Address For Success
The following is recommended in the sequence and position indicated for addressing to insure efficient handling and delivery by the US Postal Service:
- Type or machine-print all address information.
- Make sure print is clear and sharp.
- Ensure address characters don't touch or overlap.
- Black ink on a white background is best.
- Maintain a uniform left margin.
- Use upper-case letters - capitalize everything in the address.
- Omit all punctuation.
- 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.
Domestic Address Format
International Address Format
Make sure the place where you want the mail delivered appears on the line immediately above the city, state and zip code line.
123 W MAIN ST STE 400 or P O BOX 125
If both the street address and the P O Box are on the same line, the mail piece will be delivered to the P O Box.
Address Placement
Envelopes
Placement of the address on the face of an envelope should conform to USPS specifications as shown in Exhibit 1.
Labels
Labels for use on parcels, packages or large envelopes must be addressed according to the recommended format in Exhibit 1. Improperly prepared labels will be returned to you for correction and/or completion. Labels that are applied must be parallel to the bottom edge of the envelope to be processed by the USPS on automation equipment.
1. The Address Area: The complete address should be located within the white area (no return address information). Extraneous (non address) printing or markings should appear as high on the mail piece and as far away from the address as possible.
2. Barcode Read Area: Please make sure that this area remains clear of all printing. It's reserved for the bar code that will be printed by Optical Character Reader (OCR).
