What Does C/O Mean in an Address?
How to send mail and packages to someone staying with a host, company, or hotel.
In an address, 'c/o' stands for 'Care Of'. It indicates that mail or a package is being delivered to an intermediary person or organization who will take responsibility for handing it to the final recipient. It is used when sending mail to someone staying at a host's house, a hotel, or an employee at a business.
✓ Key Rules at a Glance
- c/o stands for 'Care Of'.
- Line 1 = Final recipient name, Line 2 = c/o Host Name or Business.
- Essential for hotel stays, host families, or workplace deliveries.
- Prevents postal carriers from returning mail due to unknown recipient name.
Online Store Logistics
100 Fulfillment Way
Seattle, WA 98101
Destination Address
Emma Watson
c/o Grand Plaza Hotel
700 5th Avenue Care Of (c/o) Line
New York, NY 10019
UNITED STATES
When Should You Use Care Of (c/o)?
You should use a c/o line whenever the recipient's name is not listed on the mailbox or official property records of the delivery address:
- Staying at a Hotel / Resort:
Guest: John Doe, c/o Front Desk - Staying with Friends or Relatives:
Jane Smith, c/o Mark Johnson - Workplace / Business Delivery:
Sarah Lee, c/o Accounting Dept
How to Enter C/O on Online Order Forms
If an online checkout form does not have a dedicated 'Care Of' field, enter it into Address Line 2 or combine it in the Full Name box:
Full Name: Emma Watson (c/o Grand Plaza Hotel)Address Line 1: 700 5th Avenue
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write 'c/o' in lower case?
Yes, 'c/o', 'C/O', and 'Care of' are all recognized by postal machines and mail carriers.
What if an online form doesn't have a C/O field?
Put 'c/o Host Name' in Address Line 2 or directly in the Recipient Name field after the person's name.
Check Country-Specific Address Rules
Select a country to view official postal line layouts, required fields, and postcode formats:
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