong without realizing it.
Don’t know the person’s name?
There’s a right answer, and a few popular wrong ones.
👉 WHAT DO I WRITE IF I DON’T KNOW THE NAME? →
Takes 2 minutes. Includes copy-and-paste examples.
Mailing something that really matters?
Some letters get “lost” in the system.
And without the right proof, you can’t show you ever sent it.
