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] X Research source
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] X Research source
The third line of your return address may look like “Radstock, FL 32178. ”
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. ”
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.
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. ”
You may write something like, “456 West Street” or “456 West Street Apt. 78. ”
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. [9] X Research source 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. [10] X Research source
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.
As of July 2022, stamps cost $0. 60 each. [14] X Research source 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). [15] X Research source If you’re unsure how many stamps you should put on your envelope, head to or call your local post office.
Large envelopes or small packages currently cost $1. 20 to mail. [16] X Research source 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. [17] X Research source
