Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Tami Claytor. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
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If you're mailing a letter to someone's place of business, addressing it with "Attn," short for "attention," will help ensure it falls into the right hands. Addressing an envelope with "Attn" is easy once you know what to do.
Steps
Sample Envelope
Write "Attn" followed by the name of the recipient. The "Attn" line should always appear at the very top of your delivery address, just before the name of the person you're sending it to. Use a colon after "Attn" to make it clearly readable.[1] This line signifies to the mail carrier exactly for whom the letter is intended.[2]- For example, write "Attn: John Smith," where "John Smith" is replaced with your recipient's name.
- As an alternative, you can write out the full word "attention."
Write the business or organization name next. The name of the company where the person works goes underneath the "Attn" line. The company name should be written on the second line of the destination address.[3]- If the company is large and the person to whom you're writing works for a particular department, include the department name on a line of it's own before you write the company name.
- Not including the company name on the envelope will not usually prevent your letter from being delivered. However, your letter will look less professional, and may not get delivered promptly if you don't include the company name.
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Add the street address beneath the company name. The full street address should be added in a single line. Make sure to include any directional signs (such as "east" or "west"), suite number, or unit number. Suite and unit numbers should not be placed on a separate line unless absolutely necessary.[4]- Make sure you know the exact street address where your recipient works. Many businesses that are located in multi-story or other large buildings will include a suite number in their address. Including this number is crucial.
Fill in the city, state, and postal code on the bottom line. If you know the "ZIP+4" postal code, include it to further ensure that your letter reaches the correct address.
Check your address to ensure it is correct. When you're satisfied that all the details are right, put a stamp in the upper righthand corner and send your letter.[5]
Community Q&A
- QuestionWhere is the "from" section located on an envelope?
Community AnswerThe "from" section is located in the top left corner of the envelope. It goes on the same side as the address and stamp. - QuestionWhere do I write the room number and floor number in an address?
Community AnswerWhen you go to USPS.COM (Look Up a ZIP Code) to verify delivery zip+, the correct way to address the address portion of the envelope will be displayed. USPS loves when you use that format. - QuestionWhere do you put the "attention" line?Community AnswerThe attention line, abbreviated ATTN, should be the first line at the top of the mailing address. The second line is the company or organization where the piece of mail is being sent, if applicable. The delivery/mailing address goes on the next line, followed by the city, state and zip code on the last line.
Video
Tips
- A similar convention to "Attn" is "c/o," which stands for "care of." This marking is used to designate an intermediary who is responsible for delivering the mail to the intended recipient. For example, imagine you need to mail an envelope to John Smith, but only have the address for his mother Mary Smith. To address the envelope, write "John Smith" on the top line, "c/o Mary Smith" on the next line, and Mary's full address on the remaining lines.[6]Thanks
- It is preferred by most postal services that you address your envelopes using all capital letters. This produces a more reliable result from the mail processing equipment.[7]Thanks
- Different countries have different preferred addressing standards. While the general format will be similar, you should check with your country's postal service for exact specifications.Thanks
Warnings
- Do not write the "Attn" line underneath the street address or city. Mail processing machines scan destination addresses from the bottom line up, so adding a line underneath the city may misdirect your letter.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Envelope
- Pen
- Postage
References
- ↑ https://pe.usps.com/text/pub28/28c2_004.htm
- ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/how-to-address-a-package.html
- ↑ https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=DeliveryAddress
- ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-properly-address-an-envelope/452698
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/attention-letter
- ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-do-I-address-mail-In-care-of
- ↑ https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=DeliveryAddress
About This Article
To address an envelope with “Attn,” write “Attn:” at the top center of the envelope, followed by the name of the recipient. Write the name of the person’s company on the next line. Then, on the next line, write the company's address like you normally would on an envelope. For tips on what to do if the recipient works at a big company and you’re worried about them getting the letter, scroll down!
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