U.S. postal abbreviations facts for kids

This article is about the short forms, called abbreviations, that the United States Postal Service (USPS) uses for states and other places. These two-letter codes help mail get sorted and delivered quickly and correctly. When you send a letter or package, you often use these special codes. Sometimes, in other places like newspapers, you might see different, longer abbreviations for states.

State Abbreviations

The United States has 50 states, and each one has its own special two-letter code used by the postal service. These codes make it easier and faster to sort mail. Below is a list of all the states and their postal abbreviations, listed in alphabetical order by the abbreviation itself.

A map showing the two-letter postal abbreviations for U.S. states.

Other Important Codes

Besides the 50 states, the USPS also uses special abbreviations for other important places. These include federal districts, U.S. territories, and even places where the U.S. Armed Forces are located around the world.

Federal Districts

The District of Columbia is not a state, but it is a very important part of the United States. It is where the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., is located. It has its own postal abbreviation.

U.S. Territories

The United States has several territories. These are areas that are part of the U.S. but are not states. People living in these territories are U.S. citizens. They also have their own two-letter postal codes.

Freely Associated States

Some countries have a special agreement with the United States. They are called "Freely Associated States." Even though they are independent countries, the U.S. Postal Service helps deliver mail to them using special codes.

Armed Forces Mail

The U.S. Postal Service also has special abbreviations for mail sent to members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving overseas. These codes help make sure mail reaches military personnel no matter where they are stationed.