How do I cite an email in Vancouver?

To cite an email in Vancouver (ICMJE), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What does the in-text citation look like for an email in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (Sender AA, email, 2024)

How to Cite an Email in Vancouver (ICMJE)

Learn how to cite emails, letters, and personal communications in Vancouver format (ICMJE). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Vancouver Reference List Format

Here is the standard Vancouver format for citing an email in your reference list:

Not included in the reference list — Vancouver (ICMJE) cites emails as personal communications in the text only: (Sender AA, email, Year Mon Day).

Vancouver Example for an Email

A complete Vancouver reference for an email, formatted by the official Vancouver CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

1. Delacroix H. Re: Draft chapter feedback. 2024.

Matching in-text citation: (1)

Vancouver In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Sender AA, email, 2024)

Narrative

Sender (email, 2024) confirmed...

Key Vancouver Formatting Rules

Vancouver (ICMJE) treats emails as personal communications, cited in the text only.
Do NOT include the email in the numbered reference list.
Give the sender's name, “email,” and the date in parentheses in the text.
Obtain written permission from the sender and confirm the wording with them.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your email.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Vancouver (ICMJE) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Vancouver requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: vancouver.csl

Editorial sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite an email in Vancouver?: To cite an email in Vancouver (ICMJE), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Vancouver format for an email citation?: The Vancouver format for an email is: Not included in the reference list — Vancouver (ICMJE) cites emails as personal communications in the text only: (Sender AA, email, Year Mon Day).
What does the in-text citation look like for an email in Vancouver?: In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (Sender AA, email, 2024)