NCOA Service


What is the NCOALink® service?

When a postal customer files a change of address with the United States Postal Service® (USPS®), the information is stored in their National Change of Address (NCOA) database. The NCOALink service matches names and addresses on your mailing list to changes of address stored in the NCOA database. When the name and address information on your mailing list matches the name and address information in the NCOA database, a new address will be returned.

Am I required to process my list through the NCOALink service?

The USPS is taking the issue of undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail very seriously. And well it should, since UAA mail costs the agency nearly $2 billion annually. The single largest factor in UAA mail is the failure to keep addresses current with Postal Service change-of-address filings. Because of this the USPS has enforced a Move Update standard that must be followed to receive postal discounts.

HELPFUL LINKS

Move Update Standard

The Move Update Standard requires all Standard Mail® to be updated 95 days prior to the date of mailing
•    Standard Mail includes letters, flats, parcels and Non Flat-Machinables

The Move Update Standard also applies to automation-rate and presort-rate First-Class Mail®

Currently, the USPS allows mailers to use four “approved” Move Update methods.

Approved Methods

•    NCOALink Service (Most preferred method)
•    FASTforward®  System(for multiline optical character readers only)
•    ACS™ Service
•    Ancillary service endorsement

How can I have my lists processed through the NCOALink service?

The NCOALink service is provided by vendors licensed through the USPS, and is generally accessed through purchased mailing software or via the web using Software as a Service (SaaS).
The USPS offers three levels of NCOALink licensing:
  1. Full Service License—Access to the USPS change-of-address database for the preceding 48 months; includes weekly updates.
  2. Limited Service License—Access to the 18-month change-of-address database; includes weekly updates.
  3. End User License—Access to the 18-month change-of-address database; includes monthly updates.
Not all vendors offer all levels of service.

Is there anything I need to do before having my list processed through the NCOALink service?

You need to fill out a Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF). Due to the Privacy Act of 1974, the USPS is required by law, to collect the information of those using the NCOALink service. When information provided through the NCOALink service is released, the USPS must maintain records of all to whom the information was disclosed.