Find out about the states with abbreviations, the "list of 50 U.S.A. American two-letter" in alphabetical order, today.
The United States has over 50 states, and these states have a famous two-letter abbreviation beside them. US citizens and visitors or foreigners visiting the country, those receiving parcels, or even those foreign expats working with US agencies and companies will be familiar with these two-letter abbreviations like CA, MI, TX, AZ, TN, OH, and so much more.
The U.S. states' two-letter abbreviations, or short codes, are a simple way of identifying or representing a state but can be confusing for some, especially foreigners who do not have much detail about these regions.
But these short codes are adopted in the American systems simply to identify all states or territories for various purposes, including data processing and postal addresses.
But when did the American authorities adopt the two-letter abbreviation for the states across the country? Well, they have been in place since the early 19th century.
Here are the 50 state abbreviations for every territory in the United States of America in alphabetical order today:
1. Alabama - AL
The two-letter abbreviation for the state of Alabama is 'AL', which has evolved from older, longer abbreviations. Today, it is widely used in mailing, travel, and tourism.
The state of Alabama used a longer abbreviation before the 1960s, such as "Ala". However, in 1963, the United States Postal Service (USPS) introduced standardised two-letter codes for all states to align with the new ZIP Code system.
The Alabama code is used in mailing. For example: Birmingham, AL 35203. In the travel industry, visitors use the code when booking flights, hotels, or navigating maps, and thus, it often appears on highway signs, travel guides, and state maps.
The U.S. state of Alabama is located in the southeastern part of the country, bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Mississippi to the west.
2. Alaska - AK
The two-letter abbreviation for the state of Alaska is AK, which has evolved over the years from earlier adoptions like "Alaska".
In the early years, Alaska was often abbreviated as 'Alaska' before the 1960s. It was used in documents and mailing addresses.
Abbreviations are adopted in mailing addresses. A perfect example is Anchorage "AK 9950". It is also used by airlines, hotels, and booking systems in the state.
Alaska is a major travel destination for tourists in the United States and abroad, with a staggering figure year in and year out.
The U.S. state of Alaska is located outside the borders of the United States and separated by Canada. It borders the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south and Canada to the east.
3. Arizona - AZ
The two-letter abbreviation for the state of Arizona is AZ. The state previously adopted abbreviations like 'Ariz' before the 1960s.
The AZ code for Arizona is used in the mailing system. A perfect example of this is "Phoenix, AZ 85004". It is also adopted by airlines, hotels, and booking systems.
Arizona is a famous travel destination, especially due to the Grand Canyon. The state is located in the southwestern region of the country, bordered by California in the west, Nevada to the northwest, Utah to the north, Colorado to the northeast, New Mexico in the east and Mexico to the south.
4. Arkansas - AR
The two-letter abbreviation for Arkansas is AR, which is now adopted compared to the earlier abbreviations like Ark.
The abbreviation 'AZ' is adopted in the mailing system. A perfect example is "Little Rock, AR 72201". It is used by airlines, hotels, and booking systems.
Arkansas is also a major destination for travellers with unique attractions like "The Natural State". The state is located in the south-central area, bordered by Missouri to the north, Tennessee and Mississippi to the east, Louisiana to the south, Texas to the southwest and Oklahoma to the west.
5. California - CA
The abbreviation for the U.S. state of California is CA. E terms like Calif were widely used in mailing, travel, and tourism.
Before the 1960s, Calif. was used by California in postal addresses and documents. Today, it is essential for postal addresses. A perfect example is "Los Angeles, CA 90001".
California is ranked as one of the most visited U.S. states, with millions of tourists to top destinations like Hollywood, Yosemite, Disneyland, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
The U.S. state of California is located on the west coast of the country and is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, Arizona to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
6. Colorado - CO
The two-letter abbreviation for Colorado is CO. Earlier abbreviations like 'Colo' were most widely used in mailing, travel, and tourism. The abbreviation CO is used in the mailing system. An example is "Denver, CO 80202".
The state of Colorado is located in the western part of the country. It is bordered by Wyoming to the north, Nebraska in the northeast, Kansas in the east, Oklahoma in the southeast, New Mexico to the south, Arizona in the southwest at Four Corners, and the state of Utah to the west.
7. Connecticut - CT
The two-letter abbreviation for Connecticut is CT. Earlier abbreviations like 'Conn' were widely used in the state. Today, it is adopted in the mailing system with a perfect example like "Hartford, CT 06103".
The U.S. state of Connecticut is located in the northeastern part of the country and is bordered by Massachusetts in the north, Rhode Island in the east, and New York to the west and has a southern coastline along Long Island Sound.
8. Delaware - DE
The two-letter abbreviation for the U.S. state of Delaware is DE. Earlier systems like Del were widely used across the state. It is also adopted for postal addresses with a perfect example like "Dover, DE 19901".
The U.S. state of Delaware is located in the Mid-Atlantic region, bordered by Pennsylvania in the north, New Jersey in the northeast across the Delaware River, and Maryland in the south and west.
Delaware has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay.
9. Florida - FL
The next US state is Florida, whose two-letter postal code is FL, with an earlier system like 'Fla' most widely used across the state.
Just like other U.S. states, Florida also uses its abbreviation and short code in the mailing system with a perfect system like "Miami, FL 33101".
The state of Florida is one of the most visited states in the U.S., with top destinations like Disney World, Miami beaches, the Florida Keys, and the Everglades.
Florida is located in the southeastern part of the country and forms a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. It is bordered by Georgia to the north and Alabama to the northwest.
10. Georgia - GA
Georgia is next on the list with a two-letter postal abbreviation known as GA. Earlier abbreviations that were most widely used were Ga. It is also in the mailing system, like "Atlanta, GA 30303".
The state of Georgia is located in the southeastern part of the country, bordered by Florida to the south, Alabama to the west, Tennessee to the northwest, North Carolina to the north, and South Carolina to the northeast. It also has coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
11. Hawaii - HI
Hawaii’s two-letter abbreviation is HI. An earlier system, Haw. In the mailing system, it is also adopted with an example of "Honolulu, HI 96815".
Hawaii is also a popular tourist destination in the U.S., known for its beaches, volcanoes, surfing, etc. It is located in the central Pacific Ocean.
12. Idaho - ID
Idaho’s two-letter abbreviation is ID. An example of its postal address is "Boise, ID 83702".
The state of Idaho is also popular among tourists and is known for its rivers, mountains and outdoor recreation. It is located in the northwestern part of the country and is bordered by Washington and Oregon in the west, Nevada and Utah to the south, Montana and Wyoming to the east, and Canada to the north.
13. Illinois - IL
The two-letter abbreviation for the state of Illinois is IL. A perfect example can be found in its mailing system with addresses such as "Chicago, IL 60601".
Illinois is also visited by tourists with famous destinations like Route 66, Abraham Lincoln heritage sites, Chicago’s skyline, and Lake Michigan.
Illinois is located in the midwestern part of the country and is bordered by Wisconsin to the north, Iowa to the northwest, Missouri to the west, Kentucky to the southeast, and Indiana to the east.
14. Indiana - IN
Indiana is the next state on the list with an abbreviation letter of IN. Earlier systems like Ind were used. In the mailing system, an example of addresses is "Indianapolis, IN 46204".
Indiana is a top tourist destination with famous places like the Indianapolis 500, Lake Michigan and Amish Country. The state is located in the midwestern part of the country and is bordered by Michigan counties to the north, Ohio in the east, Kentucky to the south across the Ohio River, and Illinois in the west.
15. Iowa - IA
Iowa’s two-letter abbreviation is IA. An earlier system was Ia. An example of the state's mailing address is "Des Moines, IA 50309".
Iowa receives tourists on a regular basis due to its rolling prairies, farming heritage, and the Iowa State Fair. The state is located in the Midwestern part of the country and is bordered by Minnesota to the north, Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, Nebraska to the west, and South Dakota in the northwest.
16. Kansas - KS
Kansas’s two-letter abbreviation is KS. An earlier system that was widely used was Kans. An example of its mailing addresses is "Topeka, KS 66603".
Kansas is also a popular destination for tourists. The state is located in the Midwestern part of the country and is bordered by Nebraska in the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west.
17. Kentucky - KY
Kentucky’s two-letter postal code is KY. An example of the state's mailing address is "Frankfort, KY 40601". It is also a famous tourist destination with key attractions like this bluegrass music, Mammoth Cave National Park, horse racing (Kentucky Derby), etc.
Kentucky is located in the southeastern part of the country, often referred to as the Upper South. It is bordered by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north; West Virginia and Virginia in the east; Tennessee in the south; and Missouri to the west.
18. Louisiana - LA
The U.S. state of Louisiana is next on the list. Its two-letter postal code is LA. An example of the state's post address is "Baton Rouge, LA 70802".
Louisiana also receives a significant number of tourists yearly with major attractions like New Orleans, Cajun and Creole culture, Mardi Gras, and jazz music.
Louisiana is located in the southern part and in the Gulf Coast region. It is bordered by Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and a southern coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.
19. Maine - ME
Maine is the next state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is ME. An example of its mailing address is "Portland, ME 04101". The state is a famous tourist destination with major sites like the rocky coastline, lighthouses, lobster, Acadia National Park, etc.
Maine is located in the northeastern part of the country and is bordered by New Hampshire to the west. It also shares borders with Quebec and New Brunswick (Canada), which is one of the international borders the country has. The state also has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
20. Maryland - MD
Maryland’s two-letter abbreviation is MD. An example of the state's mailing address is "Baltimore, MD 21201". It is also a top tourist destination in the United States with famous attractions like Chesapeake Bay, blue crabs, historic Annapolis, etc.
The U.S. state of Maryland is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country and borders Pennsylvania to the north, Delaware to the east, Virginia and West Virginia in the south and west, and the District of Columbia.
21. Massachusetts - MA
Massachusetts is the next state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is MA. Earlier abbreviations include Mass. An example of the mailing address of the state is "Boston, MA 02108".
Massachusetts is a top attraction for tourists with popular destinations like Boston’s Freedom Trail, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Harvard University.
Massachusetts is located in the northeastern region of the country and borders New Hampshire to the north, Vermont in the northwest, New York to the west, and Connecticut and Rhode Island in the south. It also has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
22. Michigan - MI
Michigan’s two-letter abbreviation is MI. Earlier systems were Mich. An example of its mailing address is "Detroit, MI 48201".
Michigan is part of the Great Lakes region of the Midwest. It is bordered by Ohio and Indiana in the south, Wisconsin to the west across Lake Michigan, and Canada (Ontario) across Lakes Superior, Huron, and Erie.
23. Minnesota - MN
Minnesota’s two-letter postal code is MN. The state had adopted an earlier abbreviation such as Minn. An example of the state's mailing address is 'St Paul, MN 55101'.
Minnesota is part of the Upper Midwest region of the country. It is bordered by Canada to the north, the states of North Dakota and South Dakota to the west, Iowa to the south, and Wisconsin to the east.
24. Mississippi - MS
Mississippi’s two-letter abbreviation is MS. An example of its mailing address is "Jackson, MS 39201".
Mississippi is one of the top destinations for tourists in the United States, with world-class attractions like the Delta blues, southern cuisine, etc.
The U.S. state of Mississippi is located in the south and is part of the Deep South. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Alabama in the east, Louisiana in the southwest, and Arkansas in the northwest across the Mississippi River.
25. Missouri - MO
Missouri’s two-letter postal code is MO. An example of the state's mailing address is "Jefferson City, MO 65101".
Missouri is a famous tourist destination in the U.S. known for St Louis’s Gateway Arch, the Ozark Mountains, Kansas City’s jazz, etc.
The U.S. state of Missouri is located in the Midwest and is considered part of the Great Plains and Ozark regions. It borders Iowa to the north, Illinois in the east, Kentucky in the southeast, Tennessee in the south, Arkansas in the south, Oklahoma in the southwest, Kansas in the west, and Nebraska in the northwest.
26. Montana - MT
Montana is the next state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is MT. An example of the state's postal address is "Helena, MT 59601".
Montana is famous for major sites like Yellowstone National Park (partly), Glacier National Park, and the rugged Rocky Mountains. The state is located northwest and is part of the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions. It borders North Dakota and South Dakota in the east, Wyoming in the south, Idaho to the west, and Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan) to the north.
27. Nebraska - NE
Nebraska’s two-letter postal code is NE. The state is located in the Midwest and is part of the Great Plains. It borders South Dakota to the north, Iowa to the east, Missouri to the southeast, Kansas to the south, Colorado to the southwest, and Wyoming to the west.
28. Nevada - NV
Nevada is the next state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is NV. An example of the state's mailing address is "Carson City, NV 89701".
Nevada is located in the western region and is part of the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions. It borders Oregon and Idaho to the north, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east.
29. New Hampshire - NH
New Hampshire is the next state on the list. An example of its mailing address is "Concord, NH 03301". It is located in the northeastern part of the country and borders Vermont in the west, Maine in the east, Massachusetts in the south and Canada to the north.
30. New Jersey - NJ
New Jersey’s two-letter postal code is NJ. An example of the state's mailing system is "Trenton, NJ 08608".
New Jersey is in the Mid-Atlantic region and borders New York in the north and northeast, Pennsylvania in the west, Delaware in the southwest and the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
31. New Mexico - NM
New Mexico’s two-letter abbreviation is NM. An example of its mailing address is "Santa Fe, NM 87501". The state is located in the southwestern part of the country and borders Colorado to the north, Oklahoma and Texas in the east, Arizona to the west, and Mexico in the south.
32. New York - NY
New York’s two-letter postal code is NY. An example of the state's mailing address is "Albany, NY 12207".
New York is a world-famous tourist destination with major sites like New York City (Times Square, Statue of Liberty, and Broadway), Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes.
New York is located in the northeastern part of the country and borders New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont to the east, and Canada (Ontario and Quebec).
33. North Carolina - NC
North Carolina is the next state in our article. An example of its mailing address is "Raleigh, NC 27601'. The state is located in the southeastern part of the country and borders Virginia to the north, South Carolina and Georgia in the south, Tennessee in the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
34. North Dakota - ND
North Dakota is the next state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is ND. The state had used earlier abbreviations known as N. Dak.
An example of a North Dakota address is "Bismarck, ND 58501". The state is also a tourist hotspot with famous attractions like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Badlands, Native American heritage, etc.
North Dakota is located in the Upper Midwest / Great Plains region of the country. It borders Manitoba and Saskatchewan (Canada) to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south, and Montana to the west.
35. Ohio - OH
An example of Ohio’s mailing address is "Columbus, OH 43215". The state is located in the Midwestern region and is bordered by Michigan in the northwest, Indiana to the west, Kentucky in the south, West Virginia to the southeast, and Pennsylvania to the east.
36. Oklahoma - OK
Oklahoma’s two-letter postal code is OK. The state had adopted an earlier abbreviation known as Okla. An example of its mailing address is "Oklahoma City, OK 73102".
Oklahoma is located in the south-central region and is part of the Great Plains and the Southwest. It is bordered by Kansas to the north, Missouri to the northeast, Arkansas to the east, Texas to the south and west, New Mexico to the west, and Colorado to the northwest.
37. Oregon - OR
Oregon’s two-letter postal code is OR. Its earlier abbreviations include Ore. An example of the current mailing address is "Salem, OR 97301".
The state is known for its rugged Pacific coastline, Columbia River Gorge and Crater Lake National Park, Mount Hood, etc. It is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the country. It is bordered by Washington to the north, Idaho to the east, Nevada and California to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
38. Pennsylvania - PA
Pennsylvania is the next state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is PA. An earlier abbreviation was 'Pen or Pa.
An example of Pennsylvania's mailing address is "Harrisburg, PA 17101". The state is famous for the Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, etc.
Pennsylvania is located in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern part of the country. It is bordered by New York to the north, New Jersey in the east, Delaware to the southeast, Maryland in the south, West Virginia to the southwest, and Ohio state to the west.
39. Rhode Island - RI
Rhode Island is the next U.S. state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is RI. An example of its mailing address is "Providence, RI 02903".
Rhode Island is known for its coastal towns, beaches, sailing culture, and Newport mansions. It is located in the northeastern region of the country and is bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, Connecticut to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
40. South Carolina - SC
South Carolina’s two-letter abbreviation is SC. An example of its mailing address is "Columbia, SC 29201".
South Carolina is located in the southeastern part of the country. It is bordered by North Carolina in the north and Georgia in the south and west and has an Atlantic Ocean coastline to the east.
41. South Dakota - SD
South Dakota’s two-letter abbreviation is SD. An example of the state's mailing address is "Pierre, SD 57501".
Some famous tourist destinations in South Dakota include Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Native American heritage and Black Hills. The state is located in the upper Midwest / Great Plains region.
South Dakota is bordered by North Dakota in the north, Minnesota in the east, Iowa to the southeast, Nebraska in the south, Wyoming to the west, and Montana to the northwest.
42. Tennessee - TN
Tennessee’s two-letter postal code is TN.
The state is in the southeastern part of the country and borders Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west.
43. Texas - TX
Texas’s two-letter postal code is TX. An example of the state's mailing address is "Austin, TX 78701".
Texas is located in the south-central part of the country, bordering New Mexico to the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas in the northeast, Louisiana in the east and Mexico in the south.
44. Utah - UT
Utah is the next state on the list. Its two-letter postal code is UT. An example of the mailing address is "Salt Lake City, UT 84101".
45. Vermont - VT
Vermont’s two-letter abbreviation is VT. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and borders New York to the west, New Hampshire to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and Canada (Quebec) to the north.
46. Virginia - VA
Virginia’s two-letter abbreviation is VA. The state is in the southeastern part of the country. It borders Maryland and Washington D.C. to the north and east, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, Kentucky and West Virginia to the west, and Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
47. Washington - WA
Washington’s two-letter postal code is WA.
Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest region. It borders Canada (British Columbia) to the north, Idaho in the east, Oregon in the south, and the Pacific Ocean in the west.
48. West Virginia - WV
West Virginia’s two-letter abbreviation is WV. It is located in the southeastern part and borders Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the northeast, Virginia to the east and south, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest.
49. Wisconsin - WI
Wisconsin’s two-letter abbreviation is WI. It is located in the Midwestern part and borders Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, and Michigan to the north and northeast.
50. Wyoming - WY
Wyoming’s two-letter postal code is WY. It is located in the Mountain West region and borders Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska in the east, Colorado to the south, Utah in the southwest, and Idaho to the west.
Origin Of the US States Abbreviations
The US states' abbreviations have a long history. The USPS codes came when ZIP codes were already in use in the country. The agency had already accepted the use of the two-letter abbreviations by 1831.
As a result of the use of the two-letter abbreviations by people who intend to send mail, especially in popular states and regions, the US Post Office Department went on to establish a Table of Post Offices in the US, which consists of short letters that had been approved for use even though it was advised to always include the origin of the state in full.
The United States Post Office Department concluded on the use of the current list of two abbreviations in October 1963 by issuing Publication 59.
Where do the 50 states come from?
These American state two-letter abbreviations are slightly complicated because the same method was not adopted for every state. While some states use the first and last letters, others use the first two letters in their names.
Other states also use the first and any other letter apart that is not necessarily the last letter, which shows the complexity of state abbreviations across America. Other codes and systems are also in use, including ISO, ANSI and USCG.