How to Write 'From' and 'To' Addresses on Envelopes: the Definitive Step-by-Step Guide
By Elena Rostova
The recipient mailing address sits directly in the center of the envelope, serving as the primary delivery address line target for mail processing equipment.
Always write the recipient's legal name on the first line. When sending to a business, write the individual’s name first, followed by the company or department name on the line immediately below.
Keep every line parallel to the bottom edge of the envelope. Slanted text forces the OCR scanner to recalculate baseline angles, increasing error rates during automated transit.
Punctuation should be minimized. While commas and periods feel natural in formal writing, USPS addressing guidelines recommend omitting commas between the city and state, and avoiding periods after abbreviations like "St" or "Apt." Clean, unpunctuated text produces cleaner digital scans.
Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.
