Definition and Usage

The <address> tag represents contact information.

Basic Example

The following example demonstrates the basic usage of the <address> tag to represent contact information.

HTML 
<footer>
    <address>
        For more information, please contact
        <a href="mailto:master@example.com">John Doe</a>.
    </address>
    <p><small>© copyright 2038 Example Corp.</small></p>
</footer>
Rendered Output

By default, most browsers render the <address> tag in italic font-style.

The <address> tag is commonly used inside the <footer> tag along with other information. In the example above, the <footer> contains both contact information and a copyright notice.

Usage Notes

The scope of contact information represented by the <address> tag is clearly defined. Additionally, the types of contact information that can be included in this tag are strictly regulated.

Scope of Application

The scope of contact information for the <address> tag depends on whether it is inside an <article> tag.

  • Inside an <article> tag:
    Represents the contact information for the nearest <article> ancestor.
  • Outside any <article> tag:
    Represents the contact information for the <body> tag. This applies to the entire document.

Additional Explanation
The <article> tag is used to group content that can be independently distributed or reused within a document, page, application, or site.
Examples include forum posts, news articles, blog entries, and comments.

Content Restrictions for Contact Information

Only contact information should be included inside the <address> tag.

  • Contact information can take various forms depending on the context (e.g., physical address, URL, email address, phone number, social media, website, etc.).
  • In page headers, it may provide company contact details, while inside an <article>, it can indicate the author of the content.
  • Information not intended as contact (e.g., simple geographic address) should not be included unless the address serves as actual contact information.

Practical Examples

The following examples help you understand how the <address> tag is used in different contexts.

Usage Inside an <article> Tag

When the <address> tag is placed inside an <article> tag, it represents the contact information for the nearest <article> ancestor. The example below shows how to represent the author's contact information within an <article>.

HTML 
<article>
    <h2>Post Title</h2>
     ... content ...
    <footer>
        <address>
            <span>Author</span>
            <br>
            <a href="https://example.com/author">John Doe</a>
            <br>
            <a href="mailto:author@example.com">author@example.com</a>
        </address>   
    </footer>
</article>

Usage Outside an <article> Tag

When the <address> tag is placed outside any <article> tag (or there is no <article> ancestor), it represents contact information for the <body> tag. This applies to the entire document.

The example below demonstrates how to provide contact information for the whole document using the <address> tag outside of an <article>.

HTML 
<html lang="en">
    <head>
        <meta charset="UTF-8">
        <title>Example Page</title>
    </head>
    <body>
        <h1>Example Website</h1>
        <p>Website introduction or content goes here.</p>
        
        ....
        
        <footer>
            <!-- Contact info for the entire document -->
            <address>
                Site inquiries:
                <a href="mailto:admin@example.com">admin@example.com</a>
            </address>
            <p><small>© 2025 My Website. All Rights Reserved.</small></p>
        </footer>
    </body>
</html>

Providing Company Contact Information in the Page Header

In the following example, the <address> tag is used inside the page header (<header>) to display company name, email address, and phone number.

HTML 
<header role="banner">
    <a href="/" rel="home">Company Logo</a>
    <nav>
      <a href="index.html">Home</a>
      <a href="about.html">About</a>
      <a href="contact.html">Contact</a>
    </nav>
    <address>
        <span>Company Name</span>
        <br>
        <a href="mailto:info@example.com">info@example.com</a>
        <br>
        <a href="tel:+1234567890">+1 234 567 890</a>
    </address>
</header>

The contact information in this example applies to the <body> tag, meaning it is applicable for the entire page.

Incorrect Usage

The <address> tag should only contain contact information.

HTML 
<adress>Last updated: 2011-11-18 23:37:50</adress>
HTML A more appropriate way to mark up this information is: 
<footer>Last updated: <time>2011-11-18 23:37:50</time></footer>

Technical Syntax Summary

The <address> tag has disallowed descendant and ancestor elements
These rules exist because using the <address> tag in certain contexts can make it difficult for browsers and assistive technologies to interpret the content properly. They must be considered when using the <address> tag.

Technical Syntax Summary of the <address> tag
Disallowed Descendant Elements
Disallowed Ancestor Elements
  • <address>
Implicit ARIA role group
Permitted ARIA roles Any

Browser compatibility

Browser compatibility for the address tag
Tag
Desktop Chrome
Chrome
DesktopDesktop Edge
Edge
Desktop Firefox
Firefox
Safari
Safari
<address> 1 12 1 1

Specifications

Specification for the address tag
Specification
<address> HTML Standard
#the-address-element

References

See also