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15.4: Forms of Address, Salutation and Complimentary Close

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    The DoD Manual for Written Material provides "Forms of Address, Salutation, and Complimentary Close" tables as references for composing the address, salutation and complimentary closing elements of a personal letter. The tables provide examples for every branch of government, as well as many departments, agencies or groups of people from the White House to private citizens. These tables have long been staples of The Tongue and Quill and continue to be an important reference for all Airmen: using the proper address, salutation and complimentary close for correspondence makes a good first impression.

    For this edition of The Tongue and Quill, The "Forms of Address, Salutation, and Complimentary Close" tables from the DoD manual were extracted, combined into a single table, and edited to conform to Air Force standards: the Air Force uses the open punctuation style and spells out the ranks of all military members in the addresses on personal letters (for the address on the envelope, refer to the Envelope section of this publication). Also, the standard to abbreviate "U.S." and "U.N." is to write them without the periods (i.e. "US" and "UN"). The tips below and the entries in the table are the standards useful to most Airmen in their daily work; however, always check to see if your command has additional or supplementary guidance.

    • Name or Gender Unknown: Use professional or organizational title when the name or the gender of the receiver (or both) are not known (e.g., Dear Resource Manager).
    • Responding to Jointly Written Letters: Respond to letters written jointly by more than three people by preparing single replies, or reply to the person signing the original letter and mentioning the others early in the letter.
    • Titles: In the salutation for letters addressed to persons in formal positions such as "President," "Vice President," "Chairman," "Secretary," “Ambassador" or "Minister" that may be held by men or women, use the title "Mr." or "Madam." For example, use "Dear Mr. President" or "Dear Madam Secretary" if using the formal position in the salutation.
      • The title "Ms.," "Miss" or "Mrs." is used when the last name rather than a formal title follows. (e.g., Ms. Smith, Miss Rice, Mrs. Gartner)
      • "Ms." may be used when an incumbent or correspondent has indicated this preference or when a woman’s marital status is unknown.
      • Spell out titles (except Dr., Mr. and Mrs.) but do not duplicate titles (Dr. Charles Norris or Charles Norris, MD; not Dr. Charles Norris, MD).
    • Punctuation: The Air Force uses open punctuation in the salutation and complimentary close (no punctuation after the salutation or close). A period is used after "Mr.," "Mrs." or "Dr." and similar titles and a dash is used in the ZIP+4 code (e.g., 12345-6789).
    • Spacing: Single space between lines.
    • Readability: Readability of the addresses is essential. Use single spacing between lines. On the envelope, do not include punctuation except for the dash in the ZIP+4 to facilitate the optical character recognition (OCR) processing of correspondence.
    Addressee Address on Letter Salutation / Complimentary Close
    The White House    
    The President The President (Full Name)
    The White House
    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    Washington DC 20500    		 Dear Mr./Madam President
    Respectfully yours
    Spouse of the President Mr./Mrs. (full name)
    The White House
    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    Washington DC 20500    		 Dear Mr./Mrs. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Assistant or Special ASsistant to the President The Honorable (full name)
    Assistant (Special Assistant) to the President for (title)
    The White House
    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    Washington DC 20500    		 Dear Mr./Mrs. (last name)
    Sincerely
    The Vice President The Vice President
    276 Eisenhower Executive Office Building
    Washington DC 20501    		 Dear Mr./Madam Vice President
    Sincerely
    The Vice President
    As President of the Senate    		 The Honorable (full name)
    President of the Senate
    United States Senate
    S-212 Capitol Building
    Washington DC 20510    		 Dear Mr. President
    Sincerely
    Director, Office of Management and Budget The Honorable (full name)
    Director, Office of Management and Budget
    Washington DC 20503    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    The Federal Judiciary

    The Chief Justice The Chief Justice
    The Supreme Court
    Washington DC 20543    		 Dear Chief Justice
    Sincerely
    Associate Justice The Honorable (full name)
    The Supreme Court
    Washington DC 20543    		 Dear Justice (last name)
    Sincerely
    Retired Justice The Honorable (full name)
    Judge of the (name of court)
    (address)    		 Dear Judge (last name)
    Sincerely
    Judge of a Federal, State, or Local Court The Honorable (full name)
    Judge of the (name of court)
    (address)    		 Dear Judge (last name)
    sincerely
    Clerk of a Court Mr. (full name)
    Clerk of the (name of court)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    The Congress

    Use "+4+ codes if available. For congressional Member individual ZIP+4 Codes, see the Congressional Staff Director. Also see US Senate and US House websites at http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov.

    President pro tempore of the Senate The Honorable (full name)
    President pro tempore
    United States Senate
    Washington DC 20510-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Senator (last name)
    Sincerely
    Majority Leader, Senate The Honorable (full name)
    Majority Leader
    United States Senate
    Washington DC 20510-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Majority Leader
    Sincerely
    Committee Chairman, Senate The Honorable (full name)
    Chairman
    Committee on (name of committee)
    United States Senate
    Washington DC 20510-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Senator (last name)
    Sincerely
    Committee Ranking Member, Senate The Honorable (full name)
    Ranking Member
    Committee on (name of committee)
    United States Senate
    Washington DC 20510-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Senator (last name)
    Sincerely
    Subcommittee Chairman, Senate The Honorable (full name)
    Chairman
    Subcommittee on (name of committee)
    Committee on (name of full committee)
    United States Senate
    Washington DC 20510-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Chairman
    Sincerely
    Senator (Washington office) The Honorable (full name)
    Unites States Senate
    Washington DC 20510-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Senator (last name)
    Sincerely
    Senator (home state office) The Honorable (full name)
    United States Senator
    (address)    		 Dear Senator (last name)
    Sincerely
    Senator-elect Senator-elect (full name)
    ---or if applicable *---
    The Honorable (full name)
    Senator-elect
    (address)    		 Dear Senator-elect (last name)
    Sincerely
    *A Senator-elect may be referred to as "The Honorable" if applicable to the individual's prior or current position.
    Office of a deceased senator Office of Senator (full name)
    United States Senate
    Washington DC 20510-(+4 Code)    		 Sirs or Dear Mr./Ms. (name of contact)
    Sincerely
    Speaker of the House of Representatives The Honorable (full name)
    Speaker of the House
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Speaker
    Sincerely
    Majority Leader, House The Honorable (full name)
    Majority Leader
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Majority Leader
    Sincerely
    Committee Chairman, House of Representatives The Honorable (full name)
    Chairman
    Committee on (name of committee)
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Chairman
    Sincerely
    Committee Ranking Member,
    House of Representatives    		 The Honorable (full name)
    Ranking Member
    Committee on (name of committee)
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Chairman
    Sincerely
    Representative (Washington office) The Honorable (full name)
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Representative (last name)
    Sincerely
    Representative (home state office) The Honorable (full name)
    US Representative
    (address)    		 Dear Representative (last name)
    Sincerely
    Representative-elect Representative-elect (full name)
    ---or if applicable*---
    The Honorable (full name)
    Representative-elect
    (address)    		 Dear Representative-elect (last name)
    Sincerely
    *A Representative-elect may be referred to as "The Honorable" if applicable to the individual's prior or current position.
    Office of a deceased representative Office of the late Honorable (full name)
    ---or---
    Office of the (name of) District of (State)
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (name of contact)
    Sincerely
    Resident Commisioner The Honorable (full name)
    Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Delegate The Honorable (full name)
    Delegate from (location)
    US House of Representatives
    Washington DC 20515-(+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    Legislative Agencies

    Comptroller General The Honorable (full name)
    Comptroller General of the United States
    Washington DC 20548    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Public Printer The Honorable (full name)
    Public Printer
    US Government Printing Office
    Washington DC 20401    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Librarian of Congress The Honorable (full name)
    Librarian of Congress
    Washington DC 20540    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    The Executive Departments

    For Executive Department Zip+4 Codes, see the Federal Yellow Book.

    The titles for Cabinet Secretaries are Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of the Interior, Attorney General (Department of Justice), Secretary of Labor, Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of Veteran Affairs.

    Members of the Cabinet addressed as Secretary The Honorable (full name)
    Secretary of (Department)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Secretary
    Sincerely
    Attorney General The Honorable (full name)
    Attorney General
    Washington DC 20530    		 Dear Mr./Madam Attorney General
    Sincerely
    Deputy Secretary of a Department The Honorable (full name)
    Deputy Secretary of (Department)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Under Secretary of a Department The Honorable (full name)
    Under Secretary of (Department)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Assistant Secretary of a Department The Honorable (full name)
    Assistant Secretary of (Department)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Deputy Under Secretary of a Department who is Senate-confirmed The Honorable (full name)
    Deputy Under Secretary of (Department)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    The Military Departments

    The Secretaries of the Military Departments The Honorable (full name)
    Secretary of (Department)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Secretary
    Sincerely
    Under Secretary of the Military Department The Honorable (full name)
    Under Secretary of (Department)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps Officers

    General,
    Lieutenant General,
    Major General,
    Brigadier General    		 (full rank) (full name), (Service abbreviation)
    (address)    		 Dear General (last name)
    Sincerely
    Colonel,
    Lieutenant Colonel    		 (same as above) Dear Colonel (last name)
    Sincerely
    Major (same as above) Dear Major (last name)
    Sincerely
    Captain (same as above) Dear Captain (last name)
    Sincerely
    First Lieutenant,
    Second Lieutenant    		 (same as above) Dear Lieutenant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Chief Warrant Officer (same as above) Dear Mr./Miss/Ms./Mrs. (last name)
    Sincerely

    Navy Officers

    Admiral;
    Vice Admiral;
    Rear Admiral;
    Rear Admiral (lower half)    		 (full rank) (full name), (Service abbreviation)
    (address)    		 Dear Admiral (last name)
    Sincerely
    Captain (same as above) Dear Captain (last name)
    Sincerely
    Commander,
    Lieutenant Commander    		 (same as above) Dear Commander (last name)
    Sincerely
    Lieutenant,
    Lieutenant (Junior Grade)    		 (same as above) Dear Lieutenant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Ensign (same as above) Dear Ensign (last name)
    Sincerely
    Chief Warrant Officer (Number) (same as above) Dear Chief Warrant Officer (last name)
    Sincerely
    Warrant Officer (same as above) Dear Warrant Officer (last name)
    Sincerely

    Army Enlisted Personnel

    Sergeant Major of the Army Sergeant Major of the Army (full name, USA
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant Major (last name)
    Sincerely
    Command Sergeant Major Command Sergeant Major (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant Major (last name)
    Sincerely
    Sergeant Major Sergeant Major (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant Major (last name)
    Sincerely
    First Sergeant First Sergeant (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear First Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Master Sergeant Master Sergeant (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Sergeant First Class Sergeant First Class (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Staff Sergeant Staff Sergeant (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Sergeant Sergeant (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Corporal Corporal (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Corporal (last name)
    Sincerely
    Specialists (all grades) Specialist (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Specialist (last name)
    Sincerely
    Private First Class Private First Class (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Private (last name)
    Sincerely
    Private Private (full name), USA
    (address)    		 Dear Private (last name)
    Sincerely

    Navy Enlisted Personnel

    Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Master Chief (last name)
    Sincerely
    Master Chief Petty Officer Master Chief Petty Officer (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Master Chief (last name)
    Sincerely
    Senior Chief Petty Officer Senior Chief Petty Officer (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Senior Chief (last name)
    Sincerely
    Chief Petty Officer Chief Petty Officer (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Chief (last name)
    Sincerely
    Petty Officer First Class Petty Officer First Class (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Petty Officer (last name)
    Sincerely
    Petty Officer Second Class Petty Officer Second Class (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Petty Officer (last name)
    Sincerely
    Petty Officer Third Class Petty Officer Third Class (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Petty Officer (last name)
    Sincerely
    Airman (includes Apprentice and Recruit) Airman (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Airman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Constructionman (includes Apprentice and Recruit) Constructionman (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Constructionman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Dentalman (includes Apprentice and Recruit) Dentalman (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Dentalman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Fireman (includes Apprentice and Recruit) Fireman (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Fireman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Hospital Corpsman (includes Apprentice and Recruit) Hospital Corpsman (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Hospital Corpsman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Seaman (includes Apprentice and Recruit) Seaman (full name), USN
    (address)    		 Dear Seaman (last name)
    Sincerely

    Marine Corps Enlisted Personnel

    Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant Major (last name)
    Sincerely
    Sergeant Major Sergeant Major (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant Major (last name)
    Sincerely
    Master Gunnery Sergeant Master Gunnery Sergeant (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Master Gunnery Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    First Sergeant First Sergeant (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear First Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Master SErgeant Master Sergeant (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Master Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Gunnery Sergeant Gunnery Sergeant (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Gunnery Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Staff Sergeant Staff Sergeant (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Staff Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Sergeant Sergeant (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Corporal Corporal (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Corporal (last name)
    Sincerely
    Lance Corporal Lance Corporal (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Corporal (last name)
    Sincerely
    Private First Class Private First Class (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Private First Class (last name)
    Sincerely
    Private Private (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Private (last name)
    Sincerely

    Air Force Enlisted Personnel

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Chief Master SErgeant of the Air Force (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Chief (last name)
    Sincerely
    Chief Master Sergeant Chief Master Sergeant (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Chief (last name)
    Sincerely
    Senior Master Sergeant Senior Master Sergeant (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Master Sergeant Master Sergeant (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Technical Sergeant Technical Sergeant (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Staff Sergeant Staff Sergeant (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Sergeant (last name)
    Sincerely
    Senior Airman Senior Airman (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Airman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Airman First Class Airman First Class (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Airman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Airman Airman (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Airman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Airman Basic Airman Basic (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Airman (last name)
    Sincerely

    Other Military Personnel

    All retired military personnel (rank) (full name), (Service abbreviation) (Ret)
    (address)    		 Dear (rank) (last name)
    Sincerely
    Cadet Cadet (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Cadet (last name)
    Sincerely
    Midshipman Midshipman (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Midshipman (last name)
    Sincerely
    Air Cadet Air Cadet (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Air Cadet (last name)
    Sincerely

    Independent Agencies

    A Military head of a Federal agency, authority, or board shall be addressed by military rank.

    Head of a Federal Agency, Authority, or Board The Honorable (full name)
    (title)
    (agency)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    President of a Commission or board The Honorable (full name)
    President, (name of commission)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Chairman of a Commission or Board The Honorable (full name)
    Chairman, (name of commission)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Chairman
    Sincerely
    Postmaster General The Honorable (full name)
    Postmaster General
    475 L'Enfant Plaza West SW
    Washington DC 20260    		 Dear Mr./Madam Chairman
    Sincerely

    American Missions

    American Ambassador The Honorable (full name)
    American Ambassador
    (city), (country)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Ambassador
    Sincerely
    American Ambassador (with military rank) (Full rank) (full name)
    American Ambassador
    (city), (country)
    (address)    		 Dear (rank) (last name)
    Sincerely
    Personal/Special Representative of the President The Honorable (full name)
    Personal Representative of the Persident of the United States of America to (country)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    American Foreign Service Officer with personal rank of Minister The Honorable (full name)
    (rank: Minister Counselor or Counselor)
    American Embassy
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    American Minister (with military rank) (full rank) (full name)
    (title)
    American Embassy
    (address)    		 Dear (rank) (last name)
    Sincerely
    American Consul General, consul, or Vice Consul Mr./Ms. (full name)
    American Consul General (or Consul or Vice Consul)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    US Political Advisor The Honorable (full name)
    United States Political Advisor for (country)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    Foreign Diplomatic Missions to the United States

    Foreign Ambassador in the United States His/Her Excellency (full name)
    Ambassador of (country)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Ambassador
    Sincerely
    Foreign Minister in the United States
    (head of a delegation)    		 The Honorable (full name)
    Minister of (country)
    Washington DC (ZIP +4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Minister
    Sincerely
    Foreign Minister Counselor in the United States The Honorable (full name)
    Minister Counselor
    Embassy of (country)
    Washington DC (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Minister
    Sincerely
    Foreign Chargé d'Affaires in the United States Mr./Madam (full name)
    Chargé d'Affaires of (country)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Chargé d'Affaires
    Sincerely

    International Organizations

    Organization with no US Representative* The (title of officer) of the (organization name)
    (address)    		 Dear Sir/Madam
    Sincerely
    *Address communications to the ranking officer of an international organization that has no full-time US representative.
    Secretary General of the Organization of American States The Honorable (full name)*
    Secretary General of the Organization of American States
    Washington DC 20006    		 Dear Mr./Madam Secretary General
    Sincerely
    *Address officials as "The Honorable" unless otherwise entitled to "His [or] Her Excellency."
    Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States The Honorable (full name)
    Assistant Secretary General of the
    Organization of American States
    Washington DC 20006    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    United States Representative on the Council of the oRganization of American States The Honorable (full name),
    US Representative on the Council of the
    Organization of American States
    Washington DC 20520    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    United Nations

    Address communications for the United Nations to the US Representative to the United Nations, through the Department of State. Direct communication with the United Nations is inappropriate. Send all notes for the United Nations through the US Representative with a cover note with appropriate instruction. Address officials as “The Honorable” unless otherwise entitled to “His [or] Her Excellency.”

    Secretary General of the United Nations The Honorable (full name)
    Secretary General of the United Nations
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear Mr./Madam Secretary General
    Sincerely
    US Representative to the United Nations The Honorable (full name)
    United States Representative to the United Nations
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear Mr./Ms. Ambassador (last name)
    Sincerely
    Chairman, US Delegation to the UN Military Staff Committee The Honorable (full name)
    Chairman, United States Delegation United Nations Military Staff Committee
    United States Mission to the United Nations
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    US Senior Representative to the UN General Assembly The Honorable (full name)
    Senior Representative of the United STates to the General ASsembly of the United Nations
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Senior Military Adviser to the US Delegation to the UN General Assembly (Full rank) (full name)
    Senior Military Adviser to the United States Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear (rank) (last name)
    Sincerely
    US Representative on the UN Economic and Social Council The Honorable (full name)
    United STates Representative to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    US Representative on the UN Disarmament Commission The Honorable (full name)
    United States Representative on the Disarmament Commission of the United Nations
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    US Representative to the UN Trusteeship Council The Honorable (full name)
    United STates Representative on the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations
    New York NY 10017    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    State and Local Government

    State Governor The Honorable (full name)
    Governor of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Governor (last name)
    Sincerely
    Acting State Governor The Honorable (full name)
    Acting Governor of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    State Lieutenant Governor The Honorable (full name)
    Lieutenant Governor of (State)
    City St (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    State Secretary of State The Honorable (full name)
    Secretary of State of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam (last name)
    Sincerely
    Chief Justice of a State Supreme Court The Honorable (full name)
    Chief Justice Supreme Court of the State of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Chief Justice
    Sincerely
    State Attorney General The Honorable (full name)
    Attorney General State of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Attorney General
    Sincerely
    State Treasureer, Comptroller, or Auditor The Honorable (full name)
    State (Treasurer, Comptroller, or Auditor)
    State of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    President, State Senate The Honorable (full name)
    President of the Senate of the State of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    State Senator The Honorable (full name)
    (State) Senate
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Speaker, State House of Representatives, Assembly or House of Delegates* The Honorable (full name)
    Speaker of the (Legislature's name*) of the State of (State)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    State Representative, Assembly man, or Delegate* The Honorable (full name)
    (State) (Legislature's name*)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    *In most States, the lower branch of the legislature is the House of Representatives. In some States, such as California and New York, the lower house is known as the Assembly. In others, such as Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, it is known as the House of Delegates. Nebraska has a one-house legislature; its members are classed as senators.
    Mayo The Honorable (full name)
    Mayor of (city)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mayor (last name)
    Sincerely
    President of a Board of Commissioners The Honorable (full name)
    President, Board of Commissioners of (city)
    City ST (ZIP+4 Code)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely

    Ecclesiastical Organizations

    Catholic Cardinal His Eminence (first name) Cardinal (last name)
    (address)    		 Dear Cardinal (last name)
    Sincerely
    Catholic Archbishop The Most Reverend (full name)
    Archbishop of (archdiocese)
    (address)    		 Dear Archbishop (last name)
    Sincerely
    Catholic Bishop The Most Reverend (full name)
    Bishop of (place)
    (address)    		 Dear Bishop (last name)
    Sincerely
    Catholic Monsignor The Reverend Monsignor (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Monsignor (last name)
    Sincerely
    Catholic Priest The Reverend (full name), (initials of order)
    (address)    		 Dear Father (last name) (informal)
    Sincerely
    Catholic Mother Superior of an Institution Reverend Mother (full name), (initials of order)
    (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Reverend Mother
    Sincerely
    Catholic Sister Sister (full name), (initials of order)
    (name of organization)
    (address)    		 Dear Sister (first name)
    Sincerely
    Catholic Brother Brother (full name), (initials of order)
    (organization)
    (address)    		 Dear Brother (first name)
    Sincerely
    Episcopal Archdeacon The Venerable (full name)
    Archdeacon of (place)
    (address)    		 Dear Archdeacon (last name)
    Sincerely
    Episcopal Dean The Very REverend (full name), (initials of degree)
    Dean of (place)
    (address)    		 Dear Dean (last name)
    Sincerely
    Methodist Bishop The Reverend (full name)
    Bishop of (place)
    (address)    		 Dear Bishop (last name)
    Sincerely
    Mormon Bishop Mr. (full name)
    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
    (address)    		 Dear Mr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Army Chaplain Chaplain (rank in parenthesis) (full name),
    USA
    (address)    		 Dear Chaplain (last name)
    Sincerely
    Navy Chaplain Rank (full name) CHC, USN
    (address)    		 Dear Chaplain (last name)
    Sincerely
    Air Force Chaplain Chaplain (rank) (full name), USAF
    (address)    		 Dear Chaplain (last name)
    Sincerely
    Marine Corps Chaplain Chaplain (rank) (full name), USMC
    (address)    		 Dear Chaplain (last name)
    Sincerely
    Minister, Pastor, or Rector (with doctoral degree) The Reverend Dr. (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Dr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Minister, Pastor, Rector (without doctoral degree) The Reverend (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Reverent (last name)
    Sincerely
    Rabbi (with doctoral degree) Rabbi (full name), (initials of degree)
    (address)    		 Dear Dr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Rabbi (without doctoral degree) Rabbi (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Rabbi (last name)
    Sincerely

    Private Citizens

    University or college president (with doctoral degree) Dr. (full name)
    President, (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Dr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    University or college president (without a doctoral degree) Mr. (full name)
    President, (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Dean of a school (with doctoral degree) Dr. (full name)
    Dean, School of (name)
    (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Dr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Dean of a school (without doctoral degree) Dean (full name), School of (name)
    (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Dean (last name)
    Sincerely
    Professor* (with doctoral degree) Dr. (or Professor) (full name)
    Department of (name)
    (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Dr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Professor* (with doctoral degree) Professor (full name)
    Department of (name)
    (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Professor (last name)
    Sincerely
    Associate Professor* or Assistant Professor* (with doctoral degree) Dr. (or Professor) (full name)
    Associate (or Assistant) Professor
    Department of (name)
    (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Professor (last name)
    Sincerely
    Associate Professor* or Assistant Professor* (without doctoral degree) Mr./Ms. (full name)
    Associate (or Assistant) Professor
    Department of (name)
    (name of institution)
    (address)    		 Dear Professor (last name)
    Sincerely
    *Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistnat Professor are academic ranks that may be held with or without a doctoral degreee, depending on the position and university policies. "Dr." denotes the award of a doctoral degree and is usually the preferred title by those holding a doctoral degree
    Physician (Full name), MD
    (address)    		 Dear Dr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Lawyer Mr./Ms. (full name)
    Attorney at Laaw
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    One individual Mr. (full name)
    Mrs. (full name)
    Miss (full name)
    Ms. (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr. (last name)
    Dear Mrs. (last name)
    Dear Miss (last name)
    Dear Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Two individuals: Married, no special title Mr. and Mrs. (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr. and Mrs. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Two individuals (men): No relationship specified Mr. (full name) and
    Mr. (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr. (last name) and Mr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Two individuals (women): No relationship specified Mrs. (full name) and
    Miss (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mrs. (last name) and Miss (last name)
    Sincerely
    Two individuals: Marital status and relationship not specified Ms. (full name) and
    Mr. (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Ms. (last name) and Mr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Two individuals (women): Marital status and relationship not specified Ms. (full name) and
    Ms. (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Ms. (last name) and Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Three or more individuals: Men Messieurs (full name) and (full name) and (full name)
    (address)    		 Gentlemen
    ---or---
    Sirs
    ---or---
    Dear Messieurs (last name) and (last name) and (last name)
    Sincerely
    Three or more individuals: Married Women Mesdames (full name) and (full name) and (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mesdames (last name) and (last name) and (last name)
    Sincerely
    Three or more individuals: Unmarried Women Misses (full name) and (full name) and (full name)
    ---or---
    The Misses (last name), (last name), and (last name)
    (address)    		 Dear Misses (last name) and (last name) and (last name)
    Sincerely
    Three or more individuals: Same last name Messieurs (given names), Mesdames (given names), and Misses (given names) (last name)
    (address)    		 Dear Messieurs, Mesdames, and Misses (last name)
    Sincerely
    Married couple, same last name: husband has special title Dr. and Mrs. (husband's full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Dr. and Mrs. (husband's last name)
    Sincerely
    Married couple, same last name: wife has special title Senator (wife's full name)
    Mr. (husband's full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Senator and Mr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Married couple, same last name: both have special titles Captain (husband's full name)
    Professor (wife's full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Captain and Professor (last name)
    Sincerely
    Married couple, different last names Ms. (wife's full name)
    Mr. (husband's full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Ms. (wife's last name) and Mr. (husband's last name)
    Sincerely
    Married couple, hyphenated last name Mr. and Mrs. (husband's first name and middle initial, plus wife's original last name followed by hyphen and husband's last name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr. and Mrs. (wife's original last name followed by hyphen and husband's last name)
    Sincerely
    Organizations Members (organization name)
    (address)    		 Dear Members
    Sincerely
    Informal Groups Mr. (full name)
    First Grade
    Jefferson Elementary School
    (address)    		 Dear Students
    Sincerely

    Former Government Officials

    Former President (no title used in address) The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Respectfully yours,
    Former Vice President (no title used in address) The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Former Member of the Cabinet addressed as "Secretary" The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Secretary
    Sincerely
    Former Attorney General The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Attorney General Sincerely
    Former Secretary of a Military Department The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Ms. (last name)
    Sincerely
    Former Postmaster General The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Postmaster General
    Sincerely
    Former Senator The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Senator (last name)
    Sincerely
    Former Representative The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Representative (last name)
    Sincerely
    Former Justice The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Mr./Madam Justice
    Sincerely
    Former Judge The Honorable (full name)
    (address)    		 Dear Judge (last name)
    Sincerely

     

    This page titled 15.4: Forms of Address, Salutation and Complimentary Close is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by US Air Force (US Department of Defense) .

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