What Is the Abbreviation for Arizona?
The standard abbreviation for Arizona is AZ. This page explains why Arizona uses AZ, 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 Arizona?
Arizona's abbreviation is AZ. You may also see Ariz. in older writing, but AZ is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
AZ is the form used for Arizona in mailing addresses, shipping labels, government paperwork, and databases.
Why Arizona Uses AZ
Arizona's USPS abbreviation is AZ.
USPS has used AZ for Arizona since 1963. Ariz. still shows up in older print sources, but AZ is the modern postal form.
Old Abbreviation for Arizona
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Arizona, that older style was usually Ariz..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is AZ. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Arizona, the practical answer is to recognize Ariz. and use AZ in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Arizona 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.
AZ Compared With Similar State Codes
AZ is often double-checked alongside AL, AK, and AR because the A-state abbreviations differ by only one letter.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Arizona and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Arizona belongs to the West region. Its capital is Phoenix, and its postal code AZ is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Arizona entered the Union on February 14, 1912.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Arizona?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Arizona is AZ.
What is the postal abbreviation for Arizona?
AZ is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Arizona. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Arizona?
Abbreviate Arizona as AZ in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Arizona abbreviated AZ?
Arizona's USPS abbreviation is AZ.
What does AZ stand for?
AZ stands for Arizona in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Arizona?
Older editorial styles often wrote Arizona as Ariz.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is AZ.
How do you write a Arizona mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code AZ, then the ZIP Code. For example: Phoenix, AZ 00000.
What state is AZ?
AZ is the postal abbreviation for Arizona, located in the West region. The capital is Phoenix.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know AZ stands for Arizona, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.