How Do I Fill Out an Envelope?

To correctly fill out an envelope, you will place the sender's return address in the top left corner, the recipient's mailing address in the lower center, and a postage stamp in the top right corner, all on the same flat side of the envelope.

The Essentials of Addressing an Envelope

Properly addressing an envelope ensures your mail reaches its intended destination efficiently. Following a few straightforward guidelines makes the process simple, whether you're sending a personal letter or important documents. The key is clear, accurate information placed in the correct locations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing Your Mail

Successfully sending mail involves three primary components on the front of the envelope: your return address, the recipient's address, and postage.

1. Sender's Return Address

Your return address identifies who sent the mail and where it should be returned if undeliverable.

Placement: This information goes in the top left corner of the envelope.
What to include:
- Your full name (or company name)
- Your full street address (including apartment or suite number, if applicable)
- Your city, state, and ZIP Code

Example:

Jane A. Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 90210

2. Recipient's Mailing Address

This is the most critical part, as it dictates where your mail will be delivered. Accuracy is paramount.

Placement: This information goes in the lower center of the envelope.
What to include:
- The recipient's full name (or company name)
- Their full street address (including apartment, suite, or unit number, if applicable)
- Their city, state, and ZIP Code
- Optional: Attention line (e.g., "ATTN: Human Resources")
Example:
```
Mr. John B. Smith
Acme Corporation
456 Oak Avenue, Ste 7B
Big City, NY 10001
```
For best results, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends typing or clearly printing addresses in all capital letters with no punctuation.

3. Affixing Postage

Postage is the fee paid to the postal service for delivery. Without it, your mail will not be sent.

Placement: The stamp or postage meter imprint goes in the top right corner of the envelope.
What to use:
- A Forever Stamp covers the cost of a 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter regardless of future price changes.
- Additional postage may be required for envelopes exceeding 1 ounce, those with irregular shapes, or for larger envelopes and packages. You can determine exact postage needs using the USPS Postage Price Calculator.

Key Considerations for Flawless Delivery

Beyond the basic placement, certain details can significantly impact the deliverability of your mail.

Clarity and Readability: Always use clear, legible handwriting or print. Avoid fancy fonts or colors that might be hard for postal scanning equipment to read.
Correct ZIP Code: A five-digit ZIP Code is essential, but a nine-digit ZIP+4 Code (e.g., 90210-1234) can further expedite delivery by pinpointing a specific delivery route. You can find correct ZIP Codes using the USPS ZIP Code Lookup tool.
Envelope Type: Use an appropriate envelope size and material for your contents. Avoid overstuffing, which can tear the envelope or obscure address information.
International Mail: For international destinations, include the full country name on its own line, often in all capital letters, below the city and postal code line of the recipient's address.

Envelope Addressing Summary

This table summarizes where each crucial piece of information should be placed on your envelope:

Information Type	Placement on Envelope	Details
Sender's Return Address	Top Left Corner	Your Name, Street, City, State, ZIP
Recipient's Address	Lower Center	Recipient's Name, Street, City, State, ZIP
Postage	Top Right Corner	Stamp or Postage Meter Imprint

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your letters and documents are addressed correctly and reach their intended recipients without delay.