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This section outlines the appropriate forms of address for congressional correspondence, as well as correspondence with other government officials. Note: all U.S. Senators and Representatives also have webpages that include proper contact information.

Forms of Address Examples
General Guidelines
GuidelineSalutation
In official correspondence, the salutation is followed by a colon. Informal courtesy notes may use a comma, if preferred.
  • Dear Senator Smith:
  • Dear Judge Smith:
For high-level officials, e.g., Vice President, Cabinet Members, Judges, etc., use the person’s title in the salutation.
  • Dear Mr./Madam Secretary:
  • Dear Mr./Madam Vice:
  • President:
Most elected officials, e.g., Governors, Members of Congress, Judges, are greeted with Dear [Title last name]:
  • Dear Governor [last name]:
  • Dear Senator [last name]:
For lower-level officials, use Dear Mr./Ms. [not Mrs.] [Surname]:
  • Dear Ms. Smith: [e.g., State Representative]
  • Dear Mr. Jones: [e.g., Deputy Secretary]
Use Dear Mrs.[Surname] only for the First Lady or when addressing the spouse of a deceased official (such as for a condolence note.)
  • Dear Dr. Biden:
  • Dear Mr. Emhoff:
  • Dear Mrs. McCain:
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Forms of Address