How to Address a Postcard

Reviewed by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: October 2, 2024 Fact Checked

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Figuring out where to insert an address on a postcard can be difficult. Although, it is one of the simplest things to do when corresponding by postcard, it's essential that you think about it before you write your message on your postcard. And for those times where you've forgotten to insert the address before writing a long and abundant message, there are still ways to address your postcard.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Positioning The Address Properly

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1
Look for signs of where to put an address. The address is normally placed on the right hand side of a postcard and midway down the card. There is usually a printed vertical line denoting the left and the right of the postcard. If not, imagine a line in the centre of the postcard, Choose the right hand side to insert the address.^{[1]
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- Many postcards include pre-printed horizontal address lines to show you where to add the address. But not all will do this, so assume that the mid-right of the card is the best placement for the address.
2
Format the position of the address correctly. If you are making your own postcard out of a photo or picture, or you purchase a postcard without lines to fill in an address, you will need to format the back of the postcard yourself. Check with your local post office for specific postcard requirements. However, in general, most postcards will follow these requirements:^{[2]
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- The address side of the card must be divided into a right portion and a left portion, with or without a vertical rule. The left portion is the message area.
- The destination address, postage, and any postal service marking or endorsement must appear in the right portion. The right portion must be at least 2-1/8 inches wide (measured from the right edge of the card, top to bottom inclusive).^{[3]
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3
Draw a neat box around the address it to help it stand out. This is a good way to help point out to postal workers the address on your postcard. It makes their work easier and ensures no mistakes are made.
- You can also write right up the edge of those lines without having your message clutter or overpower the address.
This is the standard placement of all stamps. You may even need to place multiple stamps depending on where you will be mailing it to.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Salvaging Mistakes

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In most cases, postcards will have lines designated for an address, but in some cases, a postcard can be completely blank.^{[4]
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Research source} Making it a habit to write down the address before writing your message is a good way to ensure you don't take over the postcard with your message, leaving no room for an address.
2
Pasting the address onto your postcard. You may have written the address wrong in pen, or completely forgot to write an address. Take a piece of paper and trace the outline of your postcard. Then replicate the back of your postcard within the box you just made. Address your postcard directly and cut and paste your make-shift postcard onto the actual postcard.
- While the post office won't love you for making a mess of the address, most post offices will do their very best to help deliver your postcard.

Community Q&A

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Does a postcard need a return address on it?

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It's not necessary, but if the postcard happened to get lost in the mail, a return address would enable it to be returned to you.

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Do I have to put a stamp on the postcard?

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Yes, you do have to put a stamp on a postcard, but there are special ones that are a little cheaper than standard stamps for letters that you can buy at a post office. You can also use a normal stamp.

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Are stamps required if the postcard was purchased from the post office?

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Unless it came with a stamp (or some kind of recognition of stamp payment), then yes. Postcards and postage are normally sold separately.

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Tips

Write neatly and clearly. If you make a mistake or the postal worker can't read your writing, you probably won't be receiving your postcard back unless you've included a return address.^{[5]
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It's very rare to add a return address on a postcard if you're vacationing but if you're sending a postcard from home, write your return address in the upper left hand corner.

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Short and sweet is the rule behind postcards. If you stick to this rule, you won't have any problems fitting in the address.

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Warnings

Every postal worker can read what you have written on your postcard. Don't put in extremely sensitive information that might put you or the person you're addressing the postcard to in danger.

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