How to Write an Apartment Address Correctly

Learning the proper way to write your address is probably one thing you didn’t put a whole lot of consideration into when you moved into your new place. And why would you? You know your address. You can find where you live. So, why can’t the Amazon delivery driver?

Well, the answer is a little more complicated than that. It may seem basic, but knowing how to write your apartment address correctly will save you so much unnecessary hassle. The last thing you need is for an important package to get lost in transit because you entered the wrong address. So whether you’re ordering new furniture for your apartment in San Diego or ordering takeout to your Houston studio, read on to make sure you’re writing your apartment address correctly.

Is there a right and wrong way to write an apartment address?

The U.S. Postal Service has specific codes and designations for apartments, condos, penthouses, and more in order to streamline their delivery process. Usually, your local postal carrier will already be familiar with your neighborhood, but that’s only if your package even gets that far.

Addresses are scanned and matched in a distribution center long before it ever makes it to the truck, and if the address on the label doesn’t match the post office’s records, it could sit in the warehouse or worse — it could be marked “return to sender.” If your mail is time-sensitive, an incorrectly written address can cause all sorts of unnecessary headaches.

Here’s how to write your apartment address

Simply put, the correct way to write your address on an envelope or online order form is the way it appears on your lease or your utility bill. It may seem like a no-brainer, but you can spot the difference between a correctly and incorrectly written address. 

The right way to write an apartment address

John Doe
41 Seaver Way Unit 9B
New York, NY 11368

Those three lines contain all the information the post office needs to deliver your mail. It will recognize your name and match it to your street address and apartment number in the second line, followed by the city, state, and ZIP code in the third. That’s how it shows up in their systems, and that’s how it should show up on your order forms. But writing your address like the example below will complicate matters:

The wrong way to write an apartment address

John Doe
41 Seaver Way
Unit 9B
Queens, NY 11368

There are a couple of issues here. First, a shipping company’s automated systems may not be able to match your name to that address without your address and unit number in the same line. That can slow down your delivery window. Additionally, even though Queens is a borough in New York City, the third line of that address should read New York, NY because the ZIP code is what will be used to determine the specific borough.

And this isn’t limited strictly to New York. Cities all over the country have sections and neighborhoods that are used as shorthand by locals. And even though your mail carrier or delivery person may know the difference, the address isn’t intended for them to decipher. It still has to navigate a massive network of computers and distribution centers before it even gets that far.

Address abbreviations to remember

Do you live in a single-family home? Or is it an apartment? Or a development with multiple buildings on the property? It might seem like a minor detail or nitpicking, but these are details that the post office or delivery service already has in its computer systems. 

If what’s on the label doesn’t match what’s on the computer, you’re not going to get that package you ordered. These are just a few of the most common designators assigned by the US Postal Service, but there are a whole lot more:

Here’s another example of an apartment address, this time adding another designator from the table above:

John Doe
1100 Pattinson St. BLDG B, APT # 9
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Here you have a street address, a specific building number and an apartment. Your sense of symmetry may compel you to break up that second line so it’s easier to read. But again, all the relevant information is exactly where it needs to be for your stuff to land on your doorstep.

Writing an apartment address FAQs

Should I put the apartment number below the street number?

Yes, the apartment number should appear after the street number when writing your apartment address. The building number and the street belong on the first line.

What mistakes should I avoid when writing an apartment address?

There are many different mistakes that can lead to issues down the road when it comes to writing your address. Avoid any typos, especially in the street name and city. An incorrect building number or ZIP code can also lead to issues with getting your mail, so ensure that those are accurate as well. Additionally, be sure to use the proper abbreviations as outlined in the table above.

What is “address line 2” for?

If you’ve ever filled out your address online, you’ve probably seen the “address line 2” box and might be wondering what information is supposed to go there. This is usually an optional field and is used for details such as apartment number and unit number.

Knowing how to write your apartment address correctly is important

Writing your address wrong isn’t necessarily the end of the world. Your mail carrier will still be able to deliver your online orders, and your delivery driver will still call if they can’t find your doorstep. But all big things come down to small details. And knowing how to write an address will save you from some big headaches and huge hassles down the line.