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Royal Mail message to anyone who still writes address on envelope in pen

People are urged to follow certain guidelines when posting a letter with a handwritten address

Royal Mail has a message to anyone who writes addresses on parcels or envelopes and posts them through a letterbox. The Royal Mail is said to handle up to 6.6 billion letters each year, so following general guidelines and advice can help avoid delays and delivery issues.

Writing a clear and readable address on an envelope is crucial for Royal Mail, as it helps its automated sorting machines to quickly read and process the mail. Having clear, well-formatted, and left-aligned text minimises sorting errors, reduces delivery delays, and ensures your letter arrives at the right place rather than getting lost or sent back.

In advice shared to customers on the Royal Mail website, it says: "Use clear and easy to read handwriting (or font if you are printing the address). Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel."

[Close-up on a woman sending a letter by mail in London]

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The Royal Mail has guidelines for people to follow if they write on envelopes and parcels by hand (stock image)(Image: Getty)

Royal Mail does not ban a specific type of pen. However, it requires customers to use a pen or ink colour that creates a strong, clear contrast against the colour of the envelope or parcel.

Use an ink colour that stands out sharply so sorting machines and postal workers can read the address easily. Royal Mail specifically suggests using black ink for optimal readability, especially on lighter surfaces or labels. It says: "It's important that the address shows up against the colour of your envelope. (Tip - stick on a white label with black ink.)"

[Woman writing an address on a white envelope]

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How to address your mail clear addressing tips (stock image)(Image: Getty )

It recommends avoiding light or faded ink colours (such as light grey, pale yellow, or faint pink) that blend into the envelope's background. Also, avoid using writing tools that smear or blur easily when handled during automated sorting.

The Royal Mail adds: "Write the address clearly on the front, following our guidelines, and always include a postcode if possible. You can search for up to 50 postcodes or addresses, free of charge, with our Postcode Finder."

How should Royal Mail customers address their letters and parcels?

• The name and address go on the bottom left corner of the front of the envelope or parcel.
• Use clear and easy to read handwriting (or font if you are printing the address).
• Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel.
• Left align the text (no centred or 'stepped' lines).
• No commas or full stops.
• Leave a generous margin around the address.
• Place the correct postage on the top right.

[Red British postal mail box with a hand holding a white letter envelop and being inserting into the deposit slot. Fulham, London UK]

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These guidelines show the best way to address your mail for fast delivery in the UK and abroad (stock image)

How can Royal Mail customers write an address correctly?

For the top lines, the Royal Mail explains: "Write or print the name of the person (or people) you are sending to on the first line, above the address. It's best to include their surname as well as their first name. You can add a line for an organisation name."

For the middle lines, the Royal Mail says: "Use a line for the property number and street name. If the property has a full name, this can take up one line and drop the street name onto the next line. On the following line, you can put the name of the local area or village name.

"Next, write the name of the town in capital letters. You don't need to include a county name, as your letters and parcels will still reach the right place. However, you can include it if you prefer."

The final line should be the UK postcode, again in capital letters. After the area code, add the country name to the final line, again in capital letters for international destinations.

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