Should You Put Your Address on Your Resume? Here's the 2025 Answer

The Old Rule vs. Today's Reality

In the past, the logic was simple. Companies sent rejection or offer letters via snail mail, and your address proved you were a local candidate. It was a practical necessity.

Today, nearly all communication happens over email or phone. Your physical mailbox is rarely part of the hiring process. More importantly, we’re all much more aware of data privacy and the potential for unconscious bias—two major reasons to leave your street name and house number off the page.

3 Big Reasons to Skip Your Full Address

Think of your resume as prime real estate. Every inch should be used to sell your skills, not to give away unnecessary personal information. Here’s why dropping the full address is a smart move.

1. It Protects Your Personal Privacy

This is the most important reason. Your resume can pass through many hands and digital systems during a job search. Listing your exact address puts your personal information out in the open, increasing your risk of identity theft or simply unwanted attention. In an age where we protect our data online, it makes sense to protect it in your job search, too.

2. It Helps Avoid Location Bias

Recruiters are human, and unconscious bias is real. A hiring manager might make assumptions based on your address. They might think:

• "That’s a long commute; they might not stick around."
• "They live in a very expensive/inexpensive neighborhood."
• "That's on the other side of town, which could be a problem."

Whether these assumptions are true or not, they can subconsciously influence a decision before you even get a chance to interview. Don't let your street name create a hurdle you don't even know is there.

3. It Frees Up Valuable Space

Every line on your resume counts. When you're building your career story, it's crucial to maximize that space for skills and achievements, not outdated details. Think about it: the space taken up by a two-line address could be used for a link to your impressive LinkedIn profile or online portfolio. That's a much more powerful use of the space.

So, What Should You Put Instead?

Recruiters don’t need to know your street, but they do need a general sense of your location to know if you're a viable candidate for in-office or hybrid roles.

The new, accepted standard is City, State.

Here are a few perfect examples:

• Seattle, WA
• Austin, TX
• New York, NY

This format gives the hiring manager exactly what they need—your general location—without compromising your privacy or inviting bias. It's clean, professional, and modern.

What if you're open to relocating? You can simply state that. For example: "Open to relocating to the Boston, MA area."

The One Time You Might Include It

Is there ever a reason to use your full address? Rarely, but there is one exception: hyper-local government jobs.

Some municipal, county, or state government positions legally require you to live within a specific district or city limits. In these specific cases, including your full address can work in your favor by immediately confirming your eligibility. If you're unsure, check the job description for any residency requirements.

The Bottom Line

For over 99% of jobs today, you do not need your full address on your resume.

Stick with "City, State." It's a simple change that makes your resume safer, smarter, and more effective. It shows you understand modern professional norms and allows you to focus the reader's attention on what truly matters: the incredible value you bring to the table.

Now you can finalize that contact section with confidence and get back to what's important—landing your next great role.