Do you still get a letter when you turn 100? Here's how to receive a centenarian greeting

Oct 22, 2025 4 min read •

Aging Milestone Celebrations Centenarian Greetings

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of centenarians grew from 53,364 in 2010 to 80,139 in 2020, making 100th birthdays increasingly common. So, do you still get a letter when you turn 100? Yes, you can receive official congratulatory letters from heads of state, but the process and sender vary depending on your country of residence.

Quick Summary

Yes, you can still receive an official congratulatory letter for turning 100, though the process is not automatic everywhere. Centenarians in the United States must have a request submitted on their behalf, while those in many Commonwealth nations receive theirs automatically if receiving a pension.

Key Points

Centenarian greetings are still a tradition: Yes, you can still receive a congratulatory letter from a head of state for turning 100, though the process differs by country.
U.S. letters require a request: In the United States, a letter from the President for a 100th birthday is not automatic; a request must be submitted via the White House website or a Congressional office.
Royal letters can be automatic: In the U.K., the King sends a card for the 100th birthday. If the honoree receives a state pension, the process is automatic; otherwise, an application is required.
Submit requests well in advance: To ensure timely delivery, requests for centenarian greetings should be made several weeks or months before the birthday.
Other forms of recognition are available: In addition to national leaders, many state and local governments, as well as media outlets, also offer recognition for centenarians.

For a centenarian, receiving a congratulatory message from a head of state, such as the U.S. President or a reigning monarch, is a special honor. This tradition recognizes a remarkable milestone of longevity and serves as a public acknowledgment of a long life lived. While the tradition has endured, the procedure for receiving this special greeting differs significantly based on location.

Receiving a 100th Birthday Letter in the United States

In the U.S., a letter from the President to honor a 100th birthday is a time-honored tradition. However, it is not an automatic process. A request must be initiated by the centenarian, a family member, or a friend.

How to request a presidential greeting

To ensure a smooth process, requests should be made well in advance of the birthday. The White House Greetings Office handles these requests and has specific guidelines for submission.

Online: The easiest method is to submit a request through the White House website's contact page.
Mail: You can send a written request to the White House Greetings Office in Washington, D.C..
Through a Congressional Office: U.S. Senators and Representatives often have resources to help facilitate these requests for their constituents.

What information is required?

The honoree's full name, as it should appear on the greeting.
The honoree's full mailing address.
The exact date of the birthday.
Your name and contact information as the person making the request.

Royal Greetings in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Realms

The tradition of sending royal greetings to centenarians began in 1917 under King George V. Today, King Charles III continues this tradition, sending special cards to those marking their 100th, 105th, and subsequent birthdays.

The process for royal greetings

The method for receiving a royal greeting depends on whether the individual receives a state pension.

For U.K. residents receiving a State Pension: No application is necessary. The Department for Work and Pensions automatically shares the honoree's details with the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace.
For U.K. residents not receiving a State Pension, or those overseas: An application form must be completed and submitted directly to the Anniversaries Office. This applies to citizens of Commonwealth Realms like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, who must apply through their respective Governor-General's office.

Required details for application

A completed application form.
Proof of the celebrant's birth date, such as a birth certificate.
Proof of citizenship for those living abroad.

Comparison of 100th Birthday Greeting Processes


Feature	United States (Presidential Greeting)	United Kingdom (Royal Greeting)
Initiation	Must be requested by the celebrant or a loved one.	Automatic for U.K. residents on state pension; otherwise, an application is required.
Application Timeline	Typically submitted 6-8 weeks in advance.	Submissions can be made up to 5 weeks in advance online.
Required Information	Honoree's name, address, date of birth, and requester's contact.	Honoree's name, address, date of birth, and supporting documents (birth certificate).
Recipient	U.S. citizens.	Citizens of the U.K. and Commonwealth Realms.
Additional Milestones	Other greetings are available for 80th+ birthdays for veterans and 50th+ anniversaries.	Sent for 100th, 105th birthdays, and every year thereafter.

Beyond National Recognition: Other Ways to Honor a Centenarian

While a national greeting is a significant honor, many other organizations and public figures offer recognition for a 100th birthday.

State and Local Officials: Governors, mayors, and other local government leaders often send certificates or proclamations to local residents celebrating their 100th birthday.
Media: Local news outlets and community papers frequently cover these stories, offering a chance for wider recognition.
Today Show: The Today Show on NBC, through its tradition started by Willard Scott, still acknowledges centenarians and other milestones on air, with submissions sent via a specific form.

Conclusion

Yes, you absolutely still get a letter when you turn 100, but the process requires proactive steps, depending on where you live. For U.S. citizens, a request must be submitted to the White House, while residents of the U.K. and many Commonwealth countries can often receive their royal greeting automatically if receiving a state pension. These treasured keepsakes are more than just a piece of paper; they are official testaments to a century of life, a well-deserved recognition for an elite group of individuals who have witnessed history unfold. By planning ahead, you can ensure that this momentous occasion is marked with the official recognition it deserves.

Sources

White House. (2005). Greetings Office. Retrieved from https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/qa/birthday.html
The Royal Family. (2022). Anniversary messages. Retrieved from https://www.royal.uk/anniversary-messages
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy. (n.d.). Request a Presidential Greeting. Retrieved from https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/contact/presidential-greetings/

Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States, the White House Greetings Office will send a congratulatory message from the President to an individual celebrating their 100th birthday, upon request.

No, it is not automatic. For U.S. citizens, a request must be submitted to the White House Greetings Office for the congratulatory message to be sent.

To request a presidential greeting, you can submit a form on the White House website, mail a request to the Greetings Office, or contact a local congressional office for assistance.

In the United Kingdom, King Charles III sends congratulatory messages to individuals celebrating their 100th birthday, as well as their 105th and every year thereafter.

If the celebrant receives a U.K. State Pension, the message is sent automatically. If not, a request must be submitted to the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace.

Yes, presidential greetings can also be requested for other significant birthdays, such as for veterans celebrating their 70th or greater birthday, as well as significant anniversaries.

You will need the honoree's full name, home address, and the exact date of the birthday. You must also provide your name and contact information as the requester.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.