How Do You Spell Atlanta? A Simple Guide for Locals, Visitors, and Newcomers

If you’re looking up “How do you spell Atlanta?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re filling out official forms, booking a trip, or labeling moving boxes for your new home in the city, it’s worth getting the spelling exactly right.

The correct spelling is:

That’s A‑T‑L‑A‑N‑T‑A – six letters, with only one “t” in the middle.

Below is a quick guide to spelling Atlanta, Georgia correctly in everyday life, plus a few common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

The Correct Spelling: Atlanta, Georgia

The full, formal way to write the city name in most situations is:

Atlanta, Georgia
or
Atlanta, GA

Key points:

• City name:Atlanta
• State name (spelled out):Georgia
• Postal abbreviation:GA

You’ll typically see Atlanta, GA on:

• Mailing addresses
• Online forms and shipping labels
• Event flyers and tickets
• Business cards and résumés

When writing something formal, like a resume or a school application, spelling the full state name (Atlanta, Georgia) can look more polished, but the shorter version (Atlanta, GA) is also widely accepted.

Common Misspellings of “Atlanta”

Because of the way the word sounds, people sometimes mix up letters. If you’re new to the city or English isn’t your first language, you may see or type some of these by accident:

To remember it, think of this simple breakdown:

• AT – like the word “at”
• LAN – like “lan” in “lantern”
• TA – like “ta” in “taco”

Put it together: AT‑LAN‑TA.

Spelling Atlanta in Nicknames and Short Forms

People in and around Atlanta often refer to the city using short names and nicknames. These are fine in casual conversation or on social media, but on official documents you still need to spell Atlanta correctly.

Here are some of the most common versions you’ll see:

• ATL – The city’s airport code and a very popular local nickname
• The A – A casual nickname often used in music and pop culture
• Metro Atlanta – Refers to the wider region around the city (like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, etc.)

Remember:

• ATL is not a replacement for Atlanta on applications, IDs, or legal paperwork.
• On anything official, write Atlanta fully and clearly.

How to Spell Atlanta in Addresses

If you’re mailing something to or from Atlanta, getting the spelling right helps your mail move quickly through the system.

Here’s a standard address format for Atlanta, GA:

Example:

Key address tips:

• Use Atlanta as the city name for addresses inside the city limits.
• Use GA as the state abbreviation.
• Double-check the ZIP code, especially if you’re sending something to government offices, schools, or businesses downtown.

Spelling Atlanta on Official Documents in Georgia

If you live in the city or are moving here, you’ll probably need to write “Atlanta, GA” on a number of documents, such as:

• Georgia driver’s license or ID forms
• Voter registration forms
• School enrollment paperwork
• Utility service applications (electric, water, internet)
• Lease agreements or mortgage documents

For any of these, be sure to:

1. Spell Atlanta exactly as A‑T‑L‑A‑N‑T‑A.
2. Use Georgia or GA depending on the form’s instructions.
3. Match the spelling to your legal address on record.

If you’re unsure whether your address is officially considered Atlanta or another city within metro Atlanta (like College Park, East Point, or Decatur), you can:

• Check your property tax bill or lease
• Look at the city name printed on your utility bills
• Ask at your local post office in Atlanta or call USPS customer service

Local Context: Where You’ll See “Atlanta” Spelled Out Around Town

Once you start looking, you’ll notice “Atlanta” spelled out everywhere around the city:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport signs and tickets
• MARTA stations like Atlanta Airport Station and Five Points route maps
• Local government buildings, such as:
  • City of Atlanta City Hall – 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Atlanta Municipal Court – 150 Garnett St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Public safety and city services, including:
  • Atlanta Police Department Headquarters – 226 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Atlanta Fire Rescue Department stations across the city

If you’re ever uncertain about spelling when filling out a form at a city building, you can usually look at the sign on the wall or the letterhead on any printed documents they give you—the word Atlanta will be printed clearly.

Quick Memory Tricks for Spelling “Atlanta”

If you tend to mistype the city name, these simple tricks can help:

• Think “AT + LAN + TA”
  Break it into three sound chunks: AT‑LAN‑TA.

• Use “ATL” as your anchor
  Start with ATL (the nickname and airport code), then just add “anta”:
  ATL + anta = Atlanta

• Remember: one “t” in the middle
  The first t is part of “At”, and there’s only one t before “lanta.”

• Practice in context
  Write it a few times as “Atlanta, GA 30303” or “Atlanta, Georgia” to get used to the full look of the word.

When Exact Spelling Really Matters in Atlanta

Getting the spelling right is especially important in situations like:

• Job applications and resumes – Listing your location as Atlanta, GA
• Housing and leases – Writing the correct city name on contracts
• Event registrations – Conferences, races, or festivals in Atlanta
• Travel bookings – Hotel reservations or rideshare pickup points in Atlanta
• School and college forms – Especially for institutions in or near downtown, like Georgia State University or Atlanta Public Schools

In all of these cases, writing Atlanta correctly helps avoid confusion and keeps your records consistent with local systems and databases.

Simple Checklist: Spelling Atlanta Correctly

Before you submit any form or document, you can quickly confirm:

• ✅ City is spelled Atlanta (A‑T‑L‑A‑N‑T‑A)
• ✅ State is listed as Georgia or GA
• ✅ Address lines match what’s shown on your bills or official documents
• ✅ You’re not using ATL or The A in place of the full city name on anything official

If those items are correct, you’re using “Atlanta” the way local organizations, government offices, and businesses expect to see it.