How to address an envelope
Write the recipient's address in the middle of the envelope, your return address in the top left corner, and put the stamp in the top right corner. Fill in the template below to see it for any country and print it.
Envelope template
Full nameStreet addressTown or city
Recipient nameStreet addressWASHINGTON MI 48094UNITED STATES
In the print dialog, choose the same paper size, no margins and 100% scale, and feed the envelope the way your printer shows. What you type stays in your browser: it is not sent to our server.
How to address an envelope, step by step
1. The recipient goes in the middle of the front, a little to the right and below the center: the name on the first line, then the street address, then the town with the postal code, in the order of the destination country.
2. Your return address goes in the top left corner, in smaller letters and in the same order. The letter comes back to it if it cannot be delivered.
3. The stamp goes in the top right corner. Keep the bottom edge of the envelope free: sorting machines print a barcode there.
4. For mail to another country, write the country name in capital letters on the last line of the recipient address, in English or in the language of your country.
5. Write clearly, and leave no other text near the address. Capital letters without punctuation are the easiest for machines to read.
Differences between countries
In the United States the city, state and zip code are on one line: NEW YORK NY 10001. The USPS prefers capital letters without punctuation, with the apartment at the end of the street line (123 MAIN ST APT 4B).
In the United Kingdom the postcode has its own line below the town, and the town is in capitals; the county is not needed. Many people write the return address on the back of the envelope.
In most of Europe the postal code comes before the town: 10115 Berlin, 75001 Paris, 1000 Sofia. In Japan an address in Latin letters ends with the town and the prefecture, then the postal code on its own line.
For every country, the address formatter shows the order of the lines.
Questions
Where do you put the return address on an envelope?
In the top left corner of the front, in smaller letters than the recipient address. In the United Kingdom and some other countries it is often written on the back flap instead.
Where does the stamp go on an envelope?
In the top right corner of the front. If you need several stamps, put them side by side along the top edge.
How do I write an apartment number on an envelope?
Put it on the street line after the street and number, for example 123 Main St Apt 4B. If it does not fit, write it on its own line above the street line.
How do I address an international envelope?
Write the recipient address in the format of the destination country and add the country name in capital letters as the last line. Write your own address, with your country, in the top left corner.
Do I have to write the address in capital letters?
No, but the US Postal Service recommends capital letters without punctuation, and many countries write the town in capitals. It helps the machines that sort the mail.
How do I address an envelope to a family?
Write “The Smith Family” or the names of the adults on the first line, for example “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, then the address as usual.
How do I write “care of” on an envelope?
Write the recipient on the first line, then “c/o” and the name of the person or company who receives the letter for them on the second line, then the address.