How to Address the President

Co-authored by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: November 7, 2022 References Approved

If you should have the opportunity to address a current or former president face-to-face, there are certain rules of etiquette you’ll need to follow. Likewise, if you’re planning to send a letter or other form of direct correspondence to the president, you’ll need to address the envelope and letter correctly. Following these rules will show respect for the office of the president.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Addressing the President in Person

1
Rise when the president enters the room. All seated persons will be expected to rise when the president enters the room, as a sign of respect.^{[1]
X
Research source} The president will then indicate when those who have risen may return to their seats.
2
Address the president as “Mr. President” or “Madam President.” Should you have the opportunity to speak directly with the president, do not call them by their first or last name. The title of “Mr.” or “Madam” will show your respect for the office while you carry on a conversation with the president.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
US Department of State
Official website of the U.S. Department of State
Go to source}

Advertisement
3
Introduce a third party to the president. Use the phrase “Mr./Madam President, may I present.” In the United States, the president should not be introduced to someone, as this would seem disrespectful. Always introduce the third person to the president.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- For example, be sure to say, “Mr./Madam President, may I present my son Billy.” Do not say, “Billy, I want you to meet the president.”
4
Announce the president using his or her title. If you are given an opportunity to announce the president—for example, before they deliver a speech—announce the president to onlookers as “the president of the United States.”^{[4]
X
Research source}
- So, if you’re announcing the current president, you could say: “Let me announce the president of the United States, Joe Biden."

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Sending a Letter to the President

1
Address the envelope to “The President.” In written correspondence, the president’s first and last names should never appear. The address should read:^{[5]
X
Research source}
- The President
- The White House
- 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
- Washington, DC 20500.
2
Begin your letter: “Dear Mr./Madam President.” This is the polite and expected salutation with which all written addresses to the president should begin.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Do not use the president’s name in your correspondence. Continue to refer to them as Mr. or Madam President.
3
Conclude your letter, “Most respectfully.” This complimentary close will indicate that the body of your letter has concluded.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You can write thank you if you request something in the letter.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- Sign and print your name at the end of the letter.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Addressing a Former President

1
Make your envelope out to “The Honorable” former president. Former presidents do not keep the title of “president” once they leave office (contrary to how they’re often referred to in the media). If you’re writing a letter to a former president, the envelope should be addressed to: “The Honorable [first and last name].”^{[9]
X
Research source}
- For example, you could address a letter to “The Honorable Jimmy Carter” or “The Honorable George Bush.”
2
Address written correspondence to “Dear Mr” and their surname. A letter to a former president is slightly less formal than correspondence to a sitting president since the recipient no longer holds the office of president. Do not use the term “honorable” in the introduction or body of your correspondence—“honorable” should be used on the envelope only.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- So, your letter would begin: “Dear Mr. Carter” or “Dear Mr. Bush.”
3
Address a former president as “Mr.” and their surname in person. An in-person address will also be less formal for a former president than it would for a sitting president. For example, you would address Barack Obama as “Mr. Obama,” not as “Mr. President.”^{[11]
X
Research source}
- The rules about introductions are similarly less formal. As a general sign of respect, though, it’s still probably best to introduce a third party to the former president.

Community Q&A

Question

Will the letter be opened and inspected before the president receives it?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

In fact, the president will probably not read it himself. He receives thousands of pieces of mail, and if he would have to open, read and reply to all of them in person, there'd be no time left to do any presidenting. Instead, he has a team of people reading his letters and e-mails. Most will not get a reply, because it is just too time consuming, or a quick standard reply at best. So to answer, yes, it will be opened, read, tested and inspected, then filed and that's it.
Question

Will the president help me financially if I am dying?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

No. The president's job is to secure the well-being of all the people in the country, on a macro scale. Since that is a huge job in itself, the president cannot be asked to devote time to any individual human being, no matter what the situation is. Of course, you can always appeal to the president. Write a letter, explain your situation and ask your question. There may be some action, though likely not in person. Letters are screened and sent to sub-offices who reply on the president's behalf, if deemed necessary or useful. You might also try more local organizations who can give you advice on dealing with financial problems.
Question

How long it will take the president to reply to the addressed letter?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

The president's job is to run the country. That does not include answering letters from the constituency. Therefore, an office has been installed that sorts post and replies on behalf of the president if necessary or useful. Many letters will be discarded outright, but if an answer is sent, it will probably be at least a month.

Treat the President With Respect

When addressing the president talk to them with respect and be polite. Make sure not to be disrespectful. The presidents take care of our country, treat them well.