Pls Help. It's urgent. About US postal code.?

Question

Usually US postal codes are of 5 digits. However, in some addresses, the postal code given is more than 5 digits. I want to know which one's the real postal code. Suppose the address is:

9 Park Avenue North Suite 180

Deerfield, IL 60015-2541

If I'm asked only the postal code, what should I enter? 60015-2541 or only 60015 or only 2541.

THANKS.

Answer 1

The US postal code (called the ZIP code) is 5 digits plus an optional 4-digit extension.   The 5-digit form was introduced originally (several decades ago), and the 4-digit extension (which more precisely specifies the location, I think down to the carrier's route) was added later.  So both are part of the "real" ZIP code.

If you're asked for the ZIP code, you should always give the first 5 digits; give the remaining 4 if you can (some forms, for example, will only take 5 digits).  It is never sensible to give only the last 4 digits; that would be roughly like giving the name of the street but not the town it's in.

Answer 2

60015 is the postal code and needs to be on the address, whereas 2541 is the section of that specific postal code and is not required