What Is the Abbreviation for California?
The standard 2-letter abbreviation for California is CA.
California Abbreviation
California's abbreviation is CA. You may also see Calif. in older writing, but CA is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
California Abbreviation for Mailing and Forms
CA is used for California in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and most databases.
In all of these contexts write CA in uppercase. The form CA. with a period is incorrect for postal use.
AP Style and Traditional California Abbreviation
What Does CA Stand For?
California's USPS abbreviation is CA.
USPS has used CA for California since 1963. The older abbreviation Calif. still appears in some older publications, but CA is the standard postal form today.
How to Write a California Address
In a U.S. mailing address, write the city name, then CA in uppercase, then the five-digit ZIP Code. Never put a period after the abbreviation.
The same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM systems, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with California and are commonly looked up alongside it.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for California?
The standard USPS abbreviation for California is CA.
What is the postal abbreviation for California?
CA is the two-letter postal abbreviation for California. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate California?
Abbreviate California as CA in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
What is the two-letter abbreviation for California?
CA is the official two-letter abbreviation for California.
What is the California state code?
CA is the two-letter state code used for California in mailing addresses, forms, spreadsheets, and databases.
Why is California abbreviated CA?
California's USPS abbreviation is CA.
What does CA stand for?
CA stands for California in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for California?
Older editorial styles often wrote California as Calif.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is CA.
How do you write a California mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code CA, then the ZIP Code. For example: Sacramento, CA 00000.
What state is CA?
CA is the postal abbreviation for California, located in the West region. The capital is Sacramento.