What Is the Abbreviation for Delaware?
The standard abbreviation for Delaware is DE. This page explains why Delaware uses DE, 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 Delaware?
Delaware is abbreviated DE. Older sources may use Del., but the two-letter postal form DE is the modern standard for addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
DE is the abbreviation used for Delaware in mailing addresses, shipping labels, government forms, and databases.
Why Delaware Uses DE
Delaware's USPS abbreviation is DE.
USPS has used DE for Delaware since 1963. The older abbreviation Del. still appears in older material, but DE is the standard postal form today.
Old Abbreviation for Delaware
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Delaware, that older style was usually Del..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is DE. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Delaware, the practical answer is to recognize Del. and use DE in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Delaware 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.
DE Compared With Similar State Codes
DE can be unclear on its own in search or plain text, so the full state name often helps make the meaning obvious.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Delaware and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Delaware belongs to the South region. Its capital is Dover, and its postal code DE is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Delaware entered the Union on December 7, 1787.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Delaware?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Delaware is DE.
What is the postal abbreviation for Delaware?
DE is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Delaware. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Delaware?
Abbreviate Delaware as DE in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Delaware abbreviated DE?
Delaware's USPS abbreviation is DE.
What does DE stand for?
DE stands for Delaware in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Delaware?
Older editorial styles often wrote Delaware as Del.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is DE.
How do you write a Delaware mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code DE, then the ZIP Code. For example: Dover, DE 00000.
What state is DE?
DE is the postal abbreviation for Delaware, located in the South region. The capital is Dover.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know DE stands for Delaware, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.