How to Write a Virginia Address (With Examples)

Address basics  |   |  2 min read

A correctly written Virginia address helps mail and packages arrive on time, and it keeps your databases clean. This guide covers the format with real city and ZIP examples.

The standard format

RECIPIENT NAME STREET NUMBER AND NAME, UNIT CITY, VA ZIP CODE

The state is always written as VA, two capital letters with no periods. USPS prefers the city, state and ZIP on the same final line.

Example: Richmond

Andrew Anderson 563 Lincoln Dr Richmond, VA 23232

Example with an apartment in Richmond

David Allen 9231 Valley Way Apt 15 Richmond, VA 23225

Example with a PO Box

Sarah Johnson PO Box 7453 Richmond, VA 23250

PO Boxes often have their own ZIP code, separate from street addresses in the same town. Check the ZIP with the post office that holds the box.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up VA with VT (Vermont). These codes look similar and cause misrouted mail.
  • Writing the full state name or an old abbreviation instead of VA.
  • Putting the apartment number on a line below the street address.
  • Using a ZIP code from a neighboring city. One city can have many codes, but each street belongs to a specific one.

Counties and local details

Virginia is divided into 154 counties. The county does not appear in a mailing address, but it matters for sales tax, elections and some shipping rules, so many business systems store it separately.

Create realistic Virginia addresses for testing, with real cities, counties and ZIP codes.

Generate Virginia addresses