Correctly addressing mail

• Capitalize everything using plain block letters. (No matter how legible your handwriting may be, machines have trouble reading script.)
• Omit all punctuation in the address, except hyphenate for the ZIP+4Code.
• Use the two-letter state abbreviations.
• Use complete and correct ZIP Codes or ZIP+4 Codes.
• Make sure that endorsements for special services are placed above the delivery address or below the return address.

Destination address

Be sure to include:

• Recipient’s full name (and/or company name, if applicable)
• Street address
• Post office box number
• Rural route number and box number
• Highway contract route number and box number

For international mail include:

• The city or town
• Province or state name
• The foreign postal code
• The country name in capital letters on the last line of the address

Return address

• Include all the elements of the destination address
• Place the return address in the upper left corner of the mail piece