Where to Write Addresses on an Envelope
Every envelope needs two addresses:
- Return address — Top-left corner (your address)
- Recipient address — Center-right, slightly below middle (where it's going)
The stamp goes in the top-right corner.
Canadian Address Format
Canadian addresses follow a simple three-line format:
JANE SMITH
123 MAPLE STREET APT 4
TORONTO ON M5V 2T6
The Format:
- Line 1: Full name
- Line 2: Street address (include unit/apt number if applicable)
- Line 3: City, province abbreviation, postal code
Quick Tips:
- Use capital letters for everything
- Use two-letter province codes (ON, BC, AB, QC, etc.)
- Put two spaces between province and postal code
- Postal codes are always formatted A1A 1A1
International Address Format
For international mail, add the country name as the last line. Format the rest of the address according to that country's standards.
To the United States:
JOHN DOE
456 BROADWAY AVE APT 12B
NEW YORK NY 10001
USA
To the United Kingdom:
MS SARAH JONES
45 HIGH STREET
LONDON
SW1A 1AA
UNITED KINGDOM
To Australia:
MICHAEL CHEN
78 GEORGE STREET
SYDNEY NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA
Key Rules for International Mail:
- Always write the country name on its own line at the bottom
- Use capital letters for the country name
- Write country names in English or French
Skip the Formatting Hassle
Don't want to worry about formatting? PostPal handles it for you. Just fill in the address fields and we print and mail your letter with perfect formatting every time.
