Two-digit state codes in the United States are standardized abbreviations used to represent each state in a short, consistent format. These codes were officially introduced by the United States Postal Service to simplify mail delivery and reduce errors in addressing.
Today, these codes are widely used beyond mailing. You’ll see them in shipping forms, databases, government documents, and online applications where space and clarity matter.
Complete List of Two-Digit State Codes
Below is the full list of all 50 U.S. states and their official two-letter abbreviations:
State-specific two letter codes USA
Florida state code
The two letter state code for Florida is FL.
Delaware state code
The two letter state code for Delaware is DE.
Missouri state code
The two letter state code for Missouri is MO.
Hawaii state code
The two letter state code for Hawaii is HI.
Oklahoma state code
The two letter state code for Oklahoma is OK.
Virginia state code
The two letter state code for Virginia is VA.
Mississippi state code
The two letter state code for Mississippi is MS.
Indiana state code
The two letter state code for Indiana is IN.
Maryland state code
The two letter state code for Maryland is MD.
Illinois state code
The two letter state code for Illinois is IL.
Arkansas state code
The two letter state code for Arkansas is AR.
North Carolina state code
The two letter state code for North Carolina is NC.
Michigan state code
The two letter state code for Michigan is MI.
Idaho state code
The two letter state code for Idaho is ID.
Texas state code
The two letter state code for Texas is TX.
Nevada state code
The two letter state code for Nevada is NV.
Alaska state code
The two letter state code for Alaska is AK.
Minnesota state code
The two letter state code for Minnesota is MN.
Wisconsin state code
The two letter state code for Wisconsin is WI.
Louisiana state code
The two letter state code for Louisiana is LA.
California state code
The two letter state code for California is CA.
Georgia state code
The two letter state code for Georgia is GA.
Ohio state code
The two letter state code for Ohio is OH.
Kentucky state code
The two letter state code for Kentucky is KY.
Pennsylvania state code
The two letter state code for Pennsylvania is PA.
Iowa state code
The two letter state code for Iowa is IA.
Maine state code
The two letter state code for Maine is ME.
Connecticut state code
The two letter state code for Connecticut is CT.
Colorado state code
The two letter state code for Colorado is CO.
Montana state code
The two letter state code for Montana is MT.
Wyoming state code
The two letter state code for Wyoming is WY.
Oregon state code
The two letter state code for Oregon is OR.
Utah state code
The two letter state code for Utah is UT.
Washington state code
The two letter state code for Washington is WA.
Nebraska state code
The two letter state code for Nebraska is NE.
Tennessee state code
The two letter state code for Tennessee is TN.
New Jersey state code
The two letter state code for New Jersey is NJ.
Why These Codes Matter
Two-digit state codes are more than simple abbreviations. They are part of a standardized system that keeps communication, logistics, and digital processes running smoothly across the United States. Introduced by the United States Postal Service, these codes are now deeply embedded in everyday workflows, from mailing letters to processing online orders.
Address Accuracy
Using consistent two-letter state codes significantly reduces the chances of errors in mailing and shipping. Many U.S. states have long names or names that can be easily confused with others. For example, “North Dakota” and “South Dakota” or “Virginia” and “West Virginia” can be misread when written in full, especially in handwritten or fast-processed documents.
Standardized codes like ND, SD, VA, and WV remove that ambiguity. They make addresses cleaner, easier to scan, and less prone to human or machine misinterpretation. This is especially important in high-volume environments such as postal sorting facilities and logistics centers where even small errors can delay deliveries.
In addition, automated systems used by shipping carriers rely on these codes to validate addresses. If the state code is incorrect or missing, it can trigger delays, failed deliveries, or additional processing fees.
Faster Data Entry
Two-digit state codes make filling out forms quicker and more efficient. Instead of typing full state names, users can simply enter two letters, which reduces effort and speeds up the process. This is particularly useful in environments where large amounts of data are entered daily, such as customer checkouts, CRM systems, or government applications.
From a user experience standpoint, shorter inputs also reduce friction. Many online forms are designed with dropdowns or auto-fill features that recognize these codes instantly. This minimizes typing errors and improves completion rates, especially on mobile devices where typing long words can be cumbersome.
For businesses, faster data entry translates into higher efficiency. Employees can process more records in less time, and systems can handle standardized inputs more reliably without needing extra validation steps.
System Compatibility
Modern digital systems depend heavily on standardized formats, and two-letter state codes are a core part of that structure. Databases, APIs, and software platforms are typically designed to store and process state information in this abbreviated format.
For example, e-commerce platforms use these codes to calculate taxes, determine shipping zones, and validate customer addresses. Payment processors and fraud detection systems also rely on them to verify user information quickly and accurately.
Government systems, including tax filing platforms and identity verification services, follow the same standard. This consistency allows different systems to communicate with each other without compatibility issues.
Another key advantage is data storage efficiency. Two-letter codes take up less space than full state names, which becomes important when managing large datasets. While the difference may seem small on an individual level, it adds up significantly across millions of records.
Consistency Across Industries
One of the biggest strengths of two-digit state codes is their universal acceptance. Whether you are dealing with shipping companies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, or online retailers, the same codes are used everywhere. This consistency eliminates confusion and ensures that data can be shared seamlessly across different platforms and industries.
It also helps businesses scale. When systems are built around a single standard, expanding operations or integrating new tools becomes much easier.
Improved Automation and Processing
Automation plays a major role in modern logistics and data handling. Two-letter state codes are designed to work efficiently with automated systems such as barcode scanners, address verification tools, and sorting machines.
Short, standardized inputs are easier for machines to process quickly and accurately. This leads to faster delivery times, fewer errors, and lower operational costs.
Two-digit state codes are a foundational part of how information flows across the United States. They improve accuracy, speed up processes, and ensure compatibility across systems. What looks like a simple abbreviation is actually a critical tool that supports everything from mail delivery to digital transactions.
Are There Codes for U.S. Territories?
Yes. In addition to the 50 states, the United States Postal Service also assigns two-letter codes to U.S. territories. Some common examples include:
Puerto Rico (PR)
Guam (GU)
U.S. Virgin Islands (VI)
American Samoa (AS)
Northern Mariana Islands (MP)
Key Takeaway
Two-digit state codes are a simple but essential part of how addresses and data systems function across the United States. Whether you’re filling out a form, shipping a package, or managing records, knowing these abbreviations helps ensure accuracy and efficiency.
People Also Ask
What is a 2-digit state code?
A 2-digit state code refers to a two-letter abbreviation used to represent a U.S. state. These abbreviations are standardized by the United States Postal Service. For example, California = CA, Texas = TX, and New York = NY.
Why are they called “2-digit” state codes if they use letters?
The phrase “2-digit” is informal and widely used in place of “2-letter state code.” Even though the term includes “digit,” the codes themselves use letters, not numbers.
How many 2-letter state codes are there?
There are 50 official two-letter codes, one for each U.S. state. Additional abbreviations are used for U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
Who created the 2-letter state codes?
The United States Postal Service introduced these abbreviations in 1963 to support ZIP codes and make mail processing more efficient.
Are 2-letter state codes the same as FIPS numeric codes?
No. Two-letter state codes are used for mailing and everyday identification, while Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) codes are numeric and used for government data systems and statistical reporting.
What is the 2-digit state code for Florida?
The code for Florida is FL.
What is the 2-digit state code for Texas?
The code for Texas is TX.
What is the 2-digit state code for California?
The code for California is CA.
What is the 2-digit state code for New York?
The code for New York is NY.
What is the 2-digit state code for Hawaii?
The code for Hawaii is HI.
What is the 2-digit state code for Alaska?
The code for Alaska is AK.
What is the 2-digit state code for Ohio?
The code for Ohio is OH.
What is the 2-digit state code for Michigan?
The code for Michigan is MI.
What is the 2-digit state code for Virginia?
The code for Virginia is VA.
What is the 2-digit state code for Indiana?
The code for Indiana is IN.
What is the 2-digit state code for Missouri?
The code for Missouri is MO.
What is the 2-digit state code for Mississippi?
The code for Mississippi is MS.
What is the 2-digit state code for Maryland?
The code for Maryland is MD.
What is the 2-digit state code for Delaware?
The code for Delaware is DE.
What is the 2-digit state code for Oklahoma?
The code for Oklahoma is OK.
What is the 2-digit state code for Arkansas?
The code for Arkansas is AR.
What is the 2-digit state code for Illinois?
The code for Illinois is IL.
What is the 2-digit state code for North Carolina?
The code for North Carolina is NC.
What is the 2-digit state code for Georgia?
The code for Georgia is GA.
What is the 2-digit state code for Nevada?
The code for Nevada is NV.
What is the 2-digit state code for Pennsylvania?
The code for Pennsylvania is PA.
What is the 2-digit state code for Louisiana?
The code for Louisiana is LA.
What is the 2-digit state code for Idaho?
The code for Idaho is ID.
What is the 2-digit state code for Connecticut?
The code for Connecticut is CT.
What is the 2-digit state code for Colorado?
The code for Colorado is CO.
What is the 2-digit state code for Montana?
The code for Montana is MT.
What is the 2-digit state code for Minnesota?
The code for Minnesota is MN.
What is the 2-digit state code for Wisconsin?
The code for Wisconsin is WI.
What is the 2-digit state code for Iowa?
The code for Iowa is IA.
What is the 2-digit state code for Kentucky?
The code for Kentucky is KY.
What is the 2-digit state code for Oregon?
The code for Oregon is OR.
What is the 2-digit state code for Washington?
The code for Washington is WA.
What is the 2-digit state code for Nebraska?
The code for Nebraska is NE.
What is the 2-digit state code for Tennessee?
The code for Tennessee is TN.
What is the 2-digit state code for Utah?
The code for Utah is UT.
What is the 2-digit state code for Wyoming?
The code for Wyoming is WY.
What is the 2-digit state code for Maine?
The code for Maine is ME.
What is the 2-digit state code for Alabama?
The code for Alabama is AL.
What is the 2-digit state code for New Jersey?
The code for New Jersey is NJ.
Where are 2-digit state codes used?
These abbreviations are used across mailing addresses, shipping labels, tax documents, government records, insurance paperwork, online forms, and databases to ensure consistent state identification.
Are state codes case-sensitive?
Yes. They should always be written in uppercase, such as CA, TX, or FL, to match official standards.
Is “ID” a valid state code?
Yes. ID is the official code for Idaho.
Is “HI” a valid state code?
Yes. HI is the official code for Hawaii.
Is “CO” a valid state code?
Yes. CO is the official code for Colorado.
Is “MD” a valid state code?
Yes. MD is the official code for Maryland.
Is “MI” a valid state code?
Yes. MI is the official code for Michigan.
Is “OH” a valid state code?
Yes. OH is the official code for Ohio.
Do cities like Chicago or Miami have 2-letter codes?
No. Two-letter abbreviations are assigned only to states. Cities use their state’s code, such as Illinois (IL) for Chicago and Florida (FL) for Miami.
What is the 2-letter country code for the United States?
The two-letter country code for the United States is US, based on ISO standards.
What is the code for Washington, D.C.?
The two-letter abbreviation for the District of Columbia is DC.
Can two states have the same code?
No. Every state has a unique two-letter abbreviation to avoid confusion.
How can I find any state code?
You can look up any state abbreviation using an official USPS reference list or a complete state code table.
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