What V/R Email Sign Off Means and When to Use It

Email • Email MarketingLaiba Siddiqui • Updated: November 15, 2025 • 5 minutes READ

If you’ve ever seen someone end an email with V/R, you may have stopped and wondered what it means.

It’s a short and formal way to end emails.

In this guide, you’ll learn what V/R actually means, when to use it, and how to format it correctly.

What is V/R in an Email?

V/R means Very Respectfully. It’s a short and polite way to end an email. People use it to show respect to the person they’re writing to.

V/R started in the US military and government. Service members used it in letters or emails, especially when writing to someone of a higher rank. It showed respect and professionalism.

Today, many people outside the military also use V/R. You may see it in emails between people who work in defense, government, or other formal settings. It’s like saying Sincerely or Best regards, but a bit more formal.

Ways to Write V/R in Emails

Depending on your tone and relationship with the recipient, you can write it in different ways:

V/R (capital): The most common and formal version, often used in official or hierarchical settings.

v/r (lowercase): A more casual and relaxed style, suitable for colleagues or less formal correspondence.

V/r (sentence case): A balanced option that sits between formal and casual, polite yet approachable.

Choosing the right version depends on your audience and the context of your message.

When Should You Use V/R in an Email?

V/R works best when:

• You’re emailing military personnel or veterans.
• You’re contacting a government agency or official.
• You want your tone to be formal and respectful.

In these areas, V/R is understood and appreciated because it fits the culture of professionalism and courtesy that these workplaces value.

But it may also be confusing if it is used outside military or government circles.

Many professionals in corporate or creative industries may not recognize the term. They may not know what it means, or they may see it as too formal.

If your recipient doesn’t have a military background, consider using a clearer closing like Best regards or Sincerely.

V/R vs. Other Common Email Sign-Offs

V/R isn’t the only way to end an email politely.

Different closings fit different situations. Some sound more formal, while others feel friendly and casual.

Here’s a simple comparison of V/R and other popular sign-offs:

Examples of Email Sign-Offs

Here are a few examples to show how each closing feels in real messages:

Formal (Government or Military) Email Sign-off Example

Thank you for your time and guidance.

V/R,

Billy Brown

Professional (Business Setting) Email Sign-off Example

I look forward to your feedback on the proposal.

Best regards,

Billy Brown

Polite and Traditional Email Sign-off Example

It was a pleasure working with you on this project.

Sincerely,

Billy Brown

Friendly and Casual Email Sign-off Example

Thanks again for the quick reply!

Thanks,

Billy

How to Use V/R Correctly

V/R might look short and simple, but how you format it can change how professional your email feels.

Here’s what a properly formatted V/R email looks like:

Edit this email signature in Postcards

In this example, V/R is followed by a comma to keep the tone polished and professional. Then there is an email signature (template by Designmodo) that appears right below it.

If you’re writing replies and don’t want to include an email signature, you can end your email like this:

V/R,

Jordan

Is V/R Still Relevant in 2026?

V/R is still a polite way to end an email, but people do not use it as much now. Most professionals today prefer simple and familiar closings that feel natural.

Why V/R Is Used Less

Email style has become more relaxed over time.

In most offices, short and clear messages work best. Closings like Best, Thanks, or Kind regards sound friendly and easy to understand.

You can still use V/R when writing to someone in the military, government, or a very formal setting. But for everyday business emails, simpler words are better.

Keep Your Message Clear

The most important thing is that your reader understands you right away.

If someone needs to stop and wonder what your sign-off means, it may distract from your message.

Choose a closing that feels clear, natural, and respectful.

Tip: If you are not sure what to use, choose a common sign-off like Best or Thanks. Clear words always make a good impression.

Bonus: Try the Gmail Plugin from Designmodo

If you write a lot of emails every day, you already know how much small details matter, like the way you close your message or how your signature looks.

Now, you can make your emails look even better with our new plugin.

Designmodo has a new Gmail plugin that lets you create and send beautiful emails right inside Gmail.

With the Email Templates for Gmail by Designmodo, you can:

• Write and send emails without leaving Gmail
• Use ready-made templates for work, marketing, and follow-ups
• Add your logo, colors, and custom signature
• Save time and keep your emails looking clean and professional

It’s easy to install and simple to use. You don’t need any design or coding skills.

So, before you send your next email, try this plugin and see the difference. Your messages will look clear, professional, and on-brand every time.

FAQs

What Does /R Mean In Military Emails?

In the Navy, /r is sometimes used as a sign-off that means “Respectfully.” It’s less formal than V/R (Very Respectfully).

For example, an admiral might use /r when writing to vice or rear admirals, who are slightly lower in rank. It shows courtesy while keeping the tone professional and respectful.

Is “V/R” The Same As “Vr”?

No, they’re entirely different.

V/R (with a slash) is short for “Very Respectfully,” a formal way to end an email, especially in military or government writing.

VR (without the slash) usually means Virtual Reality, a technology that creates simulated 3D environments.

Even though they look similar, their meanings are not related at all.