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How to Address an Envelope

Learn how to address an envelope with recipient address, return address, stamp placement, apartment numbers, legibility tips, common mistakes, and FAQs.

DocumentsEdited by Pramod Tiwari
3 min read

Quick Answer

To address an envelope in the U.S., write the recipient name and delivery address clearly in the center, put your return address in the upper left corner, place the stamp in the upper right, keep address lines parallel to the longest side, use dark ink, include apartment or unit numbers, and avoid punctuation that can confuse sorting.

What You Need

  • Envelope
  • Recipient full name
  • Street address or PO Box
  • Apartment/unit number if needed
  • City, state, ZIP Code
  • Return address
  • Stamp
  • Dark pen or printed label

Safety Precautions

  • Verify the address before mailing.
  • Do not place private notes on the outside of the envelope.
  • Use enough postage for size and weight.
  • For important mail, consider tracking or certified options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Place the envelope horizontally

    Use the front side with the flap on the back. Address lines should run parallel to the long edge.

  2. Step 2

    Write the return address

    Put your name and address in the upper left corner.

  3. Step 3

    Write the recipient name

    Place the recipient name in the center address block.

  4. Step 4

    Write the street address

    Add street number and name, PO Box, rural route, or other delivery line.

  5. Step 5

    Add apartment or unit details

    Include Apt, Unit, Suite, or similar information on the delivery line or above it as appropriate.

  6. Step 6

    Add city, state, and ZIP Code

    Write the last line clearly, such as Springfield IL 62704.

  7. Step 7

    Place the stamp

    Put postage in the upper right corner.

  8. Step 8

    Check legibility

    Make sure the address is easy to read from arm’s length and not covered by tape or decoration.

Practical Example

Example: You write your return address in the upper left, write Jordan Lee in the center, add 123 Maple St Apt 4B, then Denver CO 80203, and place a stamp in the upper right.

Common Mistakes

  • Putting the recipient address too low or off-center
  • Forgetting apartment number
  • Using light or decorative ink
  • Writing the return address on the back only
  • Using too little postage
  • Adding punctuation that reduces machine readability

Troubleshooting

I forgot the apartment number

Use a new envelope if possible. Missing unit details can delay or return mail.

The envelope is already sealed with a mistake

If the address is unclear, use a new envelope or a clean label.

I do not know the ZIP Code

Use the official postal ZIP Code lookup before mailing.

The mail is important

Consider certified, tracked, insured, or priority options depending on the item.

FAQs

Where does the return address go?

For U.S. mail, place it in the upper left corner on the front of the envelope.

Where does the stamp go?

Place the stamp in the upper right corner.

Where do I put an apartment number?

Include it in the delivery address, often after the street address or on the line above.

Should I use commas and periods?

USPS guidance favors clear machine-readable addresses and generally avoids unnecessary punctuation.

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