What Is the Abbreviation for Alabama?
The standard abbreviation for Alabama is AL. This page explains why Alabama uses AL, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for Alabama?
AL is the standard abbreviation for Alabama. Ala. still appears in older print sources, but AL is the standard code used in addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use AL for mailing addresses, shipping labels, government forms, and school or business records.
Why Alabama Uses AL
Alabama's USPS abbreviation is AL.
USPS has used AL for Alabama since 1963. The older form Ala. still appears in books, archives, and some style-driven writing, but AL is the standard for addresses and forms.
Old Abbreviation for Alabama
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Alabama, that older style was usually Ala..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is AL. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Alabama, the practical answer is to recognize Ala. and use AL in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Alabama in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
AL Compared With Similar State Codes
AL is easy to mix up with Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), and Arkansas (AR) when several A-state codes appear together in a list.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Alabama and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Alabama belongs to the South region. Its capital is Montgomery, and its postal code AL is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Alabama entered the Union on December 14, 1819.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Alabama?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Alabama is AL.
What is the postal abbreviation for Alabama?
AL is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Alabama. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Alabama?
Abbreviate Alabama as AL in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Alabama abbreviated AL?
Alabama's USPS abbreviation is AL.
What does AL stand for?
AL stands for Alabama in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Alabama?
Older editorial styles often wrote Alabama as Ala.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is AL.
How do you write a Alabama mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code AL, then the ZIP Code. For example: Montgomery, AL 00000.
What state is AL?
AL is the postal abbreviation for Alabama, located in the South region. The capital is Montgomery.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know AL stands for Alabama, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.