How to address a postcard: layout, message and USPS size rules

To address a postcard, write the recipient's name and address on the right half of the back of the card, place the stamp in the top right corner, and write your return address in the top left corner. Your message goes on the left half. Keep the bottom 5/8 in of the card clear so USPS can print a barcode there.

To print your own designs, see our postcard printing page.

Postcard address layout

The back of a standard postcard is divided into two halves. The right half is reserved for mailing information, and the left half is for your message.

• Stamp: the top right corner of the address side.
• Return address: the top left corner. It is optional, but it allows the card to come back to you if it cannot be delivered.
• Recipient address: the right half, below the stamp and roughly centered from top to bottom.
• Message: the left half, kept away from the address area.
• Barcode clear zone: the bottom 5/8 in of the address side, left blank for the USPS barcode.

How to write the address

Write the address in three or four lines, the same way you would on an envelope.

• Line 1: the recipient's name.
• Line 2: the street address, including any apartment, suite or unit number.
• Line 3: the city, two-letter state abbreviation and ZIP Code.
• International mail: add the country name in capital letters as the last line.

Use the full ZIP+4 code when you know it, since it helps automated equipment sort the card. Write clearly in dark ink. For printed addresses, USPS prefers capital letters without punctuation, such as 123 MAIN ST APT 4 on the street line and PONTE VEDRA BEACH FL 32082 on the last line.

How to write the message

Keep the message on the left half so it does not run into the address or the barcode area. A short note works best in the small space of a postcard.

• Add the date at the top of the message area.
• Open with a greeting, such as Dear Sam or Hi Sam.
• Write a few short sentences about your trip, event or news.
• Close with a sign-off and your name.
• Leave out private information, because postcards are not sealed.

Ballpoint pens and fine markers work well on uncoated card stock. On glossy or coated cards, ink can smear, so let it dry before you mail the card. Uncoated recycled card stock is a practical choice for postcards that people will write on.

USPS postcard size rules

To mail at the postcard price, a card must be rectangular and fall within these limits:

• Minimum size: 3.5 x 5 in.
• Maximum size: 4.25 x 6 in.
• Thickness: 0.007 to 0.016 in.

Larger cards, such as 5 x 7 in or 6 x 9 in, can still be mailed, but they are charged at the letter price instead of the postcard price. Square cards also fall outside the postcard rules and can cost more to mail. Postage prices change from time to time, so confirm the current rate at usps.com before you mail. Our guide to postcard sizes lists common dimensions for printed cards.

Addressing postcards for a business mailing

When a business sends postcards to a mailing list, the addresses are usually printed directly on the cards rather than written by hand. The design needs a blank area on the right half for the address block and postage, plus the barcode clear zone along the bottom. Checking the list against USPS address standards before printing reduces returned and undeliverable cards. Our guide to eco-friendly direct mail explains how to plan a mailing that reduces waste.

Common questions

Where does the address go on a postcard?

The recipient's address goes on the right half of the back of the card, below the stamp, with the bottom 5/8 in left clear.

Where does the stamp go on a postcard?

The stamp goes in the top right corner of the address side.

Do you need a return address on a postcard?

It is not required, but a return address in the top left corner allows an undeliverable card to be returned to you.

What size postcard can be mailed at the postcard price?

The card must be rectangular, from 3.5 x 5 in to 4.25 x 6 in, and from 0.007 to 0.016 in thick. Check the current postage at usps.com.