Traditional abbreviations for states and provinces begin with a capital letter and end with a period.

Except for the abbreviation D.C. when it follows Washington, which may be used at any time, use the abbreviations for states and provinces only in lists, maps, charts, addresses, and informal writing.

Avoid abbreviations for states, provinces, and countries in formal writing--the exceptions are the relatively long U.S., U.S.A., U.S.S.R., and C.I.S. which may be used at any time.

The two-letter postal service abbreviations are all capitals with no periods. They are not set apart by commas. They are used only with addresses on letters, envelopes, and packages to be mailed.

Correct: P.O. Box 203
Shelton, Conn., 06484
(In an address)

Correct: P.O. Box 203
Shelton CT 06484
(In an address)

Incorrect: He works in Shelton, Conn.
(Standard sentence, do not abbreviate.)

Correct: He works in Shelton, Connecticut.

Correct only because it is informal: Was it really the O'Leary's cow that made Chicago, Ill.?

U.S. State Abbreviations
(Canadian provinces follow this list.)

Canadian Provinces

See also Commas with Addresses

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