How to Address to a PO Box

How to Address to a PO Box

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When sending a letter to a PO Box, the key difference is that it will include the PO Box number instead of the usual address. Begin by writing the recipient’s name on the first line, followed by the company or business they represent, if applicable. Below that, list the unique PO Box number, followed by the city, state, and ZIP code. To ensure fast and accurate delivery, please ensure that your address header format conforms to the guidelines set forth by the postal service in your region.

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    start delivery ADDRESS in the center of the envelope. The name and address of the person or entity to whom the letter is addressed should be front and center. Placing this important information in a prominent place will make it easier to order and deliver the letter.[1]

    • If the delivery address is not clear or is set incorrectly, the letter may not be being handled correctly.

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    Type the recipient’s first and last name on the first line. In most cases, this will be enough to get the card into the right hands. You can also include the person’s middle initial, if you know the person. If there is any confusion about who the letter is addressed to, it’s a good idea to use their full name.[2]

    • A letter addressed to “John Alexander Smith” is less likely to be intercepted by the wrong person than one addressed only to “John Smith”.
    • To be as specific as possible, designate the recipient with a formal title, such as “Mrs.”, “Dr.” or “younger”, when necessary.[3]

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    Take note of the company or organization. If you are writing to a representative of a group, the name of that group should appear immediately after the person’s name. For example, the first 2 lines of the delivery address on a letter sent to a company should look like this: “John A. Smith/ACME Innovations Inc.”[4]

    • You do not need to include any additional identifying information, such as the person’s official title or job description.

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    Please provide the PO Box number. PO Box addresses always begin with the words “PO Box” followed by the individual box number, usually a 2-5 digit number. The US Postal Service requires mailers to omit all punctuation when completing PO Box addresses. For example, type “PO Box” instead of “PO Box”.[5]

    • Many businesses (and some individuals) receive their mail at PO Boxes instead of traditional mailing addresses, which means you’ll only address your mail to one or the other, never both.[6]
    • PO Boxes work a little differently in each country. As a result, you may not have the same number of shipping options available to you when you send a letter or package abroad.[7]

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    Add the city, state, and zip code on the last line. Finally, indicate the general area where the letter will be delivered. Separate the city and state/province with a comma, and leave a space between the state and zip code. In some regions, such as France and parts of Canada, the postal code may appear before the city name.[8]

    • Use the two-letter abbreviation for your state or territory provided by your local post office, such as “Los Angeles, CA” or “New York, NY.”[9]
    • If shipping to an international address, please include the country name on the line immediately below the city and postal code.[10]

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    Search for unknown PO Box numbers. With a quick Internet search, you should be able to discover the physical address of the person or entity you are trying to contact. It may also be printed somewhere on the packaging of the products you have purchased. The address will display exactly as it should appear on your letter, so if you are in any doubt, simply copy it exactly as you see it.[11]

    • If you are replying to a letter, you can find the PO Box on the first or second line of the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope.
    • Call directory assistance or submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request form to obtain a PO Box number that is not publicly listed.

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    Write legibly. When you have finished addressing your letter, study your handwriting to make sure it is clear. Remember that your mail is being handled, sorted and delivered by someone else, who should be able to read it at a glance.

    • Always print handwritten information. Cursives and other fancy lettering can be difficult to distinguish.[12]
    • It can be helpful to write in all caps if your handwriting tends to be rushed or sloppy.
    • If you’re not sure if your address will be legible to the naked eye, start over with a new envelope to be sure.

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    secure a Return address. Write your own address in the upper left corner of the envelope or package. The return address should be approximately the same size as the shipping address or slightly smaller. Otherwise, it can be replaced with the delivery address.[13]

    • Include the address where it is most convenient to reach you.

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    Please include the appropriate postage. Affix a prepaid postage stamp or label somewhere near the top right corner to cover the cost of shipping. Make sure the seal or label does not obscure the address or any other shipping information.[14]

    • Use the postage calculator to add up the postage costs or ask the clerk for help.[15]
    • International mail may also require additional postage or customs forms. These forms must be completed and submitted online prior to shipment.

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    Find out mistakes. Before sending your letter, please review the information you have entered and confirm that it is correct. It is especially important that you specify numeric data accurately. When you are satisfied with your letter, drop it in the mailbox or take it to the post office for delivery.

    • The mail carrier may know what you mean if you make a mistake like “Indianapolis, IN,” but if the PO box number or ZIP code isn’t correct, the letter could end up somewhere else or not be delivered at all.
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