How to Address an Envelope to a PhD

A Ph.D. is a “doctor of philosophy” degree, referred to as “PhD” and “Ph.D.”

It is the highest degree that a university or college awards. Colleges and universities confer Ph.D.s in numerous fields such as computer science, psychology and communication. Ph.D. holders often teach at the university level because they're experts in their respective fields.

When addressing an envelope to a Ph.D. holder, be sure to include the title, even if the person is a friend. The only exception would be if the person has asked for the title to be excluded.

On the envelope, write the person’s name, a comma and “Ph.D.” For example, if you wanted to send a card to Chanell Johnson, you’d write:

"Chanell Johnson, Ph.D."

You would not need to indicate her marital status on the envelope.

If Chanell were married, and you wanted to send an invitation to her and her partner (who share the same last name), you would use “Dr.” in front of her name. Her partner’s name would follow.

"Dr. Chanell and Mr. Stephen Johnson" or "Dr. Chanell and Mrs. Stephanie Johnson"

If Chanell were married, and she and her partner had different last names, you'd use a similar format.

"Dr. Chanell Johnson and Mr. Stephen Smith" or "Dr. Chanell Johnson and Mrs. Stephanie Smith"

If Chanell and her partner shared the same last name and held Ph.D.s, you’d acknowledge both degrees by using the plural of Doctor and omitting their first names.

"The Doctors Johnson"

If they did not share the same last name, you'd write:

"Dr. Chanell Johnson and Dr. Stephanie Smith" or "Dr. Chanell Johnson and Dr. Stephen Smith"

While communication etiquette is less formal today than fifty years ago, it’s still better to err on the side of formality when addressing doctors. Why risk offending someone when you could applaud her accomplishments instead?

The card or letter inside the envelope would simply say, “Dear Dr. Johnson."