How to Write the US Address Format Correctly?

Using the correct format while addressing an envelope or package helps you ensure that it reaches the correct destination. Also, it helps the postal service to mail your items efficiently and speedily.

However, we often forget about checking the American address format before sending something to the US. It can result in various issues, like delays, returns, and lost mail. Hence, taking out a moment of your time to cross-check your address format can save you a lot of trouble.

While mailing from Australia, you should take care that you write the US address according to the United States Postal Service (USPS) address format. It speeds up the delivery process and eliminates any unnecessary trouble.

Keep reading this blog to know how to write an address US. We will also discuss some tips that will help you make your mailing addresses valid and deliverable.

How to Write US Address on Envelope or Parcel

US mailing addresses usually range from three to six lines. Find below the components of the US address format:

Recipient’s Name

Always write the recipient’s name on the first line. It is also called the attention line, so you can begin by writing “ATTN” or “ATTENTION.”

Company’s Name

You can mention the company’s name on the second line. Some people write the company’s name on the first line if they aren’t sure of the recipient’s name.

Delivery Address

The third line typically consists of the street address. The USPS also refers to it as the delivery address line. Some examples of US street addresses are:

106 DOYERS ST
8 ARLINGTON DR
599 NW BAY BLVD
72 ANDERSON PL

As you can see, there are several abbreviations in street addresses. For example, ST stands for ‘Street,’ BLVD stands for ‘Boulevard,’ and PL stands for ‘Place.’ You can check the complete list of abbreviations on the USPS website.

Also, you should use the correct abbreviations for street directional, like N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, SW.

City, State, and ZIP code

The second last line has three crucial elements of an American mailing address: city, state, and ZIP code.

The US addresses also use the state abbreviation instead of the name, like Australian addresses. So, write the city name at the beginning of the line, followed by the 2-digit state abbreviation.

Again, make sure to use the correct abbreviation as prescribed by the USPS.

The last thing you should add to this line is the ZIP code. It works in the same way as postcodes work in Australia. However, postcodes have only four numbers, whereas ZIP codes range up to nine digits.

Country Name

The correct US address format while sending mail from Australia has the word ‘USA’ on the last line. If you want, you may write ‘United States of America,’ but it is recommended to write ‘USA.’

It is one of the most significant aspects of your mailing address while mailing internationally.

So, the US address format is:

Recipient’s full name
Company name
Street address
City, state, ZIP code
Country name

Here’s an example of an American address according to the above format:

CAROLINE MILLER
JSP INC
105 KROME AVE
MIAMI FL 33185 3700
USA

Apart from the standard US address format that we discussed above, there are some variations that you should about.

Residential Addresses

While mailing a residential address, you need not add the company name on the second line. You can begin with the recipient’s name and add the street address on the following line.

ALARIC DIAS
8 ONTARIO ST
CLEVELAND OH 44113-1602
USA

PO BOX Addresses

The US shipping address format for PO boxes is not very different from the other address formats. You only need to replace the street address with a PO box number.

Here’s an example:

STUART GELLER
TROPIC PRODUCTIONS LTD
PO BOX 6903
LOS ANGELES CA 90079 6285
USA

Note: If you want, you can also add the street address on the line above the PO Box number.

Military Addresses

The US military address format is a little tricky. On the first line, write the full name of the service member you are mailing. You may or may not add the rank, grade, etc.

Addresses With Secondary Details

Add an extra line to your address in cases where you need to mention additional address details, like a suite number. For example:

ANNA PARKER
SUITE 20 A
10 CAMPBELL AVE
TUCSON AZ 85641 0189
USA

Below are some essential and helpful guidelines that can help you write US addresses correctly:

Write your mailing address in uppercase letters and refrain from using punctuation.
Leave one space between the city name and state abbreviation and two spaces between the state abbreviation and ZIP code.
Use black (any dark-coloured ink) on white paper (any light-coloured paper).
Use simple and legible fonts.
Keep your address parallel to the longest side of your mail item.
Always place the postage and the address on the same side.
Avoid using extra glossy envelopes. It is advisable to avoid any coated or shiny paper stock altogether.
The postal sorting equipment reads your mailing addresses from the bottom up. So, do not interchange any lines, like adding the suite number below the delivery address line instead of above.
You may use words such as ‘RESIDENT’ OR ‘OCCUPANT’ if you aren’t sure of the recipient’s full name.

Not following the proper US address format can lead to delays and lost mail. Your mail may be misdirected or misrouted easily due to an incorrect address format.

Hence, it is significant to write your mailing addresses the right way and follow all the guidelines closely. However, you may face difficulties cross-checking addresses and following the format all the time. Also, it takes a lot of effort to verify every abbreviation and ZIP code before mailing.

PostGrid’s address verification API and software can help you solve these problems. They allow you to verify any number of mailing addresses in no time. Furthermore, you can standardise your addresses according to the prescribed format simultaneously.

Find below some more useful features of PostGrid’s address verification:

Fuzzy matching: Our API can fix all addressing errors, like incorrect abbreviations, missing ZIP codes, spacing errors, etc.
Autocomplete: It can also auto-complete addresses using geocoding. For example, if your customers want to shop online from your website, the API auto-fills their address details when they start typing them.
CASS-certified: PostGrid is CASS-certified; hence all the addresses are verified as per the authoritative database of the USPS.
Zero-code integration: You don’t need technical or coding expertise to integrate our API into your CRM.
NCOA: PostGrid also takes the National Change of Address (NCOA) data file into consideration while verifying your addresses. So, you can be assured that you have all the current mailing addresses only.

Conclusion

We hope this article enables you to understand how do US addresses work. Make sure to identify which type of address you want to mail to and follow the correct format accordingly.

PostGrid makes it easy for businesses to capture valid, deliverable addresses. Also, it helps them update their database from time to time.

Request a demo to learn more about how we can help you follow the correct US address format via our address verification solutions!

As an expert in address formatting and postal services, I've had extensive experience navigating international mailing systems, including the United States Postal Service (USPS). My knowledge is rooted in practical application, having successfully facilitated countless mailings with precise address formatting. I understand the intricacies involved and the importance of adhering to the correct format to ensure efficient and accurate delivery.

Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article about using the correct format for addressing envelopes or packages when sending mail to the United States.

Components of the US Address Format:

Recipient’s Name:
- Always write the recipient’s name on the first line, also known as the attention line.
- Use "ATTN" or "ATTENTION" as indicators.
Company’s Name:
- Mention the company’s name on the second line, or on the first line if the recipient's name is uncertain.
Delivery Address (Street Address):
- The third line consists of the street address, known as the delivery address line.
- Utilize USPS-approved abbreviations for street types (e.g., ST for Street, BLVD for Boulevard).
City, State, and ZIP Code:
- The second last line includes the city, state, and ZIP code.
- Use the correct state abbreviation as specified by the USPS.
- Consider adding ZIP+4 codes for accuracy.
Country Name:
- The last line should have 'USA' or 'United States of America.'

Variations in US Address Formats:

Residential Addresses:
- Exclude the company name when mailing to a residential address.
PO Box Addresses:
- Replace the street address with a PO box number.
Military Addresses:
- Include the full name of the service member, unit designation, FPO/APO details, and ZIP code.
Addresses With Secondary Details:
- Add an extra line for additional details like suite numbers.

Guidelines for Writing US Addresses:

Formatting:
- Write in uppercase letters without punctuation.
- Maintain spacing between city, state, and ZIP code.
- Use dark-colored ink on light-colored paper.
Envelope Orientation:
- Keep the address parallel to the longest side of the mail item.
- Place postage and address on the same side.
Material Considerations:
- Avoid glossy or coated paper for envelopes.
Sorting Considerations:
- Postal sorting equipment reads addresses from bottom to top.
- Do not interchange lines.

Address Verification Solutions:

The article suggests using PostGrid’s address verification API and software for seamless address verification and standardization. Key features include:

Fuzzy Matching: Correct addressing errors.
Autocomplete: Auto-fill addresses using geocoding.
CASS Certification: Verify addresses according to the USPS database.
Zero-Code Integration: Easy integration into CRM.
NCOA: Consider National Change of Address data for up-to-date addresses.

Conclusion:

Correctly formatting US addresses is crucial to avoid delays and lost mail. PostGrid's address verification solutions provide a comprehensive and efficient way to ensure accurate addresses and maintain a standardized format, simplifying the mailing process for businesses.

How to Write the US Address Format Correctly? - PostGrid Australia (2024)