Addresses around the world
Recipient Name and Contact Details on Addresses
How to write the recipient name, company, attention line and phone number on a parcel or letter so it reaches the right person.
Updated 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
The top of an address says who the item is for. A correct street address is of little use if no one at the door recognises the name on the parcel.
Personal recipients
Write the name as it appears on the person's ID, letterbox or doorbell. Where a household has several people with different surnames, make sure the name you write is the one displayed at the address. If a courier needs ID for collection, an exact match matters.
Company recipients
For businesses, use a clear pattern:
- Company name
- Attention line, department or contact person
- Street address
An attention line directs the item to a person or department inside the organisation, once it arrives. It is usually written as "Attn:" or the local equivalent followed by the name.
"Care of" lines
A "care of" line is used when an item is sent to a person at someone else's address, such as a guest, tenant or temporary resident. It names the intended recipient and, on a separate line, the resident or host who will accept the item. Write the intended recipient first, then the "care of" line, then the address.
Names in different scripts and orders
Name order varies by culture. Some write the family name first, some last. Copy names as the recipient gives them. For other scripts, see writing addresses in non-Latin scripts.
Contact details
- Phone number: write it with the country code for international items so the carrier can call from abroad.
- Email: useful for notifications and customs queries.
- Do not put contact details inside the address lines; use the field provided.
Privacy
A name and phone number are personal data. Share them only with the carrier and the party that needs them, and avoid writing them on parts of a package that are visible to others where possible.
Forms and data
Keep the name, company and phone in separate fields, and see address fields in online forms for how to lay them out.
Summary
Write the recipient exactly as displayed at the address, add a company and attention line where useful and include a phone number so the carrier can ask for help.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put the company name or the person's name first?
Either can come first, but put the line that identifies who accepts the item prominently. For businesses, the company name and an attention line for the person is a common pattern.
Do I need to write a phone number on a parcel?
Often it is requested by the carrier or customs and is useful for delivery. Check the label or form you are using.