To begin a formal letter, you should include the following elements:

  1. Your full name and contact information: Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. This information should be centered or aligned to the left side of the page.

  2. The date: Write the date in full (e.g. "April 15, 2023") below your contact information, on the left side of the page.

  3. The recipient's full name and contact information: Below the date, write the recipient's full name and address. If you are writing to a company, include the name of the company and the recipient's job title.

  4. A formal salutation: Begin the letter with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name]," followed by a colon.

  5. The body of the letter: In the body of the letter, write your message in a clear and concise manner. Use formal language and avoid contractions.

  6. A formal closing: End the letter with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Respectfully," followed by a comma.

  7. Your signature: Sign your name below the closing. If you are sending the letter electronically, you can use a digital signature.

Here's an example:

Your Name

Your Address

Your City, State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email Address

Date

Recipient's Name

Recipient's Address

Recipient's City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name,

[Body of the letter]

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name