How do I Address Letters to the Secretary of State?

As of 2015, John Kerry is the U.S. Secretary of State.
... Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Regardless of your reason for choosing to write, properly addressing your letter to the U.S. Secretary of State ensures it arrives at the correct location. However, given his busy schedule, it's highly unlikely that John Kerry will personally read and respond to your written correspondence. It's possible that you'll receive mail back from a Department of State staffer.

Place your return address on the top left of the envelope. It should include your name, delivery address, city, state and ZIP code. You can use a stick-on label or write the information yourself.

Write the proper form of address, name and title of the current Secretary of State on the first three lines on the middle of the envelope. As of 2015, write: The Honorable John F. Kerry Secretary of State

Write the mailing address for the U.S. Department of State on the next three lines. The address is as follows: U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.

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