To properly address an envelope, it’s important to put the intended recipient’s name and address and the sender’s name and address in the correct spots. Always double-check these elements to make sure you have the full name and correct address.
How to Address an Envelope: The Basics
Most of the time you can fall back on the general recommended rules of addressing your envelope, whether you are sending a thank you note or letter. Here are the simple steps for addressing an envelope:
Use blue or black ink on white or light paper.Avoid cursive or fancy fonts.Avoid reverse printing on black paper.
Sample Address
Ms. Emma Smith456 NW Silver StreetApt. 3NSeattle, WA 98126
Addressing a Business Letter
When sending a business letter to a person at a company, you’ll need to maintain professional etiquette throughout the entire process. Follow the basic guidelines outlined above and then add a couple more pieces of information.
Sample Address
Sydney Johnson, Creative DirectorSmith & Co.800 Ocean Avenue10th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90021 or Attn: Creative DirectorSmith & Co.800 Ocean Avenue10th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90021
Addressing Mail to Overseas Military Installations
When you send a letter to a person in the military stationed overseas, use the same general guidelines outlined above with a few additions to the recipient’s name and address:
Sample Address
SGT Marcus RosaUnit 345 Box 21APO AA 92136
Mailing to Other Countries
The general rules for addressing an envelope for European or other overseas destinations are similar:
Sample Address
Andrea JimenezCarrer de la Pau 1546001 Valencia (Alicante)SPAIN
Addressing Mail to PO Boxes
You may need to address an envelope to a post office (PO) box if it’s a bill you’re paying or taxes you’re paper filing. Many companies send out paper bills with their PO box address printed on the part of the invoice you need to detach and send back to the company with your payment. You can copy the address onto your own envelope if you don’t have the return envelope that’s often provided. Here are the general rules of how to address an envelope to a PO box:
Sample Address
Sydney Johnson, Director of AccountingSmith & Co.Billing DepartmentPO Box 12345Los Angeles, CA 90021 or Smith & Co.PO Box 12345Los Angeles, CA 90021 Internal Revenue ServicePO Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 State taxes: Do not send your federal and state tax returns together to the IRS. You must send your state taxes to your state’s tax department. Every state has a unique state tax agency address.
