Address Formatting

Getting Started

This article explains how to properly format a U.S. mailing address so the United States Postal Service (USPS) can efficiently process and deliver your mail. Following standard formatting improves delivery accuracy.

In This Article

USPS Standard Format

For most U.S. mail, USPS prefers the address to be written on at least three main lines:

  1. Recipient Name

    Example: TOM JONES AND SALLY JONES   

  2. Street Address

    Example: 123 E MAIN ST APT 12   

  3. City, State ZIP Code

    Example: LOS ANGELES CA 90012    

You must include a complete street address, state, and ZIP code for delivery to occur.

Note: If you have both a street address and a PO Box, choose only one—mixing them can confuse the USPS.

USPS Formatting Preferences

To meet USPS conventions:

  • Use all uppercase letters (capital letters).
  • Avoid punctuation, such as periods and commas.
  • Abbreviate street directionals: N, S, E, W instead of North, South, etc.
  • Abbreviate street types: ST (Street), AVE (Avenue), RD (Road), DR (Drive), BLVD (Boulevard), LN (Lane), etc.
  • Abbreviate unit designators: APT (Apartment), STE (Suite), RM (Room), BLDG (Building), DEPT (Department), FL (Floor).
  • If using a number sign (#) before a number (e.g., unit number), add a space (e.g., # 12   ). But if you already use an abbreviation like APT or STE, the number sign isn’t needed.
  • Do not abbreviate the city name.
  • Use the full 9-digit ZIP+4 code if you know it; otherwise a 5-digit ZIP will still work.

Putting It All Together

Here’s an example formatted the way USPS likes it:

JOHN DOE 
456 WASHINGTON AVE STE 300 
PHOENIX AZ 85004-1234

Other valid variations depend on the components you must include, such as apartment/unit numbers or business names.

Tips for Using Additional Lines

OnlineCertifiedMail allows up to five lines for addresses:

  • Use the second name line for things like a company name, job title, or an additional person at the same address.
  • A second street address line is usually unnecessary unless your data source separates the unit number onto another line.
  • If a situation requires three name lines, put the extra name above the address block.

What the Street Address Contains

A street address generally includes:

  • House/Building Number – the numeric identifier of the location.
  • Street Direction – compass direction such as N or E when applicable.
  • Street Name – the main name of the street.
  • Street Type – like ST, AVE, RD, etc.

Example in abbreviated form:

123 E MAIN ST    

Keep in mind that you don’t need to stress over every detail—USPS can usually interpret common address formats as long as the core information is present.

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