How to Address a Postcard

Postcards are a great way to send a quick note or update to friends and family. They’re also a fun and affordable way to travel the world. But if you’re not familiar with how to address a postcard, it can be a bit confusing. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

The first thing you need to do is decide what size postcard you want to send. Postcards come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will fit your message. Once you’ve chosen a size, you need to decide what orientation you want the postcard to be in. Postcards can be either landscape or portrait, so it’s important to choose the one that will best display your message.

Finally, you need to write your message on the postcard. Keep your message brief and to the point, since there’s not a lot of space to write on a postcard. If you need to include more information, you can always write it on the back of the postcard. When you’re finished writing your message, you need to sign and date the postcard.

Formal vs. Informal Postcards

The level of formality in a postcard’s address depends on the nature of the message and the relationship between the sender and recipient. Here’s a guide to help you determine the appropriate address for different types of postcards:

Formal Postcards

Appropriate for: Business correspondence, official invitations, or messages to government officials.

Elements:

Recipient’s full name with titles (if applicable): Mr./Ms. / Dr./ Prof. / etc.
Recipient’s position or affiliation (if relevant): President of ABC Company / Member of Parliament / etc.
Full street address, including street number, city, and postal code.
Country name (if sending internationally).

Example:

Recipient Name:	Dr. Sophia Wilson, President
Affiliation:	ABC Corporation
Address:	123 Main Street, New York, NY 10011
Country:	United States

Informal Postcards

Appropriate for: Personal messages to friends, family, or acquaintances.

Elements:

Recipient’s first name or nickname.
Street address (optional): If it’s a well-known address, you can omit the street number.
City, state, and postal code.

Example:

Recipient Name:	Sarah
Address:	10 Oakwood Ln., San Francisco, CA 94109

Using State Abbreviations

When addressing a postcard to a US address, you can use state abbreviations to save space. Here are some common state abbreviations:

State	Abbreviation
Alabama	AL
Alaska	AK
Arizona	AZ
Arkansas	AR
California	CA
Colorado	CO
Connecticut	CT
Delaware	DE
Florida	FL
Georgia	GA

To use state abbreviations:

Write the recipient’s address on the left side of the postcard.
On the bottom line of the address, write the state abbreviation in all capital letters, followed by the zip code.
For example, if you are sending a postcard to someone in Los Angeles, California, you would write the address as follows:

John Doe

123 Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Using state abbreviations is a simple way to save space and make your postcard look more tidy.

Writing Legibly and Neatly

1. Use legible handwriting.

When writing an address on a postcard, it’s important to use legible handwriting. This means writing clearly and neatly, so that the postal worker can easily read and deliver your postcard. Avoid using cursive writing or any other fancy fonts that may be difficult to read.

2. Write in all capital letters.

It is also helpful to write the address in all capital letters. This will make it easier for the postal worker to read and will help to prevent any confusion.

3. Use correct punctuation.

Be sure to use correct punctuation when writing the address. This includes using commas to separate the city, state, and zip code, and using a period after the state abbreviation.

4. Use a table to format the address.

Using a table to format the address can help to make it more readable. A table will help to align the text and make it easier for the postal worker to find the information they need.

Recipient Name	Street Address	City, State, Zip Code
John Doe	123 Main Street	Anytown, CA 12345

Indicating the Return Address

Your return address is crucial for ensuring that lost or undeliverable postcards can be returned to you. Here are some tips for writing your return address clearly and effectively:

Use your complete address, including your street address, city, state or province, and postal code. Write your address in the upper left-hand corner of the postcard, ensuring it is parallel to the top edge.

Write your name and address legibly in black or blue ink. Use large, clear letters and numbers to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation by postal workers.

Please keep your return address within the designated box or area provided on the postcard. This helps the postal service process your postcard more efficiently and reduces the risk of damage during transit.

If you’re writing a postcard to a foreign country, include the country name in your return address. This helps the international postal system route your postcard correctly.

Consider using self-adhesive return address labels. These labels can be purchased from office supply stores or online retailers and can save you time and effort. Additionally, they provide a professional and consistent look to your postcards.

Item	Description	Example
Address lines	Include your street address, city, state, and postal code.	123 Main Street Anytown, CA 91234
Name	Your full name should be written below the address.	John Doe
Optional	You may include additional information like your apartment number or company name.	Apt. 201

Formatting Multiple Lines

To format multiple lines on a postcard, follow these steps:

1. Start the first line in the center of the postcard.

2. Keep each line short, with no more than 12 characters.

3. Use all capital letters.

4. Center each line between the left and right margins.

5. Leave at least 2 lines blank between the address and the message.

6. Write the sender’s address in the upper left corner.

7. Write the recipient’s address in the upper right corner.

8. Add the correct postage to the back of the postcard.

Postcard Postage Rates (USPS):

Destination	Standard Postcard	Letter Postage
USA	$0.35	$0.58
Canada	$0.35	$0.58
Mexico	$0.35	$0.58
International	$1.30	$2.70

Note: Letter postage is required for postcards that are larger than 4.25″ x 6″ or thicker than 0.016″.

9. Mail the postcard at a post office or drop box.

Including Special Instructions or Notes

Sometimes, it may be necessary to include special instructions or notes on the postcard, such as:

Instruction/Note	Example
“Please forward if not at address”	If the recipient is not at the address listed, ask the post office to forward the postcard.
“Return to sender if undeliverable”	If the postcard cannot be delivered, ask the post office to return it to you.
“Please hold for pickup”	If you expect to be away when the postcard arrives, ask the post office to hold it for you to pick up later.
“Personal delivery only”	Request that the postcard be delivered directly to the recipient and not left in a mailbox or at the door.
“Fragile: Do not bend”	If the postcard contains delicate items, such as a photograph, write this note to ensure it is handled with care.
“Registered mail”	If you want the postcard to be tracked and insured, mark it as registered mail.
“Certified mail”	A special form of registered mail that provides proof of delivery and allows you to track the postcard’s progress.
“Return receipt requested”	Ask for a signed receipt as proof that the recipient has received the postcard.
“Special handling”	This note ensures that the postcard will be handled carefully and given priority in delivery.

Write these instructions or notes clearly and concisely in the lower left corner of the postcard, below the recipient’s address but above the postage stamp.