How do I write a UK address?
To send a package to the UK, you must use the correct address format to make sure it reaches the recipient without delays or getting lost. UK postal services rely on standardised formatting to accurately process and deliver mail. That’s why it’s important to follow the structure below:
- The recipient’s name
- House number and street address
- Locality name (Post Town)
- Post Code (in block, capital letters)
- Country (in block capital letters)
Capital letters make the postcode and country easier to read for sorting machines and postal workers. This helps improve delivery accuracy and processing speed, especially for international mail.
What is the correct UK address format?
A properly written UK address helps postal workers accurately sort and deliver your letter or parcel. Each address line plays a role in narrowing down the destination to the exact location, street, building, and house.
The address should be written in the following order:
Address Line |
Information |
Recipient’s name |
Full name of the individual receiving the mail, including title (e.g. Ms. Jane Doe) |
Company name |
Business or organisation name, and/or department if relevant |
Address line 1 |
Flat, apartment, suite, or unit number (if applicable) |
Address line 2 |
Building name (if relevant), or house/building number and street name |
Post Town / City |
The post town or city used for sorting and delivery (e.g. London) |
Postal Code |
UK postcode in capital letters |
Country |
Country in capital letters for international mail |
❌ Warning
To properly address your letters, make sure you do the following:
- Do not use commas or full stops at the end of address lines.
- Always align the address to the left, even if the layout appears centred on the envelope.
- Ensure you have a premise identifier, such as a building name or number and a street address.
- Do not leave blank lines in the address. If, for instance, a flat number or company name is not applicable, enter the next available detail on the following line to maintain a complete and well-formatted address.
- If you are sending mail within the UK, you do not need to include the country name. Only add “United Kingdom” if you are posting from abroad, such as from the US.
What are some UK address examples?
Below, find a comprehensive list of UK address examples given according to different scenarios of recipients and the details to include
1. Standard Residential Address
The following is the most common residential address format used in the UK.
Address Line |
Example Entry |
Explanation |
Recipient’s name |
Mr. Jameson Walker |
Full name of the recipient, including title (fictional example) |
Address line 1 |
01 Mulberry Crescent |
House or building number followed by the street name |
Address line 2 |
Hollowcombe |
Locality or post town |
Post Code |
TR21 9ZZ |
Fictional using a valid UK format |
Country |
United Kingdom |
Include the country only if the mail is from abroad to the UK |
❌ Warning
Do not use country codes as abbreviations like GB or GBR in the address line. GB is the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code, and GBR is the alpha-3 code for the United Kingdom. These are used in customs forms, logistics systems, or shipping APIs and not for written or printed addresses.
For postal purposes, always write the country name in full and in English. For example, when sending mail to the UK from abroad, include “United Kingdom” as the final line of the address.
2. Residential Addresses with Flat or Unit Number
If your recipient lives in a multi-occupancy building, such as a block of flats,, apartments, or converted houses with several separate units, then the address format should include the flat or unit number, to ensure that the post is delivered to the correct individual within the building.
Address Line |
Example Entry |
Explanation |
Recipient’s name |
Dave Hill |
Full name of the recipient (fictional example) |
Address line 1 |
00 Kingston Wharf |
Building number and street name (fictional, using the real UK format) |
Address line 2 (optional) |
Apartment AQ |
Flat or unit number within the building (fictional, using a valid UK format) |
Address line 3 |
East Fenwick |
Post town or city |
Post Code |
DL4 3XX |
Postcode in capital letters (fictional, using the real UK format) |
Country |
United Kingdom |
Only include the country if the mail is being sent to the UK from abroad |
3. PO Box Address Sample
A recipient may use a PO Box with carriers such as Royal Mail for privacy, security, or practical reasons. When sending mail to a P.O. Box, the address should be formatted as follows.
Address Line |
Example Entry |
Explanation |
Recipient’s name |
Josh Wheaton |
Recipient's full name (fictional name) |
PO Box |
PO Box 12345 |
PO Box number (fictional, aligned to a real UK format) |
Address line 2 |
Millbridge |
Post town or city |
Post Code |
MK12 7QQ |
Fictional post code in a valid format |
Country |
United Kingdom |
Only include the country if the mail is being sent to the UK from abroad |
4. Commercial Address Format Example
A commercial address is typically more detailed than a residential one. It may include the recipient’s title and department, which helps ensure that mail is delivered to the correct individual or team within a larger building or organisation.
Address Line |
Example Entry |
Explanation |
Recipient’s name |
Ms. Amy Ryan, Communications Director |
Recipient's full name and title (fictional name and title) |
Department |
Client Service Department |
The department within the organisation where Ms. Ryan works |
Business Name |
Awesome Company Name |
Company name |
Address line 1 |
Suite 402, Level 4 |
The internal office, suite, or floor number within the building |
Address line 2 |
18 Marlbridge Avenue |
Building number and street name |
Post Town |
Newford |
Post town or city |
Post Code |
WC1A 9ZZ |
Fictional postcode in correct format |
Country |
United Kingdom |
Only include the country if the mail is being sent to the UK from abroad |
How do I format the address if I am sending post internationally?
If you are sending mail internationally, for example from the US to the UK, the main difference is that you must include the destination country on the final line of the recipient’s address in full and capital letters.
Find below how to format the address.
How do I display the return address details if I am posting to the UK or internationally?
If you are sending mail to the UK from the United States, you must include a USPS formatted return address on the envelope or parcel. This ensures that undeliverable items can be returned to you and helps both USPS and Royal Mail process the item correctly.
Find below how to format the address
USPS Return Address Format (for International Mail):
Address Line |
Example Entry |
Explanation |
Sender’s name |
Ms. Olivia Pope |
Full name of the sender (fictional) |
Address line 1 |
2597 Walnut Creek Road |
Street address or PO Box (USPS-approved format) |
Address line 2 |
Apartment 5B |
Apartment, unit, or suite number (if applicable) |
City, State, Zip Code |
Austin, TX 78704 |
City, two-letter state code, and ZIP code in standard USPS format |
Country |
USA |
Country in block letters (the abbreviation is allowed for US address formats) |
Does the Post Office offer an address verification tool?
FAQs
How do I address mail to the UK?
To address mail to the UK, start by writing the recipient’s full name on the first line. If the person lives in a flat or unit, include that number on the second line, followed by the building number and street name. On the next line, write the post town or city, then the postcode in capital letters for clarity and accuracy. If you are sending the mail from outside the UK, be sure to add "UNITED KINGDOM" on the final line.
How do I format the UK mailing address if I am shipping items into the UK?
When shipping items into the UK from another country (such as the US), format the recipient’s address beginning with the recipient’s full name, followed by the building number and street name. If there is a flat or unit number, include it on the next line. Then add the post town or city, followed by the full UK postcode written in capital letters. Always end the address with “UNITED KINGDOM” on the final line. If a particular detail does not apply, do not leave a blank line; simply continue with the next relevant line of information to maintain a clean and complete format.
How do I format the US addresses correctly if I am sending mail from the UK to the US?
Begin with the recipient’s name and street address, then the city, state abbreviation, and ZIP code. To complete the address for international delivery, add “USA” as the final line.
How do I format an international address?
When sending international mail, the key is to follow the destination country’s address format, and always:
- Write the country name in full and in English
- Use capital letters for the country name
- Do not skip address lines
- Place the country on the final line of the address
Ensure your return address is formatted according to your country's postal standards.