Style Zip Code Release For Free

Since our caller works for the U.S. government, and ZIP codes are a government thing, I checked the US Printing Office style guide first. It recommends ?ZIP Code.? Associated Press style is similar: ?ZIP code??two words with ?ZIP? in all caps?but it uses a lowercase C, and I was surprised it would deviate.

A 5-Digit ZIP code represents a USPS delivery area. A 9-Digit ZIP code, also known as a ZIP+4 code or an extended ZIP code, includes the same information as the 5-Digit ZIP code, plus additional information about a specific delivery route within the delivery area.

The most complete ZIP Code is a nine-digit number consisting of five digits, a hyphen, and four digits, which the USPS describes by its trademark ZIP+4. The correct format for a numeric ZIP+4 code is five digits, a hyphen, and four digits.

Mailing addresses Note: ZIP is always all capital letters and code is lowercase. Use specific abbreviations for street suffixes (refer to the USPS comprehensive list of suffix abbreviations).

These should be placed on the same line as the street address. Place the city, state, and ZIP Code in that order on the last line. This must be the last line. Never place an ?attention line,? telephone number, or other entries after the ZIP Code line.

Also called ?plus-four codes?, ?add-on codes?, or ?add-ons?, the ZIP+4 code starts with the standard five-digit ZIP Code. The four extra numbers are added after a hyphen to complete the ZIP+4. So what do the extra numbers mean? These last 4 digits represent specific delivery routes within delivery areas.

Yes, when using a ZIP+4 ZIP Code, the number must consist of five digits, a hyphen (or dash), and four digits. Improperly labeled mailpieces may progress slower through the mail system and may be returned to sender if the United States Postal Service® is unable to deliver the item.