What is Address Line 2?

Understanding Address Line 2: How It Differs from Address Line 1

Address Line 2 is an optional field in address forms that allows users to provide secondary details such as apartment numbers, suites, floors, or box numbers. Some users also use it for care-of (c/o) details. This flexibility helps ensure accurate deliveries by providing couriers with additional location information. Unlike Address Line 1, which contains the primary delivery address, Address Line 2 is supplementary and not required for all addresses.

Including Address Line 2 is crucial for businesses looking to minimise undelivered or returned shipments. Properly structuring address forms to incorporate this field enhances shipping accuracy and ensures businesses meet delivery expectations. However, brands must design their forms carefully to avoid confusing users. A well-integrated Address Line 2 field improves user experience (UX) and boosts successful deliveries.

Key Takeaways:

• Address Line 2 is often overlooked in address forms, leading to missed opportunities for improving delivery accuracy.
• It allows users to add additional address details, helping couriers locate their destination more easily.
• Companies should guide users on how to fill out Address Line 2 correctly, such as by providing a brief explanation under the field.
• Since this field is optional, users should not be forced to enter unnecessary details.
• Some brands avoid Address Line 2 due to data parsing difficulties or user input errors, but solutions like Melissa’s Address Lookup & Autocomplete API can help mitigate these issues.

What is Address Line 2?

Address Line 2 is a familiar element for both users and website managers. Its presence in online forms is often taken for granted, leading to limited optimisation efforts. Because it is widely used, many businesses have not questioned its potential impact on UX or considered redesigning it for better usability.

Example Address Line Structure

Address Formatting Standards

In the UK, Royal Mail has standardised address formats that generally include:

• Recipient’s name
• Company name (if applicable)
• Delivery address
• City, county and postcode
• Street address
• Additional details (e.g., apartment or suite numbers)

While these elements form a structured address, many users are unsure how to properly utilise Address Line 2, leading to inconsistent input and potential delivery issues.

Address Line Confusion From a User’s Perspective

Users often experience confusion when filling out address fields, raising questions such as:

• Is the second address line mandatory?
• Should I enter my house number and locality in Address Line 1?
• Can I leave Address Line 2 blank?
• Why is there a second address line?

Although minor, this confusion can impact conversion rates. If users hesitate or abandon their carts due to uncertainty, businesses may experience increased cart abandonment rates.

The Purpose of Address Line 2

While Address Line 2 is sometimes included simply because other businesses use it, it does serve a purpose. It provides space for additional location details, including:

• Apartment, floor, or room numbers
• PO Box details
• Care-of (c/o) addresses

However, most users do not need to fill out Address Line 2 unless their delivery location requires additional clarification.

Best Practices for Address Line 2

To enhance UX and streamline address input, businesses should consider the following strategies:

• Use Clear Labels and Instructions: Providing a short description beneath Address Line 2 can help users understand its purpose. Instead of simply labelling it "Address Line 2", use a more descriptive term such as "Additional Address Information".
• Hide Address Line 2 Initially: Since most users do not need Address Line 2, consider initially hiding it and allowing users to reveal it if needed. This approach reduces clutter and confusion.
• Combine Descriptive Labels with Hidden Fields: A combination of clear labels and a collapsible Address Line 2 field offers the best user experience. It minimises confusion while ensuring the field is available for those who need it.

Optimising Address Forms

Address fields should be structured based on audience needs. Some best practices include:

• Analysing Mailing Lists: Understanding common user behaviours helps tailor address forms effectively.
• Expandable Address Line 2: Providing an "Add more details" option can prevent unnecessary clutter while keeping the field accessible.
• Clarifying That Address Line 2 is Optional: Indicating which fields are mandatory helps users complete forms with confidence.
• Providing Guidance on Form Labels: Using clear, informative labels improves usability and reduces errors.

UX Considerations for Address Line 2

To ensure optimal usability, businesses should address key UX concerns:

• Distinguishable Fields: Mandatory and optional fields should be clearly differentiated using design elements such as colour coding or asterisks.
• Tab Navigation Optimisation: Users navigating forms via the tab key should be able to skip Address Line 2 if they do not need it, ensuring a smooth experience.
• Styling Expandable Fields: If Address Line 2 is collapsible, users should be visually guided to expand it when necessary. Adding a small "+ Add More Details" link below Address Line 1 can improve visibility.

Should You Remove Address Line 2?

While Address Line 2 is a common form feature, its necessity varies. Some drawbacks of including it include:

• Data Splitting: Users may enter address components inconsistently, making data processing difficult.
• Parsing Challenges: Automating address parsing becomes more complex when users split their details unpredictably.
• Inconsistent User Input: Users might enter excessive or irrelevant details in Address Line 2, leading to data discrepancies.

How to Solve Address Line 2 Issues

Address Line 2 often leads to input errors, missing details, or unnecessary duplication. The best way to address these challenges is by ensuring high data quality from the start.

• Use Address Verification Tools: Address verification solutions validate user-entered addresses in real time by checking them against official postal databases. This ensures accuracy, reduces incomplete submissions, and prevents undeliverable addresses.
• Implement Address Lookup & Address Autocomplete Tools: An address lookup and autocomplete tool enhances data accuracy at the point of collection. As users begin typing their address, the system suggests verified address options in real time. This minimises errors, speeds up form completion, and ensures Address Line 2 is only used when necessary.
• Provide Clear Guidance: Many users are unsure whether Address Line 2 is required or how to use it correctly. Including a brief description or tooltip beneath the field can clarify its purpose and improve user experience.
• Hide Address Line 2 When Not Needed: Since not all users require Address Line 2, consider initially hiding it and displaying it only when necessary. This keeps forms simple and prevents unnecessary input.

Conclusion

Address Line 2 can improve delivery accuracy when used correctly, but improper implementation can create confusion and inefficiencies. Businesses should prioritise usability by providing clear instructions, using collapsible fields, and optimising form design. By implementing best practices, companies can streamline the address entry process and enhance customer satisfaction.

Melissa – The Address Experts

As the leader in address verification, Melissa combines decades of experience with unmatched technology and global support to offer solutions that quickly and accurately verify addresses in realtime, at the point of entry. Melissa is a single-source vendor for address management, data hygiene and pre-sorting solutions, empowering businesses all over the world to effectively manage their data quality.