Spoken and Written Forms of Address for U.S. Government Officials, Military Personnel, Foreign Officials, Nobility, and Religious Officials

This section provides the correct forms of address for U.S. Public officials, diplomats, religious leaders, royalty, the British peerage, and military personnel. For each personage the chart gives the appropriate form or forms to be used in addressing letters, in letter salutations, in direct conversation, and in more formal introductions.

In diplomatic and other public circles, "Sir" is generally considered an acceptable alternative to the formal address in both written and spoken greetings; this does not apply to religious or titled persons. The use of "Madam" or "Ma'am" for a female addressee is less customary but still acceptable, especially for high officeholders ("Madam Governor"). This rule also holds for high officials of foreign countries.

For greetings in which "Mr." is used, the feminine equivalent may be "Madam" or, less formally, "Mrs.," "Miss," or "Ms." Although there is no formal rule for the use of "Ms.," the preference of the addressee should be respected.

Person Letter Address Letter Greeting Spoken Greeting

Formal Introduction

President of the United States

The President The White House Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. (or Madam) President

Mr. (or Madam) President

The President or the President of the United States

Former President The Honorable John J. Jones Current address

Dear Mr. (Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Mr. (or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

The Honorable John J. Jones

Vice President

The Vice President Executive Office Building Washington, DC 20501

Dear Mr. (or Madam) Vice President

Mr. (or Madam) Vice President

The Vice President or the Vice President of the United States

Cabinet members

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones The Secretary of ____________ or

Dear Mr. (or Madam) Secretary

Mr. (or Madam) Secretary

The Secretary of _________________

The Attorney General Washington, DC

Chief Justice

The Chief Justice The Supreme Court Washington, DC 20543

Dear Mr. (or Madam) Justice or Dear Mr. (or Madam) Chief Justice

Mr. (or Madam) Chief Justice

The Chief Justice

Associate Justice

Mr. Justice Jones or Madam Justice Jones The Supreme Court Washington, DC 20543

Dear Mr. (or Madam) Justice

Mr. Justice or Mr. Justice Jones; Madam Justice or Madam Justice Jones

Mr. Justice Jones; Madam Justice Jones

United States Senator

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Jones Senator Jones Senator Jones from Nebraska

Speaker of the House

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones Speaker of the House of Representatives United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. (or Madam) Speaker

Mr. Speaker; Madam Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives

United States Representative

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. (or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Mr. (or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Representative Jones from New Jersey

United Nations Ambassador

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones

Dear Mr. (or Madam)

The United States Ambassador to the

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017

Ambassador United Nations

Ambassador

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones Ambassador of the United States American Embassy Address goes here

Dear Mr. (or Madam) Ambassador

Mr. (or Madam) Ambassador

The American Ambassador The Ambassador of The United States of America

Consul-General

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones American Consul General Address goes here

Dear Mr. (or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Mr. (or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Mr. (or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Foreign Ambassador

His (or Her) Excellency John (or Jean) Johnson The Ambassador of ______________ Address goes here

Excellency or Dear Mr. (or Madam) Ambassador

Excellency; or Mr. (or Madam) Ambassador

The Ambassador of _______________

Secretary-General of the United Nations

His (or Her) Excellency Milo (or Mara) Jones Secretary-General of the United Nations United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017

Dear Mr.(or Madam) Secretary-General

Mr. (or Madam) Secretary-General

The Secretary-General of the United Nations

Governor

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones Governor of ______________ State Capitol Address goes here

Dear Governor Jones

Governor or Governor Jones

The Governor of Maine: Governor Jones of Maine

State legislators

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones Address goes here

Dear Mr. (Or Mrs. , Ms.) Jones

Mr. (Or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Mr. (Or Mrs., Ms.) Jones

Judges

The Honorable John J. Jones Justice, Appellate Division Supreme Court of the State of ______________ Address goes here

Dear Judge Jones

Justice or Judge Jones; Madam Justice or Judge Jones

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones; Mr. Justice Jones or Judge Jones; Madam Justice Jones or Judge Jones

Mayor

The Honorable John (or Jane) Jones; His (or Her) Honor the Mayor City Hall Address goes here

Dear Mayor Jones

Mayor Jones; Mr. (Or Madam) Mayor; Your Honor

Mayor Jones; The Mayor

The Pope

His Holiness, the Pope or His Holiness, Pope John XII Vatican City Rome, Italy

Your Holiness or Most Holy Father

Your Holiness or Most Holy Father

His Holiness, the Holy Father; the Pope; the Pontiff

Cardinals

His Eminence, John Cardinal Jones, Archbishop of ______________ Address goes here

Your Eminence of Dear Cardinal Jones

Your Eminence or Cardinal Jones

His Eminence, Cardinal Jones

Bishops

The Most Reverend John Jones, Bishop (or Archbishop) of ______________ Address goes here

Your Excellency or Dear Bishop (Archbishop) Jones

Your Excellency or Bishop (Archbishop) Jones

Monsignor

The Reverend Monsignor James Harding Address goes here

Reverend Monsignor or Dear Monsignor

Monsignor Harding or Monsignor

Monsignor Harding

Priest The Reverend John Jones

Reverend Father or Dear Father Jones

Father or Father Jones Father Jones

Address goes here

Brother

Brother John or Brother John Jones Address goes here

Dear Brother John or Dear Brother

Brother John or Brother Brother John

Sister Sister Mary Marshall

Dear Sister Mary Marshall or Dear Sister

Sister Mary Marshall or Sister

Sister Mary Marshall

Protestant Clergy The Reverend John (or Jane) Jones*

Dear Dr. (or Mr., Ms.) Jones

Dr. (or Mr., Ms.) Jones

The Reverend (or Dr.) John Jones

Bishop (Episcopal)

The Right Reverend John Jones* Bishop of __________ Address goes here

Dear Bishop Jones Bishop Jones The Right Reverend John Jones, Bishop of Detroit

Rabbi Rabbi Arthur (or Anne) Schwartz Address goes here

Dear Rabbi Schwartz

Rabbi Schwartz or Rabbi

Rabbi Arthur Schwartz

King or Queen

His (Her) Majesty King (Queen) ___________ Address (letters traditionally are sent to reigning monarchs not directly but via the private secretary)

Your Majesty; Sir or Madam

Varies depending on titles, holdings, etc.

Other royalty

His (Her) Royal Highness, the Prince (Princess) of _______________ Address goes here

Your Royal Highness

Your Royal Highness; Sir or Madam

His (Her) Royal Highness, the Duke (Duchess) of Gloucester

Duke/Duchess

His/Her Grace, the D ____________ of ____________

My Lord Duke/ Madam or Dear Duke of ____________/Dear Duchess

Your Grace or Duke/Duchess

His/Her Grace, the Duke/Duchess of Bridgeport

Marquess/Marchioness The Most My Lord/Madam or Lord/Lady Lord/Lady

Honorable the M _____________ of Bridgeport

Dear Lord/Lady Bridgeport

Bridgeport Bridgeport

Earl The Right Honorable the Earl of Franklin

My Lord or Dear Lord Franklin Lord Franklin Lord Franklin

Countess (wife of an earl)

The Right Honorable the Countess of Franklin

Madam or Dear Lady Franklin Lady Franklin Lady Franklin

Viscount/Viscountess

The Right Honorable the V _____________ Tyburn

My Lord/Lady or Dear Lord/Lady Tyburn

Lord/Lady Tyburn Lord/Lady Tyburn

Baron/Baroness The Right Honorable Lord/Lady Austin

My Lord/Madam or Dear Lord/Lady Austin

Lord/Lady Austin Lord/Lady Austin

Baronet Sir John Jones, Bt. Dear Sir or Dear Sir John Sir John Sir John Jones

Wife of Baronet Lady Jones Dear Madam or Dear Lady Jones Lady Jones Lady Jones

Knight Sir John Jones Dear Sir or Dear Sir John Sir John Sir John Jones

Wife of knight Dear Madam or Dear Lady Jones Lady Jones Lady Jones

Military Personnel

For commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed services, the full rank is used as a title only in addressing letters and in formal introductions: one writes to Major General Sarah Miller, U.S. Army, and introduces her as Major General Miller. In greetings the full rank is shortened to General: "Dear General Miller." Similar acceptable shortened greetings follow categorized by full rank then greetings :

Army, Air Force, Marines

General of the Army Lieutenant General Brigadier General Lieutenant Colonel First Lieutenant Second Lieutenant

General General General Colonel Lieutenant Lieutenant

Navy, Coast Guard

Fleet Admiral Vice Admiral Rear Admiral Lieutenant Commander

Admiral Admiral Admiral Commander

Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lieutenant

For enlisted personnel, a similar principle applies. Sergeants -- whether staff sergeants, gunnery sergeants, or first sergeants -- are greeted simply as "Sergeant"; privates first class are referred to as "Private"; and, in the Navy and Coast Guard, chief petty officers are referred to as "Chief." Other noncommissioned officers are greeted by their ranks, although, informally, lower grades may be referred to generically as "Soldier" or "Sailor."

The universal terms of respect that lower ranks must use when addressing senior officers are "Sir" and "Madam." These terms are not applied to noncommissioned officers, however; the appropriate affirmative response to a sergeant, for example, is "Yes, Sergeant."

*If the cleric holds a doctorate in divinity, it is customary to add the designation D.D. after his or her name in the letter address.

US Government

The President

Letter Address

The President

The White House

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Madam President:

Spoken Greeting

First: Mr. / Madam President

Then: Sir / Ma'am

Formal Introduction

The President of the United States (of America- when abroad)

The President

President Last Name

Former President

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

First: Mr. President

Then: Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name, the former President of the United States

The President's Spouse

Letter Address

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Full Name

The White House

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

The Vice President

Letter Address

The Vice President

The White House

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Madam Vice President:

Spoken Greeting

First: Mr. / Madam Vice President

Then: Sir / Ma'am

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Vice President of the United States

The Vice President

Vice President Last Name

Cabinet Members

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

Secretary of (Department)

Department of __________

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Madam Secretary

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Madam Secretary

Secretary Last Name

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name, The Secretary of _________ of the United States

The Secretary of ________

Attorney General

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

The Attorney General

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Ms. / Madam Attorney General:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Ms. / Madam Attorney General

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Attorney General

The Chief Justice

Letter Address

The Chief Justice

The Supreme Court

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Madam Chief Justice:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Madam Chief Justice

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name, The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

The Chief Justice

Chief Justice Last Name

Associate Justice

Letter Address

Justice Last Name

The Supreme Court

Address

Salutation

Dear Justice Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Madam Justice

Justice Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

Justice Last Name

Federal Judge

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

U.S. Court of _______

Address

Salutation

Dear Judge Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Justice or Judge Last Name

Madam Justice or Judge Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name

Mr. / Madam Justice Last Name

Judge Last Name

Senator

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

United States Senate

Washington, DC

or district office address

Salutation

Dear Senator Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Senator Last Name

Then: Senator, Sir / Ma'am

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Senator Last Name, Senator from State

Senator Last Name

Representative

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

United States House of Representatives

Washington, DC

or district office address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Last Name, Representative from State

Congressman / Congresswoman Last Name

Diplomatic

American Ambassador

Letter Address:

The Honorable Full Name

Ambassador of the United States

American Embassy

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Madam Ambassador:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Madam Ambassador

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name, Ambassador of the United States of America (at post)

(when not at post add: to County)

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Full Name, Ambassador of the United States of America

American Ambassador (when no foreign nationals are present, add: to Country)

Ambassador Last Name, United States of America

Foreign Ambassador

Letter Address

His / Her Excellency Full Name

The Ambassador of ________

The Embassy of ________

Address

Salutation

Excellency: or,

Dear Mr. / Madam Ambassador:

Spoken Greeting

Excellency

Mr. / Madam Ambassador

Formal Introduction

His / Her Excellency, the Honorable Full Name, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of _______

The Ambassador of _______

State

Governor

Letter Address:

The Honorable Full Name

Governor of State

Address

Salutation

Dear Governor Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

First: Governor Last Name

Governor

Then: Sir / Ma'am

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name, Governor of the state of ______

Governor Last Name

The Governor

State Legislator

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Mayor

Letter Address

The Honorable Full Name

Mayor of City

Address

Salutation

Dear Mayor Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Mayor Last Name

Mr. / Madam Mayor

Your Honor

Formal Introduction

The Honorable Full Name, Mayor of City (or, of the city of _______)

Mayor Last Name

Religious Dignitaries

Protestant Clergy

Letter Address

The Reverend Full Name

Name of church

Address

Salutation

Dear Reverend Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Reverend Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Reverend Full Name

Protestant Clergy, with doctorate

Letter Address

The Reverend Full Name, D.D.

Name of church

Address

Salutation

Dear Dr. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Dr. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Dr. Full Name

The Reverend Doctor Full Name

Episcopal Bishop

Letter Address

The Right Reverend Full Name (academic degrees)

Bishop of ______

Address

Salutation

Dear Bishop Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Bishop Last Name

Formal Introduction

The Right Reverend Full Name, The Bishop of ______

The Pope

Letter Address

His Holiness, Pope Papal Name

Vatican City, Italy

Salutation

Your Holiness:

Most Holy Father:

Spoken Greeting

Your Holiness

Most Holy Father

Formal Introduction

His Holiness, Pope ______

The Holy Father

The Pope

The Pontiff

Cardinal

Letter Address

His Eminence, First Name Cardinal Last Name

Archbishop of _______

Address

Salutation

Your Eminence:

Dear Cardinal Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Your Eminence

Cardinal Last Name

Formal Introduction

His Eminence, Cardinal Last Name

Roman Catholic Bishop

Letter Address

The Most Reverend Full Name

Bishop / Archbishop of ______

Address

Salutation

Your Excellency:

Most Reverend Sir:

Dear Bishop / Archbishop Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Your Excellency

Bishop / Archbishop Last Name

Formal Introduction

His Excellency

Bishop / Archbishop Last Name

Monsignor

Letter Address

The Right Reverend Monsignor Full Name

Address

Salutation

Reverend Monsignor:

Dear Monsignor Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Monsignor Last Name

Monsignor

Formal Introduction

Monsignor Last Name

Roman Catholic Priest

Letter Address

The Reverend Full Name

Address

Salutation

Reverend Father:

Dear Father Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Father Last Name

Father

Formal Introduction

The Reverend Last Name

Father Last Name

Roman Catholic Mother Superior

Letter Address

The Reverend Mother Full Name, intials of order

Address

Salutation

Dear Reverend Mother (Last Name):

Spoken Greeting

Reverend Mother

Formal Introduction

Reverend Mother Last Name

Roman Catholic Nun

Letter Address

Sister Full Name, initials of order if used

Address

Salutation

Dear Sister Name / Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Sister Name / Last Name

Sister

Formal Introduction

Sister Name / Last Name

Roman Catholic Brother

Letter Address

Brother Given Name (Last Name), initials of order, if used

Address

Salutation

Dear Brother Given Name:

Spoken Greeting

Brother Given Name

Brother

Formal Introduction

Brother Given Name

Mormon

Letter Address

Mr. Full Name

President of ______ Temple

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Mr. Last Name, the President of ______ Temple

Imam

Letter Address

The Imam Name

Address

Salutation

Dear Imam Name:

Spoken Greeting

Imam Name

Formal Introduction

The Imam of the _______ Mosque / Islamic Center

Rabbi

Letter Address

Rabbi Full Name (academic degrees)

Address

Salutation

Dear Rabbi Last Name:

Dear Rabbi:

Spoken Greeting

Rabbi Last Name

Dr. Last Name (if holds a degree)

Rabbi

Formal Introduction

Rabbi Last Name, of Name of Temple / Congregation

Cantor

Letter Address

Cantor Full Name

Address

Salutation

Dear Cantor Last Name

Spoken Greeting

Cantor Last Name

Formal Introduction

Cantor Last Name, of Name of Temple / Congregation

Other Professionals

Attorney

Letter Address

Full Name, Esq. (or J.D., if held)

or Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Full Name

Address

Salutation

Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name

University Professor

Letter Address

Professor Full Name

or Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Full Name (or Dr., if held)

Address

Salutation

Dear Professor:

Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Last Name: (or Dr., if held)

Spoken Greeting

Professor or Dr. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Professor or Dr. Last Name

Physician

Letter Address

Full Name, M.D.

or Dr. Full Name

Address

Salutation

Dear Dr. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Dr. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Dr. Last Name

Dentist

Letter Address

Full Name, D.D.S.

or Dr. Full Name

Address

Salutation:

Dear Dr. Last Name:

Spoken Greeting

Dr. Last Name

Formal Introduction

Dr. Last Name