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NCOA (National Change of Address) Updates

The USPS NCOA (National Change of Address) is a database that contains information about individuals and businesses that have submitted change-of-address requests to the USPS. When people or companies move, they typically file a change-of-address form with the USPS to have their mail forwarded to their new address.

For mail processing, the NCOA database is an essential tool used by businesses and mailers to keep their mailing lists updated with the latest address information for their customers or recipients. This helps ensure that mail is delivered accurately and reduces the number of undeliverable or returned mail pieces.

Here's how the USPS NCOA is updated and used for mail processing:

  1. Change-of-Address Requests: When individuals or businesses move and file a change-of-address request with the USPS, their old address and new address information are recorded in the NCOA database.

  2. NCOA Processing: Action Mail will process mailing lists against the NCOA database. During this process, the mailing addresses are compared to the NCOA database to identify any matches.

  3. Address Updates: When a match is found between a mailing address and a record in the NCOA database, the USPS provides the updated address information to the Action Mail and we will provide a file indicating the addresses that includes the new address. We typically recommend mailing to the new address and updating the original database

  4. No New Address: Often times no forwarding or new address is available in the USPS database. Only records that the person is no longer a resident at the address. It is recommended that these addresses not be mailed to.

  5. Compliance and Discounts: Many businesses are required by USPS regulations to perform NCOA processing on their mailing lists at specific intervals to maintain compliance with mail quality standards. Additionally, businesses that use NCOA processing and maintain up-to-date address information may be eligible for USPS postage discounts.

By regularly updating their mailing lists with NCOA data, businesses and mailers can improve mail deliverability, reduce the costs associated with undeliverable mail, and maintain a more accurate and reliable customer database. This process is crucial for successful mail processing and ensuring that mail reaches its intended recipients in a timely manner.