Addressing for Success
- Type or machine-print all address information.
- Make sure print is clear and sharp.
- Ensure address characters don't touch or overlap.
- Black ink on a white background is best.
- Maintain a uniform left margin.
- Use upper-case letters
- Omit all punctuation
- Include floor, suite and apartment numbers whenever possible.
- Put the city, state and ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code in that order on the last line. If there's not enough room, you can put the ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code alone on the bottom line.
- Use standard two-letter state abbreviations.
- When using window envelopes, make sure the complete address is always visible, even when the insert moves.
- Leave one or two spaces between words and between the state abbreviation and ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code
- The Address Area. The complete address should be located within this white area (no return address information). Extraneous (non-address) printing or markings should appear as high on the mail piece and as far away from the address as possible.
- Barcode Read Area. Please make sure that this area remains clear of all printing. It's reserved for the bar code that will be printed by the Optical Character Reader (OCR).
