Move Update: NCOALink and keeping lists current

How does NCOA processing work?

NCOALink processing matches the names and addresses on a mailer's list against the permanent change-of-address orders that individuals, families and businesses file with USPS.4Guide to Move Updatepage 22“Through the use of NCOALink, the mailer’s electronic list is matched with permanent COA orders sent to the Postal Service by individuals, families, businesses.”USPS original Each address must first go through address matching software that USPS certifies under CASS, and NCOALink documents each updated address and its move month.5NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guidepage 3“All addresses prior to submission to the NCOALink® interface system must be processed by the users/licensee’s Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certified software.”USPS original6NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 3“Licensees must use USPS CASS Certified™ Address Matching software parsed, standardized output to query the NCOALink Product.”USPS original4Guide to Move Updatepage 22“NCOALink provides mailers with documentation showing each updated address and the month the move became effective.”USPS original It is available only through companies USPS licenses, as NCOALink explains.4Guide to Move Updatepage 22“NCOALink is a pre-mailing method available only through companies licensed by the Postal Service.”USPS original

If I use ACS on a mailpiece, does it meet the Move Update requirement?

Not by itself: ACS on a mailpiece qualifies later pieces mailed within the next 95 days, not the piece that carried the request.7Address Change Service (ACS) with Green & Secure Fact SheetPDF page 1“Therefore, using ACS on a piece does not qualify that piece for meeting the Move Update requirement, but qualifies additional pieces mailed within the subsequent 95 days.”USPS original The current mailing qualifies only if something else already covered its addresses, such as ACS on an earlier mailing or NCOALink processing on time.8Appendix B: ACS™ Frequently Asked Questionspage 5“For the current mailing to qualify, some other action has to have occurred, such as use of ACS on a prior mailing to this address or processing via NCOA (within the required frequency).”USPS original The later pieces count once the mailer uses the new addresses ACS sends, as Move Update explains.8Appendix B: ACS™ Frequently Asked Questionspage 5“Therefore, using ACS on a mailpiece allows future mailings to meet the Move Update requirement when the mailer uses the data.”USPS original

What are the benefits of using ANKLink?

ANKLink tells a mailer which customers moved 19 to 48 months ago, so it can make informed decisions about each one.9PostalPro: ANKLink®“ANKLink data will not return the new address but will inform mailers of customer moves that occurred in months 19-48, along with the move effective date.”USPS original10ANKLink® FAQsPDF page 1“ANKLink™ will allow mailers to make informed decisions regarding a specific customer.”USPS original The mailer may drop the customer, or seek the new address from a Full Service Provider, an NCOALink licensee with 48 months of moves.10ANKLink® FAQsPDF page 1“If the data indicates the customer has moved, the mailer may choose to suppress the customer from the list. … Otherwise the mailer could attempt to determine the actual new address by seeking the services of an NCOALink® Full Service Provider licensee.”USPS original11PostalPro: NCOALink®“FSPs receive 48 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original ANKLink can reduce undeliverable mail, which lowers production, preparation and postage costs.10ANKLink® FAQsPDF page 1“ANKLink™ has the potential to reduce the production of UAA (Undeliverable as Addressed) mail, which reduces production, preparation and postage costs.”USPS original

Is there a license for ANKLink?

ANKLink is packaged as an enhancement to NCOALink, and its development, distribution and use are covered under the existing NCOALink license.10ANKLink® FAQsPDF page 1“ANKLink™ is packaged as an enhancement to the NCOALink® product. … Development, distribution and use are all covered under the existing NCOALink® license.”USPS original Only two NCOALink license categories, Limited Service Providers and End Users, can get it, as ANKLink explains.9PostalPro: ANKLink®“ANKLink is only available to NCOALink Limited Service Providers and End User Mailers. ANKLink provides an additional 30 months of COA information.”USPS original11PostalPro: NCOALink®“There are six (6) licensing categories.”USPS original ANKLink's own annual license fee comes on top of the NCOALink license fee: $8,720.00 for a Limited Service Provider and $1,930.00 for an End User.9PostalPro: ANKLink®“Annual License Fee (ANKLink only): $8,720.00 (LSP) $1,930.00 (EUM).”USPS original11PostalPro: NCOALink®“LSPs receive 18 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment. Annual License Fee: $36,440.00* … EUMs receive 18 months of COA data on a monthly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment. Annual License Fee: $17,840.00*”USPS original

How are ANKLink results returned?

An ANKLink match comes back as return code 77, followed by the NCOALink return code for the match.10ANKLink® FAQsPDF page 1“An ANKLink™ match will be indicated by the Return Code 77 followed by the appropriate NCOALink® Return Code.”USPS original The record has no new address, even when its NCOALink code is a match code that would otherwise bring one.12NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guidepage 11“Any ANKLink record that has a final NCOALink defined return code as A, 91, 92 will not have a new address.”USPS original It does give the move effective date, as ANKLink explains.9PostalPro: ANKLink®“ANKLink data will not return the new address but will inform mailers of customer moves that occurred in months 19-48, along with the move effective date.”USPS original

Do NCOALink licensees have to be certified to use ANKLink?

No: ANKLink needs no certification apart from NCOALink's, since NCOALink developer testing covers it.13ANKLink® FAQsPDF page 2“No. ANKLink™ Certification is covered under the Developer Testing.”USPS original9PostalPro: ANKLink®“ANKLink certification is covered under the NCOALink Developer testing.”USPS original An existing End User goes through a modified NCOALink certification: it resubmits its application, gets a certified ANKLink interface and passes a Stage II test.14NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 19“To initiate ANKLink, a modified Certification process will be used for existing NCOALink End User Mailer Licensees … Resubmit the Application from the Certification Procedures package indicating ANKLink will be a part of Licensee’s processing. … Obtain an Interface Product, through development or purchase, which has been certified to perform ANKLink processing … Request and pass a Stage II NCOALink with ANKLink certification test when ANKLink Interface is completed.”USPS original A Limited Service Provider or End User gets ANKLink by contacting its NCOALink distributor, the developer licensed to distribute NCOALink software.13ANKLink® FAQsPDF page 2“Limited Service Provider and End User Mailer licensees who wish to obtain the ANKLink™ product will need to contact their NCOALink® Distributor.”USPS original11PostalPro: NCOALink®“The NCOALink Interface Distributor License grants Developers the right to distribute the NCOALink interface.”USPS original

How often do I have to run my mailing list through NCOA?

A mailer may run NCOALink as often as it chooses, as long as each address in a mailing was updated within 95 days before the mailing date.15Guide to Move Updatepage 2“A mailer may determine the frequency with which to use NCOALink as long as the mailer can certify that each address in a USPS Marketing Mail or discounted First-Class Mail mailing has been updated for customer moves within 95 days before the mailing date.”USPS original The requirement applies to each address on a mailpiece, not to the whole list.16Guide to Move Updatepage 48“The update requirement applies to individual addresses on mailpieces, not to entire lists.”USPS original A list mailed once a year must have its addresses updated within the 95 days before that mailing, as Move Update explains.16Guide to Move Updatepage 48“If a mailer mails a list once every year, the addresses to be used on mailpieces must be updated using one of the Move Update methods within 95 days before the mailing.”USPS original

What is the Move Update assessment charge?

USPS assesses $.08 for each piece beyond a 0.5% Move Update error tolerance, measured across a calendar month.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“Quality is measured across a calendar month and any pieces exceeding the 0.5% tolerance level will be assessed $.08 per piece.”USPS original A piece counts as an error when its address was not updated for a change-of-address order 95 days to 18 months old.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“A Move Update error is logged when the address on the mailpiece has not been updated due to a COA record where the more current of the COA Move Effective and COA Create date is between 95 days and 18 months prior to the postage statement finalization date.”USPS original The results appear on the Mailer Scorecard, an online reporting tool.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“Results of this evaluation can be found through an online reporting tool called the Mailer Scorecard.”USPS original

Move Update is the USPS standard that cuts the mail needing forwarding or return by matching mailers' address records with change-of-address orders.18Guide to Move Updatepage 13“The Move Update standard is a means of reducing the number of mailpieces in a mailing that require forwarding or return by the periodic matching of a mailer’s address records with change-of-address orders received and maintained by the Postal Service.”USPS original It covers addresses on mail claiming presorted or automation First-Class Mail prices and all USPS Marketing Mail prices.18Guide to Move Updatepage 13“Except for mail bearing an alternative address format, addresses used on all pieces claiming presorted or automation prices for First-Class Mail and all USPS Marketing Mail prices are required to meet the Move Update standard.”USPS original An address meets it once an approved method updates it and the mailer uses it in such a mailing within 95 days.18Guide to Move Updatepage 13“The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing for any class of mail is updated with an approved method and the same address is used in a commercial First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.”USPS original The postage statement names the method used, and the mailer's signature there or in its Mail.dat or Mail.XML submission certifies compliance.2Guide to Move Updatepage 1“A mailer wishing to enter mail at commercial First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail prices, must identify on the postage statement the Move Update method that was used for the mailing.”USPS original19Guide to Move Updatepage 49“The mailer’s signature on the postage statement or electronic submission (i.e., PostalOne!®, Mail.dat or Mail.xml) certifies that the mailing complies with all relevant standards, including Move Update, and that the mailing qualifies for the prices and fees claimed.”USPS original

Customers file change-of-address orders when they move and want USPS to forward their mail.20Guide to Move Updatepage 8“When a customer moves from one mailing address to another and wants the Postal Service to forward their mail, they notify the post office of the permanent or temporary change-of-address (COA).”USPS original USPS keeps every order in NCOA, its system of record, and builds NCOALink from them.11PostalPro: NCOALink®“NCOA is a system of record for all COA requests and is used to produce the NCOALink product.”USPS original Companies USPS licenses get that data regularly and match mailers' lists against it.11PostalPro: NCOALink®“The NCOALink data is provided on a regular basis to companies that have been licensed by the Postal Service.”USPS original4Guide to Move Updatepage 22“Through the use of NCOALink, the mailer’s electronic list is matched with permanent COA orders sent to the Postal Service by individuals, families, businesses.”USPS original

NCOALink updates a list before the mail goes out, and NCOALink MPE updates mailpieces already printed.3Guide to Move Updatepage 14“Of the primary methods, NCOALink including NCOALink MPE are known as “pre-mailing” methods; ACS and Ancillary Service Endorsements are known as “post mailing” methods. … In the case of NCOALink MPE, the mailpieces are already created so if any COA matches are identified, the new address information will be applied directly to the mailpieces prior to mailing.”USPS original ANKLink adds older moves for some licensees, without new addresses.9PostalPro: ANKLink®“ANKLink is only available to NCOALink Limited Service Providers and End User Mailers. ANKLink provides an additional 30 months of COA information. … ANKLink data will not return the new address but will inform mailers of customer moves that occurred in months 19-48, along with the move effective date.”USPS original ACS and ancillary service endorsements report moves after a mailing, as electronic or printed notices.21Guide to Move Updatepage 16“Post-mailing is when you mail to the addresses that you have on file and, after the mailing, the Postal Service notifies you about the new addresses of any customers who have moved. … ACS will provide these COA notifications to you electronically. … Ancillary Service Endorsements without ACS will provide hardcopy notifications.”USPS original For First-Class Mail, the National Customer Support Center can approve two alternative methods, 99 Percent Accurate and Legal Restraint.3Guide to Move Updatepage 14“For First-Class Mail two alternative methods are also available that require separate approval or preregistration from the National Customer Support Center (NCSC):”USPS original22Guide to Move Updatepage 44“The Alternative Move Update methods, Legal Restraint and 99 Percent Accurate (also known as Mailer Move Update Process Certification), apply to First-Class Mail only.”USPS original

USPS checks compliance automatically: as it processes pieces with an Intelligent Mail barcode, it compares their names and addresses with its change-of-address database.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“As mailpieces bearing an Intelligent Mail barcode are processed, name and address information from the mailpiece is compared against the Postal Service Change of Address (COA) database to identify mailpieces that have not been updated with a new address.”USPS original Pieces beyond a 0.5% error tolerance in a calendar month cost $.08 each, and the Mailer Scorecard shows the results.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“Quality is measured across a calendar month and any pieces exceeding the 0.5% tolerance level will be assessed $.08 per piece. … Results of this evaluation can be found through an online reporting tool called the Mailer Scorecard.”USPS original

A change-of-address order must come from the addressee or from someone authorized to file for them.20Guide to Move Updatepage 8“A COA request must be submitted by the addressee or by someone authorized to file on their behalf:”USPS original Customers can file one online through Mover's Guide, for a verification fee, or on PS Form 3575.20Guide to Move Updatepage 8“Mover’s Guide Online (requires a verification fee) … PS Form 3575 – Official Mail Forwarding Change-of-Address Order”USPS original Each order is one of three types, individual, family or business, which decides whose mail is forwarded.23Guide to Move Updatepage 9“Three types of COAs are available that will determine whose mail needs to be forwarded:”USPS original24Guide to Move Updatepage 15“Standard Name Matching Logic is matching all three COA move types: Individual, Family, and Business.”USPS original A family order redirects all mail with that last name.23Guide to Move Updatepage 9“This is because a Family COA will redirect ALL mail with that last name.”USPS original

For forwarding, USPS keeps a permanent order for 18 months and forwards mail during the first 12, as undeliverable mail explains.23Guide to Move Updatepage 9“A Permanent COA is retained for 18 months, and forwarding is provided for the first 12 months of the order.”USPS original Address corrections with the new address are available for all 18 months.23Guide to Move Updatepage 9“Address corrections containing the new address information are available for the entire 18 month period.”USPS original USPS does not give mailers the new address from a temporary order.23Guide to Move Updatepage 9“The Postal Service does not provide the new address when the recipient has filed a Temporary COA order.”USPS original Each order carries a move effective date, the addressee's move date.25Guide to Move Updatepage 20“If your answer is NO, meaning that the Move Effective Date (an addressee’s move date) is 95 days or less, then you may “Continue to use existing address for remaining 95 days”, but you must be sure to update the address on any mail piece that is mailed after 95 days from the Move Effective Date.”USPS original The full NCOALink file keeps permanent orders for four years from their move effective dates, and is updated weekly.26A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“These COAs are retained on the file for a four-year period from the move-effective date and the file is updated weekly.”USPS original

When a customer moves without telling USPS, the delivery employee files an order marked Moved, Left No Address or Box Closed No Order.27Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode (IMpb) ACS™ Technical Guidepage 10“If the customer has moved but did not notify the USPS® the delivery employee submits a COA as “Moved, Left No Address” (MLNA) or “Box Closed No Order” (BCNO).”USPS original USPS files it after a 10-day wait once the customer stops collecting mail.28Guide to Move Updatepage 10“An Employee Generated COA is entered after a 10-day waiting period once it is determined the customer is not retrieving mail at address, and the customer has not submitted a COA.”USPS original Addresses with these orders, or with a move abroad, are exempt from Move Update.18Guide to Move Updatepage 13“Mailpieces bearing addresses that are classified by the Postal Service as Moved, Left No Forwarding Address (MLNA), P.O. Box Closed, No Forwarding Order (BCNO) and having a change-of-address to a Foreign address are exempt from the Move Update requirement.”USPS original USPS recommends leaving them out of mailings, since they are undeliverable as addressed.18Guide to Move Updatepage 13“Be advised that these are undeliverable as addressed situations and the Postal Service recommends that mailers suppress them from their mailings.”USPS original

Every order flows through the National Customer Support Center, which validates and standardizes its addresses as orders arrive.29Guide to Move Updatepage 11“COA add, modification, and delete requests flow through the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) and Postal Automation Redirection System (PARS) and are used for mail forwarding and address correction notices (ACS and Form 3547/3579). … NCSC validates and standardizes address data in the change-of-address request as they are received using current Address Management System (AMS) data.”USPS original Incomplete and invalid addresses go to the delivery unit through the Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service.30Guide to Move Updatepage 12“Incomplete and invalid addresses are sent to the Delivery Unit via the Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service (eUARS).”USPS original Chaining links a customer's moves, so moves from A to B and then from B to C update the order from A.30Guide to Move Updatepage 12“Chaining occurs to update previous moves (move from address A to address B, and then from address B to address C, chaining updates COA from address A).”USPS original Each week, the center sends the updated orders to NCOALink.30Guide to Move Updatepage 12“NCSC weekly COA data processing incorporates AMS address updates and distributes the updated COA data to the NCOALink (4a) and PARS (4b) databases.”USPS original

USPS licenses NCOALink in six categories, and every licensee must pass certification and use CASS Certified address matching software.11PostalPro: NCOALink®“There are six (6) licensing categories. … Each NCOALink licensee must successfully complete the certification process prior to NCOALink processing. All licensees must use CASS Certified™ address matching software with the NCOALink process.”USPS original A mailer can run NCOALink in-house under a license or use a service provider.33Move Update Methods Requirements Fact Sheetpage 1“Based upon individual mailer needs and requirements, mailers can develop or deploy in-house or utilize a Service Provider.”USPS original The licenses that process lists differ in whom they serve and how much data they get.11PostalPro: NCOALink®“FSPs receive 48 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment. … LSPs receive 18 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment. … EUMs receive 18 months of COA data on a monthly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original

• A Full Service Provider serves unrelated third parties, at least 51% of its processing, and gets 48 months of change-of-address data weekly.11PostalPro: NCOALink®“FSPs can provide services to unrelated third parties, which must be at least 51% of their NCOALink processing, and process no more than 49% of records internally. … FSPs receive 48 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original
• A Limited Service Provider serves third parties and its own lists, and gets 18 months of data weekly.11PostalPro: NCOALink®“LSPs can both provide services to third parties and use the product internally. … LSPs receive 18 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original
• An End User updates only its own mailing lists, and gets 18 months of data monthly.33Move Update Methods Requirements Fact Sheetpage 1“An End User is a licensee that uses the NCOALink® product to update mailing lists for its own mailings. The End User may not update mailing lists for third parties.”USPS original11PostalPro: NCOALink®“EUMs receive 18 months of COA data on a monthly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original
• An NCOALink MPE licensee updates customers' printed mailpieces, and gets 18 months of data weekly.34MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 1“Through use of the NCOALink MPE Product, Licensees will prepare and update address information for customers’ existing mailpieces for USPS acceptance and delivery.”USPS original35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“MPE contains change-of-address records maintained by the Postal Service within the previous 18 months. … MPE Licensees receive COA updates weekly from the Postal Service.”USPS original

Separate licenses let companies develop NCOALink software and distribute it.11PostalPro: NCOALink®“The NCOALink Software Developer License grants the right to develop an NCOALink interface for internal purposes and third parties. … The NCOALink Interface Distributor License grants Developers the right to distribute the NCOALink interface.”USPS original Limited Service Providers and End Users can add ANKLink, which adds data for months 19 to 48 but no new addresses for those months.36NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guidepage 5“The NCOALink® Limited Service Provider and End-User have an additional fulfillment option called NCOALink® with ANKLink® which can be fulfilled in a HASH file format or a Flat file format. … In addition to the data provided in months 1 – 18, additional data will be provided for months 19 – 48. … The data in months 19 – 48 will not provide any new address information but will provide return codes indicating the result.”USPS original

A service provider must have a signed Processing Acknowledgement Form from each customer before it processes that customer's list.37A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 5“The service provider licensee must acquire this form from each customer before they can perform NCOALink processing.”USPS original The form lets USPS and mailers comply with the Privacy Act of 1974, as a written request to use change-of-address data.37A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 5“The PAF is an essential part of the NCOALink process because it enables USPS and the mailing industry to comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 by way of a written request to use COA information for mailing purposes.”USPS original An End User needs none, since it processes only its own lists.38Guide to Move Updatepage 26“The PAF is not a requirement for the NCOALink End User licensees, since they only process lists internally.”USPS original

NCOALink runs in one of five processing modes, which set the move types it can match.26A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“The five types of processing modes are Standard (S); Business and Individual (C); Individual (I); Business (B); and Residential (R).”USPS original Mailers should use Standard Name Matching Logic, which matches individual, family and business moves, to meet Move Update.24Guide to Move Updatepage 15“For the purposes of qualifying for commercial prices and meeting the Move Update standard, mailers should use Standard Name Matching Logic; not doing so will also cause a mailer to run the risk of failing the Move Update verification performed on the mail. … Standard Name Matching Logic is matching all three COA move types: Individual, Family, and Business.”USPS original Move Update verification itself uses Standard mode.24Guide to Move Updatepage 15“Additionally, Move Update verification uses Standard Mode when checking for compliance during the Move Update verification process.”USPS original

Each record comes back with a return code that tells the mailer what NCOALink found, or why it made no match.39A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 25“When a match or a near match of an input name and address to NCOALink is identified, a standard NCOALink return code is provided indicating the type of match made or reason that a match could not be made.”USPS original A record with no match keeps its standardized address, which meets the standard.40Guide to Move Updatepage 60“Use Standardized Input record. Address is Move Update compliant.”USPS original When NCOALink finds a move but cannot give the new address, mailing to the original address still meets the standard.41Clarification to the Move Update Standard PDF page 2“When a mailer uses NCOALink as the Move Update method, there are situations when an input address may receive a Return Code of 5, 14, or 19, which indicates a COA was found. … In such cases, using the original input address for the mailing would satisfy the Move Update requirement towards qualification for discounted mail preparation prices.”USPS original When it does give a new address, the mailer may keep using the old one until 95 days after the move effective date.25Guide to Move Updatepage 20“If your answer is NO, meaning that the Move Effective Date (an addressee’s move date) is 95 days or less, then you may “Continue to use existing address for remaining 95 days”, but you must be sure to update the address on any mail piece that is mailed after 95 days from the Move Effective Date.”USPS original

NCOALink MPE runs NCOALink on mailpieces already printed, using a multiline optical character reader or a remote video encoding system.35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“NCOALink MPE (Mail Processing Equipment) is a pre-mailing method that uses a Multiline Optical Character Reader (MLOCR) system or a Remote Video Encoding (RVE) system to print the COA update directly on the mailpiece.”USPS original When a piece matches a change-of-address order, the equipment prints the new address directly on it.35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“If a change-of-address is identified, the new address is printed directly on the mailpiece.”USPS original Its data covers the previous 18 months and arrives weekly.35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“MPE contains change-of-address records maintained by the Postal Service within the previous 18 months. … MPE Licensees receive COA updates weekly from the Postal Service.”USPS original

A Basic license lets a licensee print new addresses on pieces, but not return change-of-address files to customers.35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“This license allows the processing of mailpieces through an NCOALink MPE system, where change-of-address (COA) information is applied directly onto mailpieces. Under this license, licensees are not permitted to return electronic COA files to customers.”USPS original An Enhanced license also allows list processing and the electronic return of updated addresses.35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“Licensees who enter into an NCOA Enhanced license are permitted to apply COA information directly onto mailpieces and also to perform list processing, allowing the electronic return of updated COA information to customers.”USPS original With the WAN method, also called the cloud method, a mailer's optical character reader sends names and addresses over the internet to a licensee.35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“The NCOALink MPE WAN method, also known as the cloud method, allows for the use of a Multiline Optical Character Reader (MLOCR) to electronically lift name and address information from a mailpiece for processing against the NCOALink database by a third party NCOALink licensee via the internet.”USPS original That mailer needs no NCOALink license of its own.35Guide to Move Updatepage 23“End users are not required to have an NCOALink license with the Postal Service to use this method of processing as the NCOALink license is held by the third party.”USPS original

The equipment runs in modes that decide what happens to a matched piece, and five of them meet Move Update under a Basic license.44Guide to Move Updatepage 25“There are five operational modes of the basic MPE license that can be used to meet the Move Update standard:”USPS original In Forwardable Mailpiece mode, the piece gets its new address and goes out with the mailing.44Guide to Move Updatepage 25“Mode 1: Forwardable Mailpiece Processing where an address that is matched has the new address sprayed onto the mailpiece. The mailpiece is included in the commercial mailing being prepared.”USPS original In the notification modes, the updated piece or a facsimile goes back to the mailer.44Guide to Move Updatepage 25“Mode 2: Notification via Returned Mailpiece Processing where an address that is matched has the new address sprayed onto the mailpiece and the mailpiece is returned to the mailer. … All matched and unmatched facsimiles will be returned to the mailer.”USPS original In the delivery barcode sorter mode, nothing is printed on letters, and matched pieces are returned, destroyed or mailed at full rate.44Guide to Move Updatepage 25“Mode 4: DBCS (Delivery Barcode Sorter) Processing where addresses on letter-size mailpieces are processed on DBCS equipment in which no COA information is sprayed. … All matched pieces are out-sorted to a bin designated for UAA mail and either returned to the mailer, destroyed or mailed at full rate.”USPS original Another mode, for Enhanced licensees and cloud users, also returns an electronic file of the matches.38Guide to Move Updatepage 26“In addition to the five modes listed above, there is another operational mode available only to the Enhanced MPE licensee and the Cloud Method user that can be used to meet the Move Update standard: … Also, an electronic file of all the matches from the job is provided back to the mailer.”USPS original

On request, the licensee may give the customer a report of the standard NCOALink return codes.45A Complete Guide to Processing PAFsPDF page 38“When a match or a near match of an input name and address to NCOALink MPE Product is identified, a report of the standard NCOALink return codes may be provided by the MPE Data User, upon customer request.”USPS original Pieces in an exceptional format, such as Jane Doe or Current Resident, are not eligible for NCOALink MPE and not subject to Move Update.46Guide to Move Updatepage 54“Mailpieces with exceptional address formats (such as “Jane Doe or Current Resident”) are not eligible for MPE processing and are not subject to the Move Update standard.”USPS original

ACS and ancillary service endorsements meet the standard for a mailer that mails to each address at least every 95 days.21Guide to Move Updatepage 16“As long as you continue to mail to your customers at least once every 95 days using a post-mailing method, and update your addresses to be used on the mailpieces before the next mailing, you are in compliance with Move Update.”USPS original The mailer must apply each new address before its next mailing.21Guide to Move Updatepage 16“As long as you continue to mail to your customers at least once every 95 days using a post-mailing method, and update your addresses to be used on the mailpieces before the next mailing, you are in compliance with Move Update.”USPS original41Clarification to the Move Update Standard PDF page 2“To satisfy the Move Update standard, all new addresses returned by the ACS method must be used to update the addresses used on future mailings.”USPS original An update from a mailing of any class counts if the address then goes on First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail within 95 days.47Guide to Move Updatepage 17“The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at any class of mail is updated with an approved method, e.g. ACS, and the same address is used in a First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.”USPS original

Neither method qualifies the first mailing that uses it, since both are post-mailing methods.48Guide to Move Updatepage 3“Since ACS is a post-mailing method, when using ACS for the very first time, the mailing does not meet Move Update Standards unless:”USPS original49Guide to Move Updatepage 5“Since ancillary service endorsements is a post-mailing method, when using ancillary service endorsements for the very first time, the mailing does not meet Move Update Standards unless:”USPS original That first mailing meets the standard if, for example, its addresses went through NCOALink within the 95 days before it.48Guide to Move Updatepage 3“Each address in the mailing was processed through NCOALink and the addresses were updated within 95 days prior to the first mailing requesting ACS.”USPS original Addresses the mailer got straight from the addressees within 95 days before a mailing are not subject to the standard at all.50Guide to Move Updatepage 6“Secondly, mailpieces addressed to addressees whose names and addresses were directly acquired by the mailer from the addressees within 95 days prior to the date of mailing.”USPS original

The four endorsements that count for Move Update are these.51Move Update Methods Requirements Fact Sheetpage 3“To meet the Move Update requirements mailers may use one of four ancillary service endorsements: Address Service Requested, Change Service Requested, Return Service Requested or Temp-Return Service Requested.”USPS original

• Address Service Requested
• Change Service Requested
• Return Service Requested
• Temp-Return Service Requested

Forwarding Service Requested does not count, since it asks for no address correction.49Guide to Move Updatepage 5“Note that Forwarding Service Requested is not listed as a move update compliant ancillary service endorsement. … That is because this endorsement does not request address corrections.”USPS original

The two alternative methods apply to First-Class Mail only, and the National Customer Support Center must approve each mailer's use.3Guide to Move Updatepage 14“For First-Class Mail two alternative methods are also available that require separate approval or preregistration from the National Customer Support Center (NCSC):”USPS original22Guide to Move Updatepage 44“The Alternative Move Update methods, Legal Restraint and 99 Percent Accurate (also known as Mailer Move Update Process Certification), apply to First-Class Mail only. … A mailer’s use of either method must be approved by the NCSC.”USPS original A mailer approved for either can extend it to USPS Marketing Mail sent to the same address list.52Guide to Move Updatepage 50“A mailer who has allowance to use an alternative Move Update method for First-Class Mail can extend that allowance to USPS Marketing Mail when it involves the same address list covered by the allowance under First-Class Mail mailing.”USPS original

The 99 Percent Accurate Method is for mailers whose own list keeping holds 99% or more of their addresses current.53Guide to Move Updatepage 45“Under these circumstances, mailers who can demonstrate that their internal list management maintains address quality at 99% or greater accuracy for changes of address may be authorized to comply with the Move Update standard through the 99% Accurate Method.”USPS original USPS tests the list against its change-of-address data, and the list passes when less than 1% of its addresses match.54PostalPro: 99% Testing“The 99% Accurate test is a computer-based process that performs Postal Service ZIP + 4® coding and change-of-address processing utilizing the customer’s file as input.”USPS original50Guide to Move Updatepage 6“If less than 1% of the mailer’s file results in a change-of-address match, the mailer is granted authority to comply with the Move Update standard through the 99 percent accurate method.”USPS original The test takes about 7 to 10 business days.53Guide to Move Updatepage 45“The verification process takes approximately 7 to 10 business days.”USPS original A passing list may be mailed at commercial prices for the next year, and only that list is covered, as 99% testing explains.55Guide to Move Updatepage 46“Mailers whose lists meet the 99% requirement may mail at commercial prices using the tested list for the next year. … Please be advised that the mailer is only covered for the specific list/file that has been tested.”USPS original

The Legal Restraint Method is for mailers that a law bars from updating an address without direct contact from the customer.50Guide to Move Updatepage 6“When a legal restriction prevents mailers from updating their customer’s address without direct contact from the customer, they can be authorized to use the Legal Restraint method to comply with the Move Update standard.”USPS original Such a mailer still gets change-of-address information from an approved method within 95 days before mailing.22Guide to Move Updatepage 44“Receive Postal Service COA information using one of the pre-approved methods (ACS, NCOALink, MPE, or on-piece Ancillary Service Endorsement) within 95 days prior to the mailing.”USPS original It then contacts each addressee within 30 days of receiving that information.22Guide to Move Updatepage 44“Contact the addressee within 30 days after receiving the COA information.”USPS original Its legally restrained mailings must use Mailer IDs reserved for them.53Guide to Move Updatepage 45“The USPS states that mailers who are authorized for the Legal Restraint Move Update Alternative method must use an exclusive Mailer Identification (MID) or multiple exclusive MIDs for their legally restrained mailings.”USPS original That lets USPS leave them out of the Seamless Acceptance Move Update review where appropriate.53Guide to Move Updatepage 45“This will allow the USPS to properly identify these types of mailings and, where appropriate, exclude the mailings from the normal Seamless Acceptance Move Update compliance review.”USPS original

USPS's automated check is the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process.57Guide to Move Updatepage 57“The USPS validates Move Update address quality through an automated process referred to as the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process.”USPS original A Move Update error is logged when a piece's address was not updated for a change-of-address order 95 days to 18 months old.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“A Move Update error is logged when the address on the mailpiece has not been updated due to a COA record where the more current of the COA Move Effective and COA Create date is between 95 days and 18 months prior to the postage statement finalization date.”USPS original The order's age runs from the later of its move effective date and create date to the postage statement finalization date.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“A Move Update error is logged when the address on the mailpiece has not been updated due to a COA record where the more current of the COA Move Effective and COA Create date is between 95 days and 18 months prior to the postage statement finalization date.”USPS original Errors are counted across a calendar month, and pieces beyond a 0.5% tolerance are assessed $.08 each.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“Quality is measured across a calendar month and any pieces exceeding the 0.5% tolerance level will be assessed $.08 per piece.”USPS original

The tolerance allows for problems outside the mailer's control, such as a change-of-address request without a valid old or new address.57Guide to Move Updatepage 57“The 0.5% allowance was determined based on data for those circumstances beyond the USPS or the mailers control, for example the addressee does not provide a valid old or new address on their COA request, the name and address used to mail has spelling or formatting issues, or there is a timing issue for the mailer to be able to apply the update within the 95 days required.”USPS original The Mailer Scorecard shows every change-of-address error, under the threshold or over it, with detail for each piece.17Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact SheetPDF page 1“All Change of Address (COA) errors, both above and below the error threshold, are available to mailers on the Mailer Scorecard. … Detailed piece level information is available by drilling down into this report.”USPS original

Green & Secure lets USPS dispose of undeliverable pieces, with or without secure destruction.7Address Change Service (ACS) with Green & Secure Fact SheetPDF page 1“Green & Secure allows USPS to dispose of undeliverable mailpieces in one of two ways, either with or without secure destruction.”USPS original Errors on pieces whose barcode requests Green & Secure are reported separately and left out of the error percentage.58Guide to Move Updatepage 58“Mail with a Green & Secure STID in the IMb that falls within this category are reported and evaluated separately and removed from the Move Update error percentage calculation.”USPS original Residual ACS, part of the same census process, sends ACS notices at no charge based on the Mailer Scorecard, as undeliverable mail explains.59OneCode ACS® Technical Guide page 12“Residual is part of the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process and provides ACS notifications at no charge based on the Mailer Scorecard.”USPS original

• Address matching software such as CASS does not meet Move Update, because it never checks whether the addressee still lives at the address.16Guide to Move Updatepage 48“It does not perform a name lookup to determine whether the addressee is still at that address and, therefore, cannot be used to meet the Move Update standard.”USPS original
• Keeping the original address after ACS returns a new one fails the standard, as Move Update explains.41Clarification to the Move Update Standard PDF page 2“Electing to utilize the original address for the mailing, means the Move Update standard is not satisfied and the piece is ineligible for discounted mail preparation prices.”USPS original That holds even when the new address is not Delivery Point Validated.41Clarification to the Move Update Standard PDF page 2“There are situations where the ACS method will provide a notification of a new address for the intended recipient that is not DPV.”USPS original
• Disregarding updates does not keep the discounts: an address left unchanged over 95 days after the move counts as non-updated, as Move Update explains.52Guide to Move Updatepage 50“A mailer’s choice to disregard certain address updates provided through Move Update products does not entitle the mailer to continue to claim postage discounts where the update of the address is a prerequisite to receiving the discount. … Within the Move Update verification of the address, addresses that have not been updated are identified and counted as non-updated if the Move Effective Date is greater than 95 days old.”USPS original
• Running NCOALink in a mode other than Standard risks failing Move Update verification, as NCOALink explains.24Guide to Move Updatepage 15“For the purposes of qualifying for commercial prices and meeting the Move Update standard, mailers should use Standard Name Matching Logic; not doing so will also cause a mailer to run the risk of failing the Move Update verification performed on the mail.”USPS original
• A letter-size envelope whose window reaches into the barcode clear zone is not eligible for NCOALink MPE, a mailpiece design limit.61Guide to Move Updatepage 24“A letter-size envelope containing a window that intrudes into the barcode clear zone is not eligible for MPE processing.”USPS original
• A list tested for the 99 Percent Accurate Method falls out of compliance once its content changes more than 1% since the last audit.53Guide to Move Updatepage 45“Under these circumstances, mailers who can demonstrate that their internal list management maintains address quality at 99% or greater accuracy for changes of address may be authorized to comply with the Move Update standard through the 99% Accurate Method.”USPS original55Guide to Move Updatepage 46“However, if the content of the tested mailing list file changes by more than 1% since the last audit, the list will no longer be in compliance and the mailer must notify the NCSC in writing.”USPS original The mailer must then tell the National Customer Support Center in writing.55Guide to Move Updatepage 46“However, if the content of the tested mailing list file changes by more than 1% since the last audit, the list will no longer be in compliance and the mailer must notify the NCSC in writing.”USPS original
• A licensee cannot process a customer's lists once that customer's Processing Acknowledgement Form expires before a renewed form arrives, as NCOALink explains.62A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 13“Future NCOALink processing cannot be performed if the existing PAFs expire before new ones are received.”USPS original
• An ANKLink extract sent to a Full Service Provider must hold at least 100 unique names and addresses, as ANKLink explains.63A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 26“Mailers choosing to engage the services of an FSP Licensee may submit only those ANKLink matches for which they need additional processing provided that: 1) The mailer informs the FSP Licensee that the list is derived from a prior ANKLink process. 2) The list submitted to the FSP for processing meets the mailing list requirement of at least 100 unique names and addresses. 3) The final results are incorporated back into the original list. 4) The records separated for processing are not used to create a derivative product.”USPS original
• A customer's refusal of a new address may affect a Legal Restraint mailer's Move Update verification score, so the mailer records each refusal.22Guide to Move Updatepage 44“Be sure to keep records of all situations where the recipient indicated not to use the new address as not using the new address may affect your Move Update verification score during mail acceptance.”USPS original