Addressing Standards

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.