What Is the Abbreviation for Maine?
The standard abbreviation for Maine is ME. This page explains why Maine uses ME, 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 Maine?
The abbreviation for Maine is ME. ME is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use ME for Maine in mailing addresses, shipping labels, government forms, and business records.
Why Maine Uses ME
Maine's USPS abbreviation is ME.
USPS adopted ME for Maine in 1963, and it remains the standard postal form for addresses, forms, and databases.
Old Abbreviation for Maine
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Maine, that older style was usually Maine.
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is ME. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Maine, the practical answer is to recognize Maine and use ME in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Maine 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.
ME Compared With Similar State Codes
ME is easy to use in an address, but on its own it can blend into ordinary English.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Maine and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Maine belongs to the Northeast region. Its capital is Augusta, and its postal code ME is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Maine entered the Union on March 15, 1820.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Maine?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Maine is ME.
What is the postal abbreviation for Maine?
ME is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Maine. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Maine?
Abbreviate Maine as ME in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Maine abbreviated ME?
Maine's USPS abbreviation is ME.
What does ME stand for?
ME stands for Maine in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Maine?
Older editorial styles often wrote Maine as Maine. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is ME.
How do you write a Maine mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code ME, then the ZIP Code. For example: Augusta, ME 00000.
What state is ME?
ME is the postal abbreviation for Maine, located in the Northeast region. The capital is Augusta.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know ME stands for Maine, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.