What is the National Change of Address database?

2020-02-21

What is the National Change of Address database?

National Change of Address (NCOALink) “is a secure dataset of approximately 160 million permanent change-of-address (COA) records consisting of the names and addresses of individuals, families and businesses who have filed a change-of-address with the USPS”.

Is USPS address change public record?

The name or address of a specifically identified Postal Service customer is disclosed to the general public upon request as follows: Business or Organization Change of Address. Requests for the new address of a specific business or organization must be submitted to the Postmaster serving the last known address.

How does the NCOA database work?

Q: How does this service work? A: NCOA processing matches your customer records against the NCOA database, using both family (last name only) and individual (first and last name) match logic. Address information provided by you includes the ZIP+4 Code. Then, an attempt is made to match addresses against the NCOA file.

How do you find out if someone has changed their address?

Visit your local post office office during normal business hours. If you don’t know the correct location or hours, call (800) ASK-USPS or visit usps.com. Ask the postal clerk to check the records and see if any address changes were made in your name.

What is CASS and NCOA?

CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) and NCOA (National Change of Address) are two methods of address data verification. CASS tells you if an address can receive mail. NCOA provides the current address for your recipient assuming they have filed a USPS change of address within the last 48 months.

Is there a national address database?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and its partners from all levels of government recognize the need for a National Address Database (NAD). Accurate and up-to-date addresses are critical to transportation safety and are a vital part of Next Generation 9-1-1.

What is USPS CASS certification?

CASS, (the Coding Accuracy Support System) is a voluntary certification system provided by the United States Postal Service for mail services providers. CASS certification means that a service or application works correctly with the internal USPS systems within the United States.

What is CASS address standardization?

Definition: CASS™ address standardization is the process of standardizing addresses so that they follow the USPS® Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS™) requirements. CASS™ certification is based on accuracy in ZIP codes™, ZIP +4® codes, and delivery point codes.

Are USPS records public?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) requires the Postal Service to disclose its records to the general public, upon request, unless protected from such disclosure by law.