How to address a card envelope

Royal Mail reads envelopes from the bottom up, so the postcode matters more than the neatness of your handwriting.

Below is the standard UK layout, then how to address couples, families and formal cards.

The UK layout

• Name on the first line.
• House name or number and street on the next.
• Locality, if there is one, on its own line.
• Town or city in capitals.
• County only if the town needs it.
• Postcode on the last line, in capitals, with a space in the middle.

Couples and families

• Both first names: "Sam and Jo Kelly" - the modern default.
• Whole family: "The Kelly family".
• Different surnames: put both in full on one line.
• Traditional formal: "Mr and Mrs J Kelly" - only if you know they like it.

Formal and professional titles

• Dr, Rev, Prof and Sir go before the name and are not followed by a full stop in modern UK style.
• For a card to someone at work, add the company name on the line under their name.
• For a card to a ward or care home, add the ward or room name under their name.

Hand-delivered cards

• First name only is fine, written centrally on the front.
• Add "private" if it is going to a shared workplace.
• For a card going in a group envelope, add your name in small letters on the back flap.

Browse all cards

How to write it so it lands

• Write the postcode first if you are copying it from a phone - it is the bit people mistype.
• Check the address before you seal the card in.
• Add your return address on the back flap for anything important.

Where to shop next

• How to post a card in the UK
• How to write a sorry message
• How to write a thank you message
• How to sign off a card
• How to word a group card
• How to choose a birthday card
• How to decline an invitation politely
• All guide FAQs
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the county?

No. With a correct postcode, Royal Mail does not need the county for UK addresses.

Should the address be centred?

Left-aligned in the lower half of the envelope is easiest for sorting machines. Leave the top-right clear for the stamp.

Can I use a pen with coloured ink?

Yes, as long as it is dark and readable. Avoid metallic pens on dark envelopes - scanners struggle with them.