Many mailers use a return address because it’s an opportunity to "brand" their mailpiece with a company name or a logo. The Postal Service encourages mailers to use return addresses because if the piece is undeliverable we can return it.

The return address has the same elements as the delivery address and must be placed in the upper left corner of the address side or in the upper left of the addressing area.

There are some instances where mailers MUST use a return address. To name a few:

Quick Service Guide 602 - Basic Addressing Standards

There are special addressing services you can use to tell the Postal Service what to do with your mail if it can’t be delivered. You may want your mailpiece forwarded to a customer who has moved or you may want the piece back with a corrected address on it. These special addressing services are called ancillary service endorsements.

TIPS
--You are welcome to put logos and slogans on your mailpiece. Just be careful where you put them. Don’t put anything below the delivery line of the delivery address.
--We recommend 8 point or larger font size for the return address.

Delivery Address

Special Addressing Service (Ancillary Service Endorsements)

Additional Resources