Address Guidelines for Domestic U.S. Mail

The key to successful delivery and optimal mail service is a clear and accurate delivery address. For all classes of U.S. mail, we strongly advise that you format the address according to U.S. Postal Service recommendations. We enclose two examples below. Please note that the order of the address lines is very important:

Business Address

• JANE SMITH
• VICE PRESIDENT
• SALES DIV
• ABC SALES CO INC
• 100 MAIN STREET STE 500
• SUNSHINE CA 90010-1234

Residential Address

• JANE SMITH
• 23 ELM ST APT 4A
• SUNSHINE CA 90012-4321

The campus address used for the return address should always be formatted according to campus address standards.

Address Formatting Tips

DO:

• Type or print the address
• Use a fixed space 10- or 12-point font (e.g., Courier)
• Use all capitals and no punctuation
• Use the correct abbreviations (e.g., CA instead of Calif.)
• Include a ZIP Code (or ZIP+4 if available).

DO NOT

• Hand write the address
• Use small fonts
• Use proportional or script fonts
• Use double spacing
• Include any text below the city/state/ZIP

Mail Piece Design

There are many elements that impact the delivery, cost and effectiveness of your mail piece. These may include size, visual appeal, and legibility, and then there are a number of technical requirements for automated delivery of your mail or proper design of business reply cards.

Please contact Mail Services if you need any assistance in planning or preparing your mail piece. We offer this service free of charge.