What Is the Abbreviation for North Dakota?
The standard abbreviation for North Dakota is ND. This page explains why North Dakota uses ND, 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota's abbreviation is ND. You may also see N.D. in older writing, but ND is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
ND is used for North Dakota in mailing addresses, shipping labels, government forms, and business records.
Why North Dakota Uses ND
North Dakota uses the USPS abbreviation ND.
USPS adopted ND for North Dakota in 1963. The older form N.D. still appears in older publications, but ND is the standard postal abbreviation today.
Old Abbreviation for North Dakota
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For North Dakota, that older style was usually N.D..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is ND. If someone searches for old abbreviation for North Dakota, the practical answer is to recognize N.D. and use ND in current writing and addresses.
How to Write North Dakota 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.
ND Compared With Similar State Codes
ND is often checked against NC and SD because the directional state codes are easy to confuse in forms and lists.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with North Dakota and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
North Dakota belongs to the Midwest region. Its capital is Bismarck, and its postal code ND is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
North Dakota entered the Union on November 2, 1889.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for North Dakota?
The standard USPS abbreviation for North Dakota is ND.
What is the postal abbreviation for North Dakota?
ND is the two-letter postal abbreviation for North Dakota. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate North Dakota?
Abbreviate North Dakota as ND in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is North Dakota abbreviated ND?
North Dakota uses the USPS abbreviation ND.
What does ND stand for?
ND stands for North Dakota in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for North Dakota?
Older editorial styles often wrote North Dakota as N.D.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is ND.
How do you write a North Dakota mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code ND, then the ZIP Code. For example: Bismarck, ND 00000.
What state is ND?
ND is the postal abbreviation for North Dakota, located in the Midwest region. The capital is Bismarck.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know ND stands for North Dakota, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.