To write an address on an envelope correctly, follow these guidelines:
Placement of Addresses and Stamp
- Write the recipient's address on the front of the envelope, positioned in the bottom right area but not too close to the edges (at least 15 mm from left, right, and bottom edges, and 40 mm from the top edge)
- The sender's (return) address goes in the top left corner on the front of the envelope or on the back flap
- Place the postage stamp in the upper right corner of the envelope
Formatting the Recipient’s Address
Write the recipient’s address parallel to the longest edge of the envelope, aligned to the left, and in clear, legible font (avoid decorative fonts; recommended fonts include Arial, Verdana, Tahoma)
. The recipient’s address should be written in this order:
- Recipient’s name
- Business name (if applicable)
- Street address, including apartment or suite number if relevant
- City, State, and ZIP/postal code on the same line
- Country (for international mail, written in full and capital letters)
Formatting the Sender’s Address
- Include your name and full address in the top left corner or on the back flap of the envelope.
- This is important so the mail can be returned if undeliverable
Additional Tips
- Leave a clear 1” x 1” space in the upper right-hand corner for the postage stamp
- Avoid underlining, excessive spacing, or mixing fonts
- For international mail, write the country name in capital letters on the last line
- The address should not exceed six lines and be neatly aligned to the left
By following these steps, your envelope will be properly addressed for efficient and accurate mail delivery.