How to Address a Postcard (USPS Rules)
Per USPS, write the delivery address in the space the postcard gives you, on the same side as your message, and put the postcard stamp in the space provided near the delivery address. USPS notes that postcards come in different formats, so the address space sits in a different spot on different cards.
Maintained by Archie Chang · USPS pages checked on November 2, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Address side of a postcard
“Postcards come in different formats, so write the delivery address in the space it gives you (on the same side you write your message and put the stamp).”
The Domestic Mail Manual adds where the delivery address may appear (DMM 602 1.2):
“Except for mail prepared with detached address labels under 4.0, the piece must have the address of the intended recipient, visible and legible, only on the side of the piece bearing postage.”
DMM 602 1.3 sets the elements of the delivery address, from the top line, for all mail. A made-up example with those elements:
“All mail not bearing a simplified address must bear a delivery address that contains at least the following elements in this order from the top line:”
JOHN Q SMITH 250 ELM ST ANYTOWN VA 22000-1234
USPS.com's address tips cover postcards and envelopes alike:
“Print addresses neatly in capital letters.”
“Use a pen or permanent marker.”
“Do not use commas or periods.”
“Include the ZIP+4® Code whenever possible.”
For the line-by-line format, apartment and PO Box examples, see how to address an envelope.
Where the stamp goes on a postcard
“Put the postcard stamp in the space provided near the delivery address.”
“Stamps must be affixed firmly in the upper right corner of the address side of the mail cover. Any stamp partly concealed by an overlapping stamp may not be counted as postage.”
The two USPS documents word the stamp spot differently, and FedRateCalc does not reconcile them. Use the space printed on the card, and ask your Post Office if you are unsure. See also the stamp placement page.
Notice 123, the USPS price list, shows a $0.65 postcard price, effective October 4, 2026 (Notice 123). USPS.com says:
“(Large or square postcards will cost more.)”
Postcard size
“Standard postcards are usually made of paper, are between 5" to 6" long and 3-1/2" to 4-1/4" high, and are between 0.007" and 0.016" thick.”
For a postcard sent to another country, USPS.com gives these sizes:
“Postcards: Standard postcards are usually made of thick paper (cardstock), are between 5-1/2" to 6" long and 3-1/2" to 4-1/4" high, and are no more than 0.016" thick.”
The domestic and international USPS.com pages differ in the minimum length and the thickness range for a standard postcard, so use the page for the destination.
Return address on a postcard
“The return address tells the USPS where the sender of a mailpiece wants it returned if the piece cannot be delivered.”
DMM 602 1.5.3 lists the mail on which the sender's domestic return address must appear: mail of any class bearing an ancillary service request, official mail, mail paid with precanceled stamps, matter bearing a company permit imprint, Priority Mail, Periodicals in envelopes or opaque wrappers, USPS Ground Advantage, Package Services (except unendorsed Bound Printed Matter), Parcel Select, Registered Mail, insured mail, collect on delivery mail, Certified Mail if a return receipt is requested, Priority Mail Express, detached address labels, Adult Signature, USPS Returns service, and packaging for hazardous, restricted or perishable mail. The list does not name ordinary stamped First-Class Mail postcards. For mail endorsed for an ancillary service, DMM 602 1.6 says:
“A domestic return address must be placed in the upper left corner of the address side of the piece or the upper left corner of the addressing area.”
The top left corner instruction on USPS.com is written for envelopes.
Postcards to another country
“Envelopes: Write your address (the "return" or "sender" address) in the top left corner (and put "USA" on the last line). Write the delivery address in the center (near the bottom). Put the destination country's name (in English) on the last line.”
MR THOMAS CLARK 117 RUSSELL DRIVE LONDON W1P 6HQ UNITED KINGDOM
“IMPORTANT: When you send using First-Class Mail International, you must write "AIRMAIL/PAR AVION" on the address side of your postcard, letter, or large envelope.”
“Put stamps in the upper right corner of the envelope. (For postcards, put the stamp in the space provided near the delivery address.)”
“Sending a regular-sized, rectangular postcard from the U.S. to another country costs the same as sending a letter.”
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Where does the address go on a postcard?
USPS.com says postcards come in different formats, so write the delivery address in the space the postcard gives you, on the same side you write your message and put the stamp.
Where does the stamp go on a postcard?
USPS.com says to put the postcard stamp in the space provided near the delivery address. DMM 604 1.7 says stamps must be affixed firmly in the upper right corner of the address side of the mail cover. The two USPS documents word it differently, and FedRateCalc does not reconcile them. Use the space printed on the card, and ask your Post Office if you are unsure.
Can the message and the address share a side?
Yes, per USPS.com, which says to write the delivery address on the same side as your message and the stamp. DMM 602 1.2 says the address of the intended recipient must be visible and legible only on the side of the piece bearing postage, except for mail prepared with detached address labels.
Does a postcard need a return address?
DMM 602 1.5.3 lists the mail on which the sender’s domestic return address must appear: mail of any class bearing an ancillary service request, official mail, mail paid with precanceled stamps, matter bearing a company permit imprint, Priority Mail, Periodicals in envelopes or opaque wrappers, USPS Ground Advantage, Package Services (except unendorsed Bound Printed Matter), Parcel Select, Registered Mail, insured mail, collect on delivery mail, Certified Mail if a return receipt is requested, Priority Mail Express, detached address labels, Adult Signature, USPS Returns service, and packaging for hazardous, restricted or perishable mail. The list does not name ordinary stamped First-Class Mail postcards. DMM 602 1.5.1 says the return address tells USPS where the sender wants the piece returned if it cannot be delivered.
How big can a postcard be?
USPS.com gives size ranges for standard postcards on its domestic and its international pages, and the two differ in the minimum length and the thickness range, so use the page for the destination. For domestic mail, USPS.com says large or square postcards will cost more.
How do you address a postcard to another country?
USPS.com says to put the destination country name, in English, on the last line and USA on the last line of your return address. For First-Class Mail International it says to write AIRMAIL/PAR AVION on the address side.
How we checked
When we checked on November 2, 2026, USPS.com, USPS Publication 28 (Postal Addressing Standards, October 2024 edition) and the Domestic Mail Manual sections 602 and 604 said what is quoted on this page. Each quote shows where it comes from.
The postcard price comes from Notice 123 as effective October 4, 2026; check USPS.com for the price when you mail.
More USPS postage and fee tools
Sources (checked November 2, 2026): USPS.com: How to Send a Letter or Postcard (Domestic) · USPS.com: How to Send a Letter or Postcard (International) · USPS Domestic Mail Manual 602: Addressing · USPS Domestic Mail Manual 604: Postage Payment Methods · USPS Price List, Notice 123