Mastering Mail Etiquette: What You Need to Know About Address Line 2 and Writing Attention on Mail
In today’s world, where digital communication reigns supreme, physical mail might seem like an old-school method. But whether you’re sending official documents, holiday cards, or business correspondence, knowing how to properly address an envelope is essential. A small mistake on an address can lead to delivery delays or even lost mail.
One of the most common areas of confusion is Address Line 2—many people have no idea when or how to use it. Another frequent question is about including an “Attention” line: how do you ensure your letter reaches the right person in a company or organization?
In this guide, we’ll break down what is Address Line 2, when you should use it, and how to write attention on mail properly so your correspondence gets to the right hands, every time.
Why Addressing Mail Correctly Matters
Mail delivery is a complex process. Postal services handle millions of pieces of mail daily, sorting, routing, and delivering with astonishing speed and accuracy. But their system relies heavily on you providing clear, correct, and complete address details.
If you miss an apartment number, a suite designation, or don’t clarify who the mail is intended for within a company, you’re increasing the chances of misdelivery or return-to-sender situations.
That’s where elements like Address Line 2 and attention lines come in. They provide extra details that help postal workers and office staff figure out exactly where your mail needs to go.
Breaking Down Address Lines
When you write an address, the format typically looks like this:
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John Smith
123 Main Street
Apt 4B
New York, NY 10001
In this example, “123 Main Street” is Address Line 1. The Apt 4B part is often referred to as Address Line 2.
What Is Address Line 2?
In simple terms, what is Address Line 2 refers to the secondary address field used to capture extra location details.
Address Line 1 covers the primary street address, while Address Line 2 is optional and used for details such as:
✅ Apartment numbers (e.g., Apt 4B)
✅ Suite numbers (e.g., Suite 210)
✅ Floor numbers (e.g., 5th Floor)
✅ PO Box numbers (if used alongside a physical address)
✅ Attention or department information (if not placed elsewhere)
Without Address Line 2, these extra pieces of information might get squeezed awkwardly into Address Line 1 or left out completely, which can confuse both postal services and building mailrooms.
When Should You Use Address Line 2?
Not every address needs it. For example, if you’re mailing to a single-family house, Address Line 1 is usually sufficient. But when you’re sending something to:
- An apartment complex
- A large corporate office with multiple departments
- A building with multiple tenants or suites
… then you should absolutely use Address Line 2 to include apartment or suite numbers, or internal routing details.
Important tip: Avoid duplicating information. If you put “Suite 210” on Address Line 1, don’t repeat it on Address Line 2. Use Address Line 2 only when you need it.
Formatting Address Line 2
Here’s how your mailing label or envelope should look with Address Line 2 included:
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Jane Doe
456 Business Plaza
Suite 210
Los Angeles, CA 90015
If you’re filling out an online form, Address Line 1 goes in the first field, and Address Line 2 goes in the optional second field. If you’re handwriting it, write Address Line 2 directly below Address Line 1, before the city, state, and ZIP.
How to Include Attention on Mail
Let’s say you’re sending a letter to a company, but you want to make sure it lands on a specific person’s desk. Writing just the company name might get it to the building, but without extra details, it could bounce around mailrooms or departments before (hopefully) landing where you want.
That’s where the Attention line comes in.
Knowing how to write attention on mail ensures that your envelope is directed to the right person or department inside an organization.
How to Write Attention on an Envelope
There are a few correct ways to do this, but here’s the most common format:
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ATTN: John Manager
XYZ Corporation
789 Corporate Blvd
Chicago, IL 60611
Alternatively, you can place the recipient’s name above the company name:
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John Manager
XYZ Corporation
789 Corporate Blvd
Chicago, IL 60611
The key is to make sure the person or department’s name stands out clearly, so whoever receives the mail internally knows where to deliver it.
Attention Line vs. Address Line 2
Here’s where it can get a little confusing: sometimes people wonder if the Attention line should go in Address Line 2.
Answer: Not usually.
The Attention line typically goes above the company name, not as part of the street address. Address Line 2 should be reserved for physical location details like suites or floors, not for people’s names or departments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ Leaving Address Line 2 blank when needed. If you skip the apartment or suite number, you risk your mail being undeliverable.
✅ Using abbreviations nobody recognizes. Instead of “Ste. 210,” spell out “Suite 210” to avoid confusion.
✅ Putting attention details in the wrong place. Make sure “ATTN” or the recipient’s name is above the address, not crammed into the street line.
✅ Overstuffing Address Line 1. If your address line looks too long or cluttered, break it up properly between Line 1 and Line 2.
Tips for Writing Business Mail
When you’re sending mail to businesses, a little extra care goes a long way. Here are some bonus tips:
- Double-check the recipient’s full name and department.
- If possible, include a direct extension or floor number.
- Use company directories or websites to verify address details.
- Include a return address so your mail can come back if undeliverable.
Taking the time to format your mail properly not only improves delivery chances but also leaves a professional impression.
Why This Matters in the Digital Age
Sure, email is faster. But for legal documents, contracts, invoices, marketing materials, or personal touches like holiday cards, physical mail still plays an important role.
Knowing how to handle details like Address Line 2 and attention lines can save you from frustration and ensure your mail reaches its destination smoothly.
Plus, in many industries, direct mail remains a powerful marketing tool. Whether you’re a business sending out bulk mailers or an individual mailing a resume, getting your addressing right is a key part of your communication strategy.
Final Thoughts
Mailing might seem simple on the surface, but there’s a surprising amount of nuance behind a well-addressed envelope.
Remember:
- Use Address Line 2 for extra location details like apartment numbers or suites.
- Place attention lines above the company name, not mixed into the street address.
- Always double-check names, numbers, and spelling.
By mastering these little details, you set yourself up for smoother, faster, and more reliable mail delivery—whether you’re sending a personal letter, a job application, or important business correspondence.
If you’ve ever wondered what is Address Line 2 or needed guidance on how to write attention on mail, now you know exactly how to handle it.
Got more questions about mailing, addressing, or improving your mail process? Drop them here, and we’ll tackle them in a future post!