How to Write an Address with an Apartment Number

Here’s where to put the apartment number in an address

Last Updated: February 5, 2023 References

Sending a letter or package to someone who lives in an apartment? If so, you’re probably wondering how to write out an apartment address. Don’t worry—it’s super easy! Follow the steps below to learn what to include in an apartment address and which line to put the apartment number on.

Things You Should Know

Write an apartment address like this:

Daniel Martin
200 Benjamin Franklin St Apt 45
Philadelphia, PA 12345

1

Write the recipient’s name on the first line.

The recipient’s name goes on the first line of the envelope or package. You know the drill—write out the first and last name of the person you’re sending the parcel to.^{[1]
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Research source} Make sure to include the person’s legal name (especially if you’re sending something internationally).^{[2]
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2

Put their street address and number on the second line.

The building address goes first, followed by the apartment number. Write out the address of the apartment building or complex before listing any specific apartment, building, or room numbers.^{[3]
X
Research source} Feel free to use abbreviations like ST (street), RD (road), BLVD (boulevard), DR (drive), and CIR (circle) to make the address a little bit shorter.^{[4]
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Research source} Then, include the apartment number right after the building address—just make sure that there’s a clear space between the two.^{[5]
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- Antonia Moore
  45 Jackson Ave Apt 30
- Want to save a little space on your envelope or package? Here are a few USPS-approved abbreviations you can use on your mail: APT (apartment), BLDG (building), DEPT (department), STE (suite), RM (room), and FL (floor).^{[6]
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- Split up the building address and apartment number If there’s not enough space to include them both on the same line. Put the apartment, room, and building info on the line above the building address.^{[7]
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  Research source} Mail machines process addresses from bottom to top (starting with the city/state/zip code), so it makes logistical sense to put the main address below the specific apartment info.^{[8]
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3

Write the recipient’s city, state, and zip code on the third line.

The recipient’s city, state, and zip code all go on the third line. Start with the name of the recipient’s town or city, followed by a comma. Then, write the recipient’s state abbreviation. Include a space, followed by the recipient’s 5-digit zip code. Click here if you’d like to look up the recipient’s full, 9-digit zip code.^{[9]
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- Kira Hastings
  10 Almshouse Ave Apt 75
  Chicago, IL 12345
- If you’re sending mail internationally, include the city and province rather than the city and state. In some countries, you may not have to include a state or province at all.

4

Include the recipient’s country if they live internationally.

The destination country can go on a separate line. Write out the full name of the country beneath the completed address, like “USA” or “Canada.”^{[10]
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Research source} Skip this step if you aren’t sending your letter or package out of the country.

5

Put your address in the return address section.

If something goes wrong, the letter/package can get sent back to you. Along the top left corner of the envelope or package, write out your legal name and address, as well as your city, state, and postal code. Should an error or mix-up occur, including a return address makes it much easier for the postal service to return the parcel to you.^{[11]
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- Return addresses are required for certain types of packages, like official mail or mail sent with precanceled stamps.

Community Q&A

Question

Where do I add the floor number?

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

The floor number goes after the base address of the apartment complex, like 10 Main Street FL 3 RM 9.
Question

My understanding about addresses is that you start at the bottom & go up getting more specific. Is this not correct?

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

You're correct—that's the order in which American mail machines process/read through addresses on letters and packages. These machines start on the bottom, most general line (city/state/zip) before working their way up to the specific address, apartment number, and recipient name.
Question

I have to ship a small bubble mailer with pre-made lines. Is it ok if the bottom line is empty?

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

What matters most is that you have all of the recipient's information included on the label (like their name, address, apartment number, city, state, and zip code). As long as all of that information is included, you should be fine!

Warnings

Do not write any part of your address in cursive. Cursive can be hard-to-read, and using it to write your address increases the likelihood of it getting lost.

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