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Buy Stamps and Shop. Get stamps online and order shipping supplies. Grow Your Business. Here are effective ways to get more customers and keep them. Send Mail and Packages. We've made it easy to send and ship. Receive Mail and Packages. Hold and redeliver mail online. Send Money and Payments. Send money and pay your bills online. All Products and Services. Comprehensive list of what USPS has to offer. About USPS and News. Learn more about what USPS is doing.

Home > Send Mail & Packages > Prepare Mail & Packages > Labels & Addressing > Addressing Tips & Tools
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Addressing Tips & Tools  
Proper addressing is the start of effective mail delivery.
It’s critical that your mail and packages have a complete address for proper handling. We want you to understand how to address each piece of mail. See letter or package charts below for details.

Addressing:

• Accuracy of Address

Correct address affects efficient delivery of your mail. ZIP + 4 code helps direct your mail. Use our Acronymn & Abbreviations list for a complete address. You can also use our Address Quality products, services and publications to help improve the accuracy of your address list(s) while maintaining your cost to mail.

• Placement

Print the delivery and return addresses on the same side of your envelope or card.

• Addressing Letters & Packages
Print or type clearly with a pen or permanent marker so the address is legible from an arm’s length away.

• Return Address
A return address helps return the mail to you if it is undeliverable.

• Express Mail®
You must use the free address labels provided by the United States Postal Service®.

• Military Mail
You must show the grade, full name with a middle name or initial and PSC number, unit number or ship name. Replace the city name with “APO” or “FPO,” and the state with “AA,” “AE,” or “AP’” and use a special ZIP Code.

Envelopes:

• Letters, Bills, Greeting Cards

These and other documents can be sent in standard white, manila or recycled paper envelopes. Items needing extra protection can be sent in bubble-lined, padded paper or waterproof envelopes.

• Express Mail and Priority Mail®

Envelopes of various sizes are available at no additional charge at your Post Office™ for items sent using either of these services. You can also order them online.

 
Letter and Package Charts

Chart showing how to address mail and packages
Text equivalent for Letter and Package Charts image.


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