How to Read a Magazine Address Label

Magazines received in the mail usually have mailing labels on the bottom of the cover. Most have the same basic information, including your address, subscription number and when the subscription expires. Follow a few simple guidelines to decipher magazine labels.

Step 1

Flip your magazine over so that it's upside down. This will let you read the address label right side up.

Step 2

Read your address which should be on the left side of the magazine label. The address should be in typical address form like this:

Your Name 123 Anywhere St. Anywhere, CA 00000-0000

Step 3

Read to the right of your address. You'll be able to see a month and year. For example: Oct 11. or Oct. 2011. This means that your magazine subscription ends during this month and year. Most magazine labels have this information.

Step 4

Check out the set of letters and numbers above your name in your address. This usually refers to your personal subscriber number and could be used if you are changing your address or have customer service questions for the magazine.

Step 5

Look at the label for "AUTO 5-Digit 00000." This may be on some magazines and just refers to the ZIP code destination of the magazine.

Step 6

Look at the bar code on the address label. This will be located either at the top or bottom of the magazine label. This is for mailing purposes.

Cite this Article