How to Find Valid Mailing State Abbreviations

Save envelope space by using official state abbreviations.

When sending mail to someone in the United States, you are required to include a state name as part of the mailing address. Instead of spelling out the entire state name on the envelope, you can simply use the state's official mailing abbreviation. Additionally, you can use abbreviations for country names when sending a letter or package abroad. If you are mailing a letter from within the United States to a U.S. address, you do not need to include the country name.

Instructions

1. Review the state abbreviations listed on the U.S. Postal Service website. The site include state abbreviations, street suffixes and unit designators, such as the abbreviation for "apartment" or "building."

2. Review mail you have received to find mailing abbreviations for your own address. Use official mail, such as documents from the IRS, as these are likely to be accurate.

3. Review the list of country abbreviations at the "International Organization for Standardization" website. The list includes country names in English and their international abbreviations.

References

• USPS: Official USPS Abbreviations

Resources

• ISO: English Country Names and Code Elements
• USPS: Street Suffixes
• USPS: Secondary Unit Designator