How to Address an Ex-President

Always address a former president with respect and appreciation.

Using a correct, formal address to a former president is a show of respect, not for the individual, but for the position of the presidency itself. Appropriate use of these titles shows that you understand the value of the position and respect its role in your nation. The use of the titles should also be absolute, regardless of your political leanings, unless otherwise informed that a former president has another preference.

Instructions

1. Use the title "Former President (Name)" only as a media address for the purpose of information or for clarity. Avoid this title if you are addressing the ex-president directly or indirectly, as in the case where you are announcing the president before a speech. For instance, you can say "Former President Bill Clinton has arrived," if you are a member of the press and addressing your public because this title clarifies the events for your audience. Avoid using the word "President" or "Former President" in all other forms of address as the title is only appropriate for individuals currently serving as president.

2. Substitute the formal title of "The Honorable (Full Name)" for indirect addresses, such as when you are introducing the former president before a speech. Use the less formal "Mr. or Mrs. (Last Name)" to announce the former president's spouse, unless either has a personal preference such as Laura Bush's preference of "Laura Bush" over "Mrs. Bush." As an example, if you were announcing former president Bush and his wife in a formal address, you would say, "The Honorable George W. Bush and Laura Bush."

3. Use the title "The Honorable (Full Name)" to address an envelope to the former president when sending mail. Address all letters to the official library of the former president, unless you have been instructed otherwise either directly or through official information on a former president's website.

4. Write the salutation on your letters as "Mr./Mrs. (Last Name)." Reserve the more formal "Madam (Last Name)" for currently serving female presidents. Substitute this title based on the personal preferences of the former president with whom you are sending the letter.

5. Use the informal "Mr./Mrs. (Last Name)" as a personal address, in formal and informal social situations where you come in contact with a former president. Avoid using the presidential title "Mr./Madam President" in these situations, remembering to reserve that title for active presidents.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an alternate form of address only if you know with certainty that the former president prefers it.

• Do not dwell on your mistake. If make one, offer your apologies and continue with your conversation.

References

• Forms of Address; How to Address a Former President of the United States; Robert Hickey
• "The Washington Post"; The Politics of Address; Judith Martin; June 7, 2006