PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Relationships
Social Interactions
Etiquette
How to Address a Mayor Download Article Co-authored by Tami Claytor and Jennifer Mueller, JD
Last Updated: December 31, 2024
Download Article
Addressing a Mayor in Correspondence
|
Addressing a Mayor in Person
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been viewed 212,631 times.
Generally, you address a mayor as "Mayor" followed by their last name. If you do this, either in writing or in person, you'll convey proper respect and not offend anybody. However, in certain contexts, you may want to address a mayor more formally. If you're writing a formal letter to the mayor, or introducing the mayor at an event, use the mayor's full title and refer to them as "The Honorable." Following proper protocol ensures that you'll be taken seriously.[1]XResearch source
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Addressing a Mayor in Correspondence
Download Article
1 Use the mayor's full formal title on the envelope. If you're mailing a formal letter to the mayor, the outside should be addressed to the mayor by their first and last name, along with "Mayor" and any other honorific typically bestowed on a mayor.[2]XResearch source
In the US, put "The Honorable" on the first line of your address block along with the mayor's first and last name. For example: The Honorable Megan Barry.
On the second line of the address block, provide the city. For example: Mayor of Nashville.
In other countries, mayors may have different formal titles. You still generally want to use the mayor's full formal title on the envelope. For example, in the UK and British commonwealth countries, a mayor's full formal title is "His/Her Worship Mayor Firstname A. Lastname." For example: Her Worship Mayor Megan C. Barry.[3]XResearch source
2 Include the shorter title "Mayor" in your salutation. On the inside of a formal letter, you don't need to repeat the mayor's full formal title. You can simply address them as "Mayor" followed by their last name in most instances.[4]XResearch source
For example: Dear Mayor Barry. Follow your salutation with a comma, double space, and continue with your letter.
Double-check proper protocol outside the US. For example, in Canada it is also acceptable to use a polite salutation such as "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam."[5]XResearch source
Advertisement
3 Maintain a respectful tone throughout your letter. Even though your letter is addressed directly to the mayor, you may want to address them again in the body of your letter. On subsequent mention, using "Mayor" with their last name is most appropriate.[6]XResearch source
You might also use Mr. Mayor or Madam Mayor if you want.
Be careful not to overdo it when using the mayor's name in the body of your letter. You might want to use it at the end, when you're urging the mayor to act in response to the issue you've raised. It's not necessary to include it throughout the letter.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Addressing a Mayor in Person
Download Article
1 Call the mayor by their shortened title when first meeting them. When you are initially introduced to the mayor, address them as "Mayor" with their last name. There's no need to call them by their full formal title.[7]XResearch source [8]X Expert Source Tami ClaytorEtiquette CoachExpert Interview
Use this form of address even if you're initially introduced to them more casually. Allow the mayor to tell you if you have their permission to call them something else, such as by their first name.
2 Maintain a polite address throughout the conversation. If you continue talking to the mayor and want to use their name again, it is appropriate to address them as "Mayor" with their last name, or to use sir or ma'am.[9]XResearch source
In the US, you can also address the mayor as "Your Honor," although this is considered more formal. Saying "Mr. Mayor" or "Madam Mayor" is also acceptable. Listen to the forms of address people around you use if you're unsure – particularly staff in the mayor's office.
Other countries may follow different formalities. When in doubt, listen to others around you or ask a member of the mayor's staff how you should properly address the mayor. For example, in Canada you could also refer to the mayor as "Your Worship," although this is considered more formal (similar to "Your Honor" in the US).[10]XResearch source
3 Use the mayor's full formal title when introducing them to an audience. A public event or speaking engagement typically is a more formal occasion where the mayor is appearing in their official capacity. If you're introducing them, their full formal title is appropriate.[11]XResearch source
For example, if you were introducing the Mayor of Nashville at a public event, you would address her as "The Honorable Megan Barry, Mayor of the city of Nashville."
Full formal titles vary among countries, so make sure you're using the correct title. For example, in the UK and British commonwealth countries, you typically would say "The Worshipful The Mayor of Nashville, Councillor Megan Barry."
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How could I have a meeting with the mayor? Tom De Backer Top Answerer Just call up his office and make an appointment to discuss the issue. It would have to be a serious enough topic, obviously, that would not be better handled by any of his staff. In fact, you could have a meeting with anyone alive on this planet today, a farmer in Brazil or the president of China, if your topic is of sufficient interest to the other person. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 14
Question How do I introduce a mayor as a guest speaker? Community Answer Begin with: "Thank all of you for coming. I would like to thank Mayor [name of mayor] for being our guest speaker today and talking about [whatever the mayor will be talking about]. And now, please give a welcome to our mayor." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Reserve formal titles only for mayors currently in office. For some elected officials, it is customary that they retain the title even after they leave office. However, there is only one mayor of a city at any given time. Use a regular salutation such as Mr., Ms., or Dr. to address a former mayor, or a mayor-elect who hasn't been sworn into office yet.[12]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toAddress a Letter to a Government OfficialHow toWrite a Letter to the Mayor of Your CityHow toAddress LordsHow toAddress a GovernorHow toAddress a Formal LetterHow toAddress a LetterHow toAddress a Prime Minister in a LetterHow toAddress a CommissionerHow toAddress a SenatorHow toAddress a Letter to an EmbassyHow to Properly Address an ArchbishopHow toAddress an MPHow toAddress AmbassadorsHow toAddress a Magistrate Advertisement
Co-authored by: Tami Claytor Etiquette Coach This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been viewed 212,631 times. 42 votes - 75% Co-authors: 5Updated: December 31, 2024 Views: 212,631 Categories: EtiquetteArticle SummaryX
To address a mayor, address them as "Mayor" followed by their last name if you're talking to them in person. If you continue talking to them and want to use their name again, you can address them the same way or simply say "sir" or "madam." However, if you're sending the mayor a formal letter, include their full formal title on the envelope. For example, in the U.S., you would write something like "The Honorable Megan Berry, Mayor of Nashville." To learn how to address a mayor throughout the body of a formal letter, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languagesJapanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 212,631 times.
Reader Success Stories
Iva Harris
Apr 21, 2023
"This helped me tremendously. Thank you."
Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Tami Claytor Etiquette Coach 42 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 5Updated: December 31, 2024 Views: 212,631
Iva Harris
Apr 21, 2023
"This helped me tremendously. Thank you." Share yours!
Quizzes & Games
Craft a Personal Congratulations MessageGenerateThank You Message GeneratorGenerateWhat Would I Do As President QuizTake QuizNickname GeneratorGenerate NamesLast Name GeneratorGenerate NamesImpossible English TestTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toAddress a Letter to a Government OfficialHow toWrite a Letter to the Mayor of Your CityHow toAddress LordsHow toAddress a Governor
Featured Articles
What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)
Trending Articles
What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereBest Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧Compatibility Test
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey FastWhat Am I Craving Quiz150 Unique & Sentimental Ways to Say “Happy New Year”30+ New Year’s Eve Games to Keep Your NYE Party GoingWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family Test
Quizzes & Games
Condolence Message CreatorGenerateWhich American Dialect Do I Have QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizHappy Birthday Message GeneratorGenerateGuess the Mystery Word QuizTake QuizGrammar TestTake Quiz
Categories
Relationships
Social Interactions
Etiquette
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Tami Claytor and Jennifer Mueller, JD 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Tami Claytor Etiquette Coach This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been viewed 212,631 times. 42 votes - 75% Co-authors: 5 Updated: December 31, 2024 Views: 212,631 Categories: Etiquette Article SummaryX
Generate
Generate
Take Quiz
Generate Names
Generate Names
Take Quiz 
Generate
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
482 
1 Use the mayor's full formal title on the envelope. If you're mailing a formal letter to the mayor, the outside should be addressed to the mayor by their first and last name, along with "Mayor" and any other honorific typically bestowed on a mayor.[2] 
2 Include the shorter title "Mayor" in your salutation. On the inside of a formal letter, you don't need to repeat the mayor's full formal title. You can simply address them as "Mayor" followed by their last name in most instances.[4] 
3 Maintain a respectful tone throughout your letter. Even though your letter is addressed directly to the mayor, you may want to address them again in the body of your letter. On subsequent mention, using "Mayor" with their last name is most appropriate.[6] 
1 Call the mayor by their shortened title when first meeting them. When you are initially introduced to the mayor, address them as "Mayor" with their last name. There's no need to call them by their full formal title.[7] [8] 
2 Maintain a polite address throughout the conversation. If you continue talking to the mayor and want to use their name again, it is appropriate to address them as "Mayor" with their last name, or to use sir or ma'am.[9] 
3 Use the mayor's full formal title when introducing them to an audience. A public event or speaking engagement typically is a more formal occasion where the mayor is appearing in their official capacity. If you're introducing them, their full formal title is appropriate.[11] 
Tom De Backer Top Answerer Just call up his office and make an appointment to discuss the issue. It would have to be a serious enough topic, obviously, that would not be better handled by any of his staff. In fact, you could have a meeting with anyone alive on this planet today, a farmer in Brazil or the president of China, if your topic is of sufficient interest to the other person. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 14 
Community Answer Begin with: "Thank all of you for coming. I would like to thank Mayor [name of mayor] for being our guest speaker today and talking about [whatever the mayor will be talking about]. And now, please give a welcome to our mayor." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13 