USPS requires any mail or packages going to US territories (like Puerto Rico) to follow certain address formats to successfully create shipping labels. In some cases, you'll need to complete customs declarations, even though the shipment destination is considered domestic.
When shipping to a US Territory or Possession, use the state codes shown in this table. In the Ship To dropdown, choose the actual territory name as the country, except for the US Minor Outlying Islands. In those cases, choose United States as the country.
Additionally, you will use a domestic service for any of the locations listed in this table. Section 2 of the USPS Domestic Mail Manual provides additional, specific information about US Territories and Possessions.
|
Abbreviation |
US Territory |
|---|---|
|
AS |
American Samoa |
|
GU |
Guam |
|
MP |
Northern Mariana Islands |
|
PW |
Palau |
|
PR |
Puerto Rico |
|
VI |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
|
MH |
Marshall Islands |
|
UM |
U.S. Minor Outlying Islands* |
*Minor Outlying Islands are: Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Navassa Island, Wake Island
Here's an example of what a USPS shipment to Puerto Rico should look like. Puerto Rico is selected as the territory name from the Ship To drop-down and the address has the 2-letter state code PR.
Specifics about shipping to a US Territory or Possession
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For shipments exceeding $2,500 you will need Electronic Export Information.
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Shipments to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not go through customs since they are domestic packages, and so will not require customs forms with the shipment.
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Shipping from Puerto Rico and other US territories to the United States follows the same procedures outlined in this section for USPS shipments. The Ship From address country should be set to United States.
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For USPS shipments going to Puerto Rico Highway Contract Routes: The correct address line information follows this format: HC 1 BOX 18. Please eliminate additional designations, such as the names of sectors.