Addressing Best Practices and Format (All sizes and classes of mail)
- Type or machine-print all address information (preferred but not required).
- Make sure print is clear and sharp.
- Ensure that address characters don't touch or overlap.
- Black ink on a white background is best.
- Maintain a uniform left margin.
- Use uppercase letters (preferred but not required).
- Omit all punctuation (preferred but not required).
- Include floor, suite, and apartment numbers whenever possible.
- Put the city, state, and ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code (in that order) on the last line. If there's not enough room, you can put the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code alone on the bottom line.
- Use standard two-letter state abbreviations.
- When using window envelopes, make sure the complete address is always visible, even when the insert moves.
- Leave one or two spaces between words and between the state abbreviation and ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code.
Postcard-Sized Mail
|
Minimum |
Maximum |
Height |
3.5" |
4.25" |
Length |
5" |
6" |
Thickness |
.007" |
.016" |
- Address where address block is available.
- Address must be on the same side of the mail piece as the return address and postage.
Letter-Sized Mail
|
Minimum |
Maximum |
Height |
3.5" |
6.125" |
Length |
5" |
11.5" |
Thickness |
.009" |
.25" |
- Address in the center of the mail piece.
- Address leaving at least 5/8” clearance on the bottom of the mail piece.
Flat-Sized Mail
|
Minimum |
Maximum |
Height |
5" |
12" |
Length |
6" |
15" |
Thickness |
.009" |
.75" |
- The “top” of the mailpiece is either of the shorter edges.
- The entire delivery address must be within the top half of the mailpiece (see example below).
- The address must meet these standards for any discounted flat.