How to Get Presidential Greetings for Birthdays

Receiving a birthday card bearing the presidential seal may brighten someone's day.

Presidential greetings provide a truly memorable and affordable way to acknowledge a milestone birthday, 50th wedding anniversary or the birth of a new baby. The White House will honor anyone 80 or older with a personal message. Request a card from the current president of the United States for the honoree on her special day. Former presidents may also send cards. By planning far enough in advance, you can celebrate someone's birthday with a greeting from the White House.

Things You'll Need

• Fax machine (optional)

Instructions

1. Write a letter to the White House Greetings Office requesting presidential birthday greetings. According to USA.gov, you must send your letter a minimum of two months in advance of the intended recipient's birthday.

2. Include the following information about the birthday honoree in your letter: full name and title -- Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., for example, complete date of birth with the birth year, and complete home address. Ensure the information is typed or written legibly so there is no confusion regarding the address and to prevent inadvertent misspellings. Include your name and contact information in case the White House needs to contact you for any clarification or additional details.

3. Send the request by mail to:

   The White House

   Attn: Greetings Office

   Washington, DC 20502-0039

   You may also send your request by fax to the Greetings Office at [phone].

4. Request birthday greetings from former U.S. presidents by sending a letter to their official mailing addresses, current as of the time of publication:

   George W. Bush, Office of George W. Bush, P.O. Box 259000, Dallas, TX 75225-9000

   Bill Clinton, 55 W. 125th Street, New York, NY 10027

   George Bush, 10000 Memorial Drive, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77024

   Jimmy Carter, Carter Center, One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30307

Tips & Warnings

• You may also request anniversary greetings for a couple that's been married for 50 years or more, the birth of a child, and other special events, such as when a Boy Scout attains Eagle Scout rank. Send all such requests to the White House Greetings Office.

References

• USA.gov: Presidential Greetings, Photographs, and Invitations
• Suddenly Senior: The Day the President Threatened Aunt Rose's 57-Year Marriage; Frank Kaiser
• Cleveland Seniors: Greetings from the President
• Ipl2: Presidents of the United States