Postal Code
A postal code is a series of numbers and/or letters that denote a specific geographic region for international mail delivery. Countries use a postal code system to streamline mail sorting and distribution.
What is a postal code?
Each country, state, and/or large city is divided into multiple postal codes. The postal code on each piece of mail dictates which post office it goes to before it goes out on the delivery routes. Keeping delivery routes confined to a small area makes for more efficient mail delivery.
Canada Post codes, for example, are made up of three letters and three numbers. A UK postal code also includes numbers and letters. Postal codes around the globe make it possible for delivery services to deliver mail.
The U.S. uses ZIP (Zoning Improvement Plan) codes at the end of every postal address. ZIP codes are nine-digit codes, in which each digit represents a specific sector or segment of the delivery route. For example, you can tell a lot by the first digit. East Coast ZIP codes start with 0-2, and the first digit gets bigger as you move across to the West Coast, where they start with 9. You can find a ZIP code with the USPS ZIP Code lookup tool.
The United States Postal Service can assign locations that have high mail volumes—like hospitals, government agencies, or large commercial companies—their own ZIP code. Walmart headquarters and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) are just two examples of institutions that have their own ZIP codes.
Learn more about postal codes.
FAQs
Does a business need its own postal code?
Large U.S. businesses with a high mail volume may be assigned their ZIP code if the United States Postal Service (USPS) deems it necessary. The decision largely hinges on average mail volume, cost-benefit analysis, and whether a unique code is available in the area.
Do virtual addresses come with postal codes?
A virtual address is tied to a real street address that has a postal code. The postal code will depend on the geographic location of the virtual address you choose.
Do I need a business address?
To register a business, you need to list a physical address that can receive mail as your registered agent. If you don’t have a brick-and-mortar location, you can choose to use your personal address, a P.O. box, or a virtual address.
What’s the difference between a postal code and a ZIP code?
A postal code is a combination of letters and numbers assigned to geographic locations around the world. Whenever you ship something internationally, you use a postal code. A ZIP code is a nine-digit code specific to the United States.