Addressing an envelope may seem like a simple task, but a small mistake might mean your letter is not received by the intended recipient. If you are writing a letter to an individual at a large organization such as a company or a school, it's important to address the envelope to their attention. The United States Postal Services recommends that you do this with an "Attention" line, which should be the first line of the address.

Write "Attn" and the recipient's name on the center of the envelope. For example: "Attn Jane Smith."

Write the organization name below the recipient's name, such as "Hartford Bank" or "Green Elementary School."

Write the street address of the organization below its name, such as "123 Black St."

Write the city, state abbreviation and zip code below the street address, such as "Hartwood, WA 98001."

Tip

You can write the recipient's name larger than the rest of the address, so it stands out.