How to Address an Envelope UK | UK Address Format, Examples, and Reminders

How you address an envelope or package is crucial. It is an important form of communication to be able to send your envelope or package correctly and swiftly.

Otherwise, it may be sent to the wrong address or person, something you definitely don’t want to happen.

If writing a UK address format still confuses you, stop questioning and guessing and refer to this quick guide on how to address an envelope UK.

This guide covers everything from writing the correct postcode to knowing the UK address format.

In summary, you will learn about:

• What Is the UK Address Format
• How to Address an Envelope UK or Package
• UK Address Examples
• Reminders and Tips Before Sending an Envelope or Package

What Is the UK Address Format

UK Address

The UK address format is simple. All you need are the following:

• Recipient’s full name
• House or property number and street name
• Local area or village name (if needed)
• Town (capitalised)
• Full UK Postcode(capitalised)

It is important to know how to write a postcode to remove the risk of sending the envelope or package to the wrong location.

Moreover, the town and postcode should be written or printed in capital letters. To find a postcode, use the Postcode Finder tool by the Royal Mail.

British Forces Post Office (BFPO) Address

If you are sending it to a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address, the town and country should not be included.

Visit the HM Forces Mail page for more information on how to send and check the BFPO addresses at GOV.UK.

The British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address format is as follows:

• Service Number, Rank and Name
• Unit or Regiment
• Operation or Location Name (if applicable)
• BPFO Number

International Address

Lastly, if you need to send it to another country from the UK, follow the address formats for specific countries by Royal Mail. It should typically follow this format:

• Recipient’s full name
• House number and street name
• City or town
• Province, state or department, and postal code
• Country (capitalised)

How to Address an Envelope UK or Package

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to address an envelope or package in the UK.

1. On the lower left corner of the front of the envelope or package, write the recipient’s first and last name on the first line. You can add an additional line below the recipient’s name if there is an organisation or company name.
2. On the second line, write the house or property number and street name.
3. On the next line, write the local area or village name if needed.
4. On another line, write the town in capital letters.
5. On the last line, write the full UK Postcode in capital letters.
6. For international mail, write the country name on the last line in capital letters after the area code.

In case the item cannot be delivered to your intended recipient, make sure you include a “return address” on the back of the envelope (the part with the flap and seal).

This ensures your envelope or package can be returned to you. Here’s how you should write it:

1. On the back and lower right corner of the envelope or package, write “Return Address” on the first line.
2. On the second line, write your house or property number and street name.
3. On the next line, write your local area or village name.
4. On the next line, write your town in capital letters.
5. On the last line, write your full UK Postcode in capital letters.

UK Address Examples

For further guidance, here are some examples of UK addresses using the format given above.

Format	UK Address Example
Recipient’s full name	Mrs. Jane Doe	Mr. John Doe 1 Chapel Hill	Mr. James Smith Allies Computing Ltd	Miss Jenny Smith	Dr. John Smith
House or property number and street name	71 Cherry Court		92 St. Faiths Lane	96 Trafalgar Rd	164-170 Marsh Rd
Local area or village name (if needed)	Chandler’s Ford	Heswall		Greenwich	Leagrave
Town (capitalised)	SOUTHAMPTON	BOURNEMOUTH	NORWICH	LONDON	LUTON
Full UK Postcode (capitalised)	SO53 5PD	BH1 1AA	NR1 1NE	SE10 9UW	LU3 2QL
	Mrs. Jane Doe 71 Cherry Court SOUTHAMPTON SO53 5PD	Mr. John Doe 1 Chapel Hill Heswall BOURNEMOUTH BH1 1AA	Mr. James Smith Allies Computing Ltd 92 St. Faiths Lane NORWICH NR1 1NE	Miss Jenny Smith 96 Trafalgar Rd Greenwich LONDON SE10 9UW	Dr. John Smith 164-170 Marsh Rd Leagrave LUTON LU3 2QL

(Back of the envelope)

(Front of the envelope)

Reminders and Tips Before Sending an Envelope or Package

Follow these writing tips to ensure the smooth delivery of your envelope or package.

• Always include a “return address” (on the lower right corner of the back) so it can be returned to you safely.
• Make sure you are using the correct UK postcode or international area codes.
• Write the town, postcode, and country in capital letters.
• Write the recipient’s name and address in the lower left corner of the front of the envelope or package.
• Do not write the recipient’s telephone number or email for privacy.
• The address should be aligned to the left (not centred or right-aligned).
• Do not include commas, abbreviations, or full stops.
• As much as possible, avoid using abbreviations and use the full name.
• Write legibly or use a clear and simple font if printed.
• Use permanent ink and colour that is easy to read against the colour of the envelope or package.
• Write in printed letters, not in cursive or script writing.
• Use the correct title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Dr., Sir, Professor, Dean, etc.)

Moreover, it is important to follow these additional guidelines as well.

• Do not send items that are prohibited and restricted.
• Follow the required country guidelines.
• Use the correct Air Mail sticker or postage on the upper right corner of the envelope or package (unless you are using international economy).
• If you are unsure of the postage you need, you can check and buy postage stamps from the Royal Mail.
• For your information, the front of an envelope is the blank space where you put the address and postage. The back part of an envelope is where the flap and the seal parts are.

In Summary

Sending an envelope or parcel from the UK is easy as long as you follow the correct way to write the address.

Moreover, it is best to learn how to write a postcode as well to avoid lost mail. You can refer to the UK Postcode Map to check a postcode or find an address using Royal Mail.

Knowing about London Boroughs and UK Counties is also helpful to double-check the details and avoid mixing up the addresses. Do you have any tips and recommendations for us? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.