How to Use C/O When Writing a Letter

Postal workers make sure that the name matches the address.

When the recipient of the letter is temporarily living at a different address, or when his residence is listed under someone else's name at the post office, you need to ensure that he will still receive your letter. One way to do this is to write "Care of" and the homeowner or business name on the envelope so that the mail carrier delivers the letter even if she doesn't recognize the name.

Instructions

1. Write your address and the date on the letter as usual.

2. Write the recipient's name on the letter below your address and the date, then write "c/o" and the name of the person who owns the residence or the business name. Then proceed with the rest of the address. Write your letter as usual.

3. Address the envelope by writing the recipient's name, then, on the line below, "Care of" and the homeowner or business's name. Do not use an abbreviation on the envelope; write "Care of." Write the rest of the address of the business or residence.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to write "Care of" if the person is an employee of the business, a guest at the hotel, or if the post office knows that they live at the address in question.

References

• Microsoft Office: Write Effective Business Letters

Resources

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Basic Business Letter