Experience and a quick Google Images search suggests that it's standard to provide two fields for Address/Street. A colleague argues that it's perceived as two alternative addresses, and that the fact that there's only one country, state, zip, phone just makes it more confusing. I tried to think of a good explanation for having two fields but couldn't. To the reason of "there are some very long addresses" he replies "then why don't they use a multiline input field which would make it clearer that it's the same address".
So, what's the reason? And is it only standard for the US or for Europe as well?
Answer
The two fields are part of the same address. (I've never heard your colleague's interpretation before.) Usually the second line is optional.
As noted by dnbrv and TJH, in some locations the second line is necessary or helpful. In addition, providing the extra line allows for formatting an address to optimize postal delivery, which is largely driven by automated scanning of package/envelope labels. Some post offices have preferences about what goes on its own line; while something addressed to "Such And Such Building, Suite 42, 1001 Main Street SW" all on one line will get there, it might get there more quickly if the street address is on its own line. If a form is asking for your address because it might generate physical mail, this would be a reason to provide the extra optional line.
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