How To Label An Envelope: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Label A Envelope » How To Label An Envelope: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • 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 How to Label an Envelope: A Complete Guide (with Examples) PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Tami Claytor and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: August 26, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Return Address
    • |
  • Mailing Address
    • |
  • Postage
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. 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. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,259,842 times.

Whether you’re sending a letter to a friend, loved one, or future employer, making sure it gets to the right person is crucial. If you’re not sure how to label an envelope or letter, worry not because we’ve put together a helpful step-by-step guide just for you! Keep reading to learn how to write a return and mailing address and use stamps.

Things You Should Know

  • Put your name, street address, and ZIP code in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope so the letter can be mailed back to you if it gets lost.
  • Label the center of the envelope with the recipient’s name, title, and address to ensure it gets to the right person.
  • Don't forget to put a stamp in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope—if your letter weighs more than 1 oz (28 g), use two!

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Return Address

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Put your name in the upper left-hand corner. 1 Put your name in the upper left-hand corner. Place the envelope on a flat surface with the flat side facing up. Write your first and last name in your neatest handwriting. If you have a special title, like Mr., Mrs., Dr., or General, include that too.[1]
    • For example, you might write “General John Doe” or “John Doe.”
    • A return address is your home address or the place where you’re sending the letter from. It ensures that if something happens to your letter, it can be sent back to you.[2]
  2. Step 2 Print your street address under your name. 2 Print your street address under your name. Write your street address on the second line in the upper left-hand corner. If you live in an apartment complex, include your apartment or suite number.[3]
    • For instance, you might write “123 Long Street” or “123 Long Street Apt. 45.”
    • If you’re mailing your envelope from a PO box, list the PO box instead of the street address.[4]
  3. Step 3 Place your city, state, and ZIP code under the street address. 3 Place your city, state, and ZIP code under the street address. If this information takes up more than one line, that’s okay! Simply write the ZIP code on a fourth line.[5]
    • The third line of your return address may look like “Radstock, FL 32178.”
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Mailing Address

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Print the name of the person you're sending the mail to. 1 Print the name of the person you're sending the mail to.[6] Write out the first and last name of the person receiving the envelope in the center of the envelope. If they have a legal or professional title, like Mr., Mrs., Dr., or General, include that too.[7]
    • The mailing address is where you want the envelope to go, indicating the letter’s destination.
    • For example, you may write “Bob Smith” or “Mr. Bob Smith.”
  2. Step 2 Add an attention line if the letter is for an individual at a company. 2 Add an attention line if the letter is for an individual at a company. Say you’re sending an envelope to a business’s head office. There are multiple people in an office, so you need to specify who the letter is for. Use the abbreviation “ATTN:” along with the person’s name under the business or company's name.[8]
    • For instance, if the envelope is being sent to a company named Big Corporation X but is for a Bob Smith, you’d write “ATTN: Bob Smith” under the first line of the mailing address or company name.
    • This helps ensure that your letter winds up in the correct person’s hands instead of getting lost in a company’s mail room.
  3. Step 3 Use the abbreviation... 3 Use the abbreviation "c/o" if the letter will be handed to someone else.[9] Write “c/o” (which stands for “in care of”) on the second line if you're sending the envelope to someone who doesn't live at the address.[10]
    • For instance, say you want to send a letter to your aunt, who is staying with your grandma for a few months. Write your aunt's name on the first line and your grandma's name on the second line after “c/o.”
    • If you’re applying for a job, address the envelope to the head of the hiring committee, but include the name of the administrative assistant handling applications after “c/o”: “c/o John Smith.”
  4. Step 4 Write the recipient's street address under their name. 4 Write the recipient's street address under their name.[11] The street address can be on the second or third line of the mailing address, depending on if you’ve included an “ATTN:” or “c/o” label.[12] Include the entire address and any apartment or suite numbers.
    • You may write something like, “456 West Street” or “456 West Street Apt. 78.”
  5. Step 5 Print the recipient’s city, state, and ZIP code under the street address. 5 Print the recipient’s city, state, and ZIP code under the street address.[13] Place a comma between the city and state, and write down the state using its abbreviation.
    • For example, the final line in the mailing address may be, “McEwen, TN 37101.”
    • Some people prefer using a ZIP+4 code when sending letters to avoid possible errors in delivery, as the extra 4 numbers identify specific geographic regions like city blocks. To find a ZIP+4 code, use the USPS’s ZIP code finder.[14]
    • If you’re sending mail internationally, include the recipient’s city, province/state/county, and postal code under the street address, and then the country on the following line.[15]
  6. Step 6 Detail military addresses with department information. 6 Detail military addresses with department information. If you’re sending an envelope to a military address, put the recipient's full name on the first line of the mailing address, along with their PSC number, unit number, or ship name. Use “APO” (Air/Army Post Office), “FPO” (Fleet Post Office), or “DPO” (Diplomatic Post Office) instead of a city in the second or third line.[16] Replace the state with “AA” (Armed Forces of the Americas), “AE” (Armed Forces of Europe), or “AP” (Armed Forces of the Pacific), and use a ZIP+4 code.[17]
    • For instance, the first line may read, “PFC Harry Dobson,” with the second line being, “45th ENG 2nd PLT - B CO,” and the third, “APO AE 34566-2367.”
    • Use USPS’s APO/FPO/DPO Restrictions tool to search for military ZIP codes.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Postage

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Get a First... 1 Get a First Class Mail Stamp to mail a regular letter. Every letter or envelope needs some sort of postage. Basically, it’s how you pay for your letter to be delivered![18]
    • As of July 2022, stamps cost $0.78 each.[19]
    • How many stamps you’ll need on an envelope depends on its weight. As a general rule, you need 1 stamp for every 1 oz (28 g).[20]
    • If you’re unsure how many stamps you should put on your envelope, head to or call your local post office.
  2. Step 2 Place the stamp in the upper right-hand corner of your envelope. 2 Place the stamp in the upper right-hand corner of your envelope. Simply stick a stamp (or more, if necessary) on your envelope before you place it in a mailbox or give it to a mail carrier. Make sure the stamp doesn’t go over any parts of your addresses.[21]
  3. Step 3 Use the appropriate postage if your envelope is oddly-shaped or heavy. 3 Use the appropriate postage if your envelope is oddly-shaped or heavy. There are multiple types of USPS postage, and their rates change quite frequently. Head to USPS’s official website to see how much stamps cost and how heavy your envelope can be.
    • Large envelopes or small packages currently cost $1.20 to mail.[22]
    • First-Class Mail letters can’t weigh more than 3.5 oz (99 g), and First-Class envelopes can’t weigh more than 13 oz (369 g).
    • Old stamps may not fully cover mailing costs. A good way to handle surprise rate increases is to purchase Forever Stamps. These are non-denominational stamps used to mail First-Class letters forever, regardless of subsequent price increases.[23]
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Where do I place stickers on an envelope I am going to mail? Community Answer Community Answer It depends on the sticker. If the sticker is a post stamp, it will go in the upper right corner. If the sticker contains your address (return label), it will go in the upper left corner. If the sticker is a seal, or just a kid's sticker, you can place it on the back of the envelop, right over the center of the flap. 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 22 Helpful 75
  • Question Should I use pen or pencil? Community Answer Community Answer Though it is not strictly required, it is recommended that one use a permanent pen or marker. A pencil may be used, but is not recommended as it can become erased, therefore hindering proper delivery of the parcel. When writing with a marker or felt tip pen, prepare the envelope before inserting the letter so the ink does not bleed onto the letter. 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 24 Helpful 55
  • Question Is a zip code the same thing as a postal code? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. The term "zip code" is mainly used in the USA, while the term "postal code" is commonly used in other countries. 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 28 Helpful 78
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

  • Write on your envelope with a permanent pen or marker. If you don't use a permanent pen, the mailing or return address could smudge before or during shipping.[24] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Let your marker or pen dry before touching the envelope, or else the writing may smudge and become illegible.
  • Make sure to seal the envelope with tape, stickers, or by licking the adhesive strip.
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

Warnings

  • Always use legible handwriting and avoid cursive when writing on an envelope, so the mail carrier can make sure it gets to the right place. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
  • Never use commas or periods outside of the city and state information when addressing your envelope, as it may lead to delivery confusion.[25] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Mail a LetterHow to Address and Send a Letter in the Mail (Domestic & International) Address a Large EnvelopeHow toAddress a Large Envelope Address to a PO BoxHow toAddress to a PO Box Write a Professional Mailing Address on an EnvelopeHow toWrite a Professional Mailing Address on an Envelope Write a Return AddressHow to Format a Return Address for Letters & Packages Write an Address on a PackageHow toWrite an Address on a Package Write an Address on an EnvelopeHow toWrite an Address on an Envelope Write an Apartment AddressHow to Write an Address with an Apartment Number Address a LetterHow toAddress a Letter Put a Stamp on an EnvelopeHow toPut a Stamp on an Envelope Address a Business Envelope EffectivelyHow toAddress a Business Envelope Effectively Address a Letter to EnglandHow toAddress a Letter to England Address a Letter in AustraliaHow to Write an Australian Address for Letters & Parcels Address College Recommendation EnvelopesHow toAddress College Recommendation Envelopes Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/print-shipping-labels/how-to-write-address.page
  2. ↑ https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=ReturnAddress
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/C7VXXSk-M_s?t=17
  4. ↑ https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/print-shipping-labels/how-to-write-address.page
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/C7VXXSk-M_s?t=25
  6. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/print-shipping-labels/how-to-write-address.page
  8. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-address-envelope-t156576
  9. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-do-I-address-mail-In-care-of
More References (16)
  1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-do-I-address-mail-In-care-of
  2. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-attention-letter
  4. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=DeliveryAddress
  6. ↑ https://www.usps.com/international/letters.htm
  7. ↑ https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/addressing-mail.htm
  8. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-Do-I-Address-Military-Mail
  9. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Postage-Stamps-The-Basics#whatarepostagestamps
  10. ↑ https://www.stamps.com/usps/current-postage-rates/
  11. ↑ https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22218/kit1_021.html
  12. ↑ https://postalmuseum.si.edu/how-to-mail-a-letter
  13. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm
  14. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Postage-Stamps-The-Basics#foreverstamps
  15. ↑ https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/addressing-mail.htm
  16. ↑ https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/addressing-mail.htm

About This Article

Tami Claytor Co-authored by: Tami Claytor Etiquette Coach This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. 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 2,259,842 times. 32 votes - 72% Co-authors: 31 Updated: August 26, 2025 Views: 2,259,842 Categories: Featured Articles | Addressing Envelopes Article SummaryX

To address or label an envelope, first write the return address on the front top left corner by including your name, your street address, and your city, state, and zip code. To write the mailing address, print the name of the person you’re sending the letter to in the center of the front of the envelope. Write the recipient’s street address on the line below their name. Finally, write their city, state, and zip code on the third line. When you’re done addressing the envelope, place a stamp in the upper right corner before sending it to the recipient. To learn about adding the correct postage to your envelope, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,259,842 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sergio Maldonado

    Sergio Maldonado

    Oct 25, 2017

    "I know how to address a basic letter, but I had some doubts on how to address it to a company and to a specific..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Tami Claytor Co-authored by: Tami Claytor Etiquette Coach 32 votes - 72% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 31 Updated: August 26, 2025 Views: 2,259,842 Sergio Maldonado

Sergio Maldonado

Oct 25, 2017

"I know how to address a basic letter, but I had some doubts on how to address it to a company and to a specific..." more Rated this article: Quinn Elder

Quinn Elder

Jun 6, 2017

"I had a brain-blank and suddenly didn't remember where to put the stamp! I typed my problem into Google and,..." more Corey S.

Corey S.

Jun 13, 2024

"Thank you for your help. I was getting confused at first, but I am not anymore. Writing letters is not that common..." more Rated this article: Anya Tasha

Anya Tasha

Mar 19, 2017

"I was dong a summative assessment and was asked to write a letter. Due to emails and What-sup, I had never written..." more Rated this article: Izzy Martinez

Izzy Martinez

Nov 19, 2016

"Honestly, nobody has ever taught me how to mail an envelope before, so this was really helpful. I'll be sure..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Grammar TestGrammar TestTake QuizCollege Recommendation ToolCollege Recommendation ToolThank You Message GeneratorThank You Message GeneratorGenerateDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizImpossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizGeneral Knowledge QuizGeneral Knowledge QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Mail a LetterHow to Address and Send a Letter in the Mail (Domestic & International)Address a Large EnvelopeHow toAddress a Large EnvelopeAddress to a PO BoxHow toAddress to a PO BoxWrite a Professional Mailing Address on an EnvelopeHow toWrite a Professional Mailing Address on an Envelope

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)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?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb CrushesYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?What Is Your Lip Type?

Quizzes & Games

Am I Ready for College QuizAm I Ready for College QuizTake QuizLast Name Generator​Last Name Generator​Generate NamesIQ TestIQ TestTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWill I Get Together With My Crush QuizWill I Get Together With My Crush QuizTake QuizWhat Would I Do As President QuizWhat Would I Do As President QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Education and Communications
  • Stationery
  • Addressing Envelopes
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.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --594

Tag » How To Label A Envelope