How to Write a PO Box Address in the US

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Plus, how to properly fill out the rest of the mailing information

Co-authored by Elaine Heredia, BA Reviewed by Fahim and Seema Mojawalla

Last Updated: February 6, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Writing a PO Box Address
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When addressing a letter to a post office box, or PO Box, the key difference is that you’ll specify the PO Box number in place of a normal street address. Keep reading to learn how to write a PO Box address, plus tips for filling out the rest of the mailing information for your letter or package. We'll also include address-writing and mailing tips from the shipping and logistics experts Fahim and Seema Mojawalla and etiquette coach Tami Claytor.

How do you write a PO Box address?

Write the recipient's name on the first address line in the center of the envelope or shipping label. On the second address line, write "PO Box" followed by the box number (example: "PO Box 1234"). On the third address line, write the city, state, and zipcode where the PO Box is located.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Addressing a PO Box

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1. 
   1
   Start the delivery address in the center of the envelope. The name and address of the person or entity to whom you're addressing the letter should go front and center, say the Mojawallas. Putting these important pieces of information in plain sight will make the letter easier to sort and deliver.

   • If the delivery address is unclear or incorrectly placed, the post office or shipping carrier might deliver to the wrong person or send the letter or package back to you.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Fahim and Seema Mojawalla are shipping and logistics experts. They own one of the top 3 FedEx Authorized ShipCenters® in the US.

   Tami Claytor is an etiquette coach with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations.
2. 
   2
   Write the recipient’s first and last name on the first line. In most cases, this will be enough to get the letter into the right hands. You can also include the person’s middle initial, if you happen to know it. If there’s any confusion about who the letter is intended for, it’s a good idea to use their full name.

   • A letter addressed to "John Alexander Smith" is less likely to be intercepted by the wrong person than one addressed to just "John Smith."
   • To be as specific as possible, Claytor says to identify the recipient by a formal title, such as "Mrs.", "Dr.", or "Jr.", where needed.
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3. 
   3
   Write the company name or organization under the recipient's name (optional). If you’re writing to a representative of a group, write the group's name directly under the individual’s name. For example, the first 2 lines of the delivery address of a letter being sent to a business should look something like—"John A. Smith/ACME Innovations Inc."

   • There’s no need to include any additional identifying information, such as the person’s official title or job description.
4. 
   4
   Write "PO Box" followed by the number in the second address line. Post office box addresses always begin with the words "PO Box" followed by the individual box number, which is usually a 2- to 5-digit number. The USPS requests that senders leave out all punctuation when filling in PO Box addresses. For instance, write "PO Box," not "P.O. Box."

   • Many businesses (and some individuals) receive their mail at post office boxes rather than traditional street addresses, which means you’ll only ever address your mail to one or the other, never both.
   • PO Boxes work a little differently in every country. As a result, you might not have the same number of shipping options available to you when sending a letter or package internationally.
5. 
   5
   Write the city, state, and postal code in the third address line. Finally, specify the geographic location where you want the mail delivered. Separate the city and state or province with a comma, and leave a space between the state and postal code. In some regions, like France and parts of Canada, the postal code may come before the name of the city.

   • Use the two-letter abbreviation for your state or territory as outlined by your local postal authority, such as "Los Angeles, CA" or "New York, NY."
   • If you're mailing to an international address, write the country's name on the line directly below the city and postal code.
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Section 2 of 2:

Tips for Finishing the Mailing Information

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1. 
   1
   Print the address in clear, easy-to-read handwriting. When you’re finished addressing your letter, examine your handwriting and see whether it’s clear. Keep in mind that your mail is being handled, sorted, and delivered by another person, who must be able to read it at a glance.

   • Always print handwritten info. Cursive and other fancy scripts can be difficult to make out.
   • It may help to write in all capital letters if your penmanship tends to look rushed or messy.
   • If you’re unsure whether your address will be legible to an unfamiliar eye, have someone else proofread it or start over with a fresh envelope just to be on the safe side.
2. 
   2
   Provide a return address in the upper left-hand corner. Write your own address in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope or package. Your writing in the return address should be slightly smaller than the delivery address. Otherwise, it may be mistaken for the delivery address. If, for whatever reason, the mail can't be delivered, the carrier can use the return address to get it back to you.

   • Include the address where it’s most convenient to reach you.
3. 
   3
   Affix the proper amount of postage. Slap a stamp or prepaid shipping label in the upper right-hand corner of your mail to cover the cost of delivery, the Mojawallas say. Make sure the stamp or label isn’t hiding either address, or any other delivery info.

   • Use a postage calculator to add up the cost of postage, or ask a clerk for assistance.
   • International mail may require additional postage or customs forms. These forms must be completed and submitted online before shipping.
4. 
   4
   Double-check the address details for accuracy and spelling mistakes. Before you mail your letter, look over the information you wrote on the letter or package and confirm that it’s correct. It’s especially important that you get numerical details right! When you’re satisfied, slip it in the mailbox or take it to the post office for delivery.

   • The mail carrier may know what you meant if you make a typo like "Indianapolis, IN," but if the PO Box number or zip code is off, the letter could end up somewhere else or fail to be delivered at all!
5. 
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   Look up unknown PO Box numbers. You should be able to uncover the physical address of the person or entity you’re trying to reach with a quick internet search. It may also be printed somewhere on the packaging of products you’ve purchased. The address will be displayed just as it should appear on your letter, so if there’s any doubt, just copy it down exactly as you see it.

   • If you’re responding to a letter, you can usually find the PO Box in the first or second line of the return address in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope.
   • Call Directory Assistance or submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request form to find a PO Box number that isn’t listed publicly.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Can you put a PO box and street address on an envelope?

  

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  Expert Answer

  Usually, you choose either the PO box number or the street address, depending on where the person receives their mail. However, if you want to include both, put the recipient's name on the first line, their street address on the second line, and the PO Box number on the third line. Finish with the city, state, and zip code on the fourth line.

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• Question

  Is it a must to put the letter in a real envelope?

  

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  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  As long as you stick to the correct dimensions for sending a letter (check your local postal service’s requirements), you can use paper wrapping, origami folded paper, homemade envelopes or even folding the letter itself into an envelope (an origami trick). However, this might vary depending on where you live, so always check the local rules and regulations regarding sending letters. And whatever you use, make sure it is strong enough to stay intact during its journey through sorting machines and mail handling!

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• Question

  How do you address an envelope to a PO box?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  Begin by writing the name of the person or company you’re sending the envelope or package to. Then, add the PO box number on the following line. On the next lines, add the city, state or province and zip code (or postcode). The article above explains in detail, with images to guide you, how to set this out correctly.

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  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• Write the recipient’s address using a pen or permanent marker with black or dark blue ink. Avoid using a pencil, since pencil marks rub out.
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