# Move Update: NCOALink and keeping lists current

The [Move Update](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md) standard requires mailers claiming commercial First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail prices to update their addresses with a USPS-approved method within 95 days before mailing.[^1][^2] [NCOALink](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md) updates a list before mailing, Address Change Service and ancillary service endorsements report moves after it, and First-Class Mail has two alternative methods.[^2][^3]

Updated November 5, 2026. 63 sources.

## Questions

### 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.[^4] Each address must first go through [address matching software](https://postalref.com/guides/address-matching.md) that USPS certifies under CASS, and NCOALink documents each updated address and its move month.[^5][^6][^4] It is available only through companies USPS licenses, as [NCOALink](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md) explains.[^4]

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

Not by itself: [ACS](https://postalref.com/products/address-change-service.md) on a mailpiece qualifies later pieces mailed within the next 95 days, not the piece that carried the request.[^7] The current mailing qualifies only if something else already covered its addresses, such as ACS on an earlier mailing or NCOALink processing on time.[^8] The later pieces count once the mailer uses the new addresses ACS sends, as [Move Update](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md) explains.[^8]

### What are the benefits of using ANKLink?

[ANKLink](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md) tells a mailer which customers moved 19 to 48 months ago, so it can make informed decisions about each one.[^9][^10] The mailer may drop the customer, or seek the new address from a Full Service Provider, an NCOALink licensee with 48 months of moves.[^10][^11] ANKLink can reduce undeliverable mail, which lowers production, preparation and postage costs.[^10]

### 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.[^10] Only two NCOALink license categories, Limited Service Providers and End Users, can get it, as [ANKLink](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md) explains.[^9][^11] 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.[^9][^11]

### How are ANKLink results returned?

An ANKLink match comes back as return code `77`, followed by the NCOALink return code for the match.[^10] The record has no new address, even when its NCOALink code is a match code that would otherwise bring one.[^12] It does give the move effective date, as [ANKLink](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md) explains.[^9]

### 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.[^13][^9] 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.[^14] A Limited Service Provider or End User gets [ANKLink](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md#getting) by contacting its NCOALink distributor, the developer licensed to distribute NCOALink software.[^13][^11]

### 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.[^15] The requirement applies to each address on a mailpiece, not to the whole list.[^16] A list mailed once a year must have its addresses updated within the 95 days before that mailing, as [Move Update](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md) explains.[^16]

### 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.[^17] A piece counts as an error when its address was not updated for a change-of-address order 95 days to 18 months old.[^17] The results appear on the [Mailer Scorecard](https://postalref.com/products/mailer-scorecard.md), an online reporting tool.[^17]

## How it fits together

[Move Update](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md) is the USPS standard that cuts the mail needing forwarding or return by matching mailers' address records with change-of-address orders.[^18] It covers addresses on mail claiming presorted or automation First-Class Mail prices and all USPS Marketing Mail prices.[^18] An address meets it once an approved method updates it and the mailer uses it in such a mailing within 95 days.[^18] The postage statement names the method used, and the mailer's signature there or in its [Mail.dat or Mail.XML](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md) submission certifies compliance.[^2][^19]

Customers file change-of-address orders when they move and want USPS to forward their mail.[^20] USPS keeps every order in NCOA, its system of record, and builds [NCOALink](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md) from them.[^11] Companies USPS licenses get that data regularly and match mailers' lists against it.[^11][^4]

NCOALink updates a list before the mail goes out, and NCOALink MPE updates mailpieces already printed.[^3] [ANKLink](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md) adds older moves for some licensees, without new addresses.[^9] [ACS](https://postalref.com/products/address-change-service.md) and ancillary service endorsements report moves after a mailing, as electronic or printed notices.[^21] For First-Class Mail, the National Customer Support Center can approve two alternative methods, 99 Percent Accurate and Legal Restraint.[^3][^22]

USPS checks compliance automatically: as it processes pieces with an [Intelligent Mail barcode](https://postalref.com/guides/intelligent-mail.md), it compares their names and addresses with its change-of-address database.[^17] Pieces beyond a 0.5% error tolerance in a calendar month cost $.08 each, and the [Mailer Scorecard](https://postalref.com/products/mailer-scorecard.md) shows the results.[^17]

## Change-of-address orders

A change-of-address order must come from the addressee or from someone authorized to file for them.[^20] Customers can file one online through Mover's Guide, for a verification fee, or on PS Form 3575.[^20] Each order is one of three types, individual, family or business, which decides whose mail is forwarded.[^23][^24] A family order redirects all mail with that last name.[^23]

For forwarding, USPS keeps a permanent order for 18 months and forwards mail during the first 12, as [undeliverable mail](https://postalref.com/guides/undeliverable-mail.md) explains.[^23] Address corrections with the new address are available for all 18 months.[^23] USPS does not give mailers the new address from a temporary order.[^23] Each order carries a move effective date, the addressee's move date.[^25] The full NCOALink file keeps permanent orders for four years from their move effective dates, and is updated weekly.[^26]

When a customer moves without telling USPS, the delivery employee files an order marked Moved, Left No Address or Box Closed No Order.[^27] USPS files it after a 10-day wait once the customer stops collecting mail.[^28] Addresses with these orders, or with a move abroad, are exempt from Move Update.[^18] USPS recommends leaving them out of mailings, since they are undeliverable as addressed.[^18]

Every order flows through the National Customer Support Center, which validates and standardizes its addresses as orders arrive.[^29] Incomplete and invalid addresses go to the delivery unit through the Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service.[^30] Chaining links a customer's moves, so moves from A to B and then from B to C update the order from A.[^30] Each week, the center sends the updated orders to NCOALink.[^30]

- **Moved, Left No Address**, also called MLNA, Moved, Left No Forwarding Address, Move, Left No Address: “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).”[^27]
- **Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service**, also called eUARS, Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution System, electronic Unresolved Address Resolution System: “A Web-based interface that corrects uncoded change-of-address (COA) records that do not match a delivery point in the Address Management System database.”[^31]
- **Move Effective Date**, also called MED: “an addressee’s move date”[^25]
- **National Change of Address**, also called NCOA: “a system of record for all COA requests and is used to produce the NCOALink product.”[^32]

## NCOALink licenses and results

USPS licenses NCOALink in six categories, and every licensee must pass certification and use CASS Certified address matching software.[^11] A mailer can run NCOALink in-house under a license or use a service provider.[^33] The licenses that process lists differ in whom they serve and how much data they get.[^11]

- A Full Service Provider serves unrelated third parties, at least 51% of its processing, and gets 48 months of change-of-address data weekly.[^11]
- A Limited Service Provider serves third parties and its own lists, and gets 18 months of data weekly.[^11]
- An End User updates only its own mailing lists, and gets 18 months of data monthly.[^33][^11]
- An NCOALink MPE licensee updates customers' printed mailpieces, and gets 18 months of data weekly.[^34][^35]

Separate licenses let companies develop NCOALink software and distribute it.[^11] Limited Service Providers and End Users can add ANKLink, which adds data for months 19 to 48 but no new addresses for those months.[^36]

A service provider must have a signed Processing Acknowledgement Form from each customer before it processes that customer's list.[^37] The form lets USPS and mailers comply with the Privacy Act of 1974, as a written request to use change-of-address data.[^37] An End User needs none, since it processes only its own lists.[^38]

NCOALink runs in one of five processing modes, which set the move types it can match.[^26] Mailers should use Standard Name Matching Logic, which matches individual, family and business moves, to meet Move Update.[^24] Move Update verification itself uses Standard mode.[^24]

Each record comes back with a return code that tells the mailer what NCOALink found, or why it made no match.[^39] A record with no match keeps its standardized address, which meets the standard.[^40] When NCOALink finds a move but cannot give the new address, mailing to the original address still meets the standard.[^41] When it does give a new address, the mailer may keep using the old one until 95 days after the move effective date.[^25]

The return codes that bring a new address.[^42]

| Code | Return code | New address provided |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `A` | COA Match | Y |
| `91` | COA Match: Secondary Number dropped from COA | Y |
| `92` | COA Match: Secondary Number or Single Trailing Alpha Dropped from input address | Y |

3 codes in the NCOALink Return Code Descriptions, User Technical Reference, where New address provided is Y.

> To maintain Move Update Compliance, New Address must be used when MED (Move Effective Date) is greater than 95 days.[^40]

**Must.** When NCOALink brings a new address for a move over 95 days old, the mailer must use it to keep meeting the standard.

- **Full Service Provider**, also called FSP: “is a non-exclusive Licensee of the USPS® (United States Postal Service®) to provide Full Service NCOALink processing, ZIP + 4® Coding, DPV® LACSLink® and SuiteLink®.”[^43]
- **Limited Service Provider**, also called LSP: “is a nonexclusive Licensee of the USPS to provide Limited Service NCOALink processing.”[^43]
- **Processing Acknowledgement Form**, also called PAF, NCOALink Processing Acknowledgement Form: “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.”[^37]
- **End User**, also called EUM, End User Mailer: “a licensee that uses the NCOALink® product to update mailing lists for its own mailings”[^33]
- **Licensee**: “one who has been certified and licensed by the USPS to perform NCOALink® processing”[^5]
- **Standard Name Matching Logic**: “matching all three COA move types: Individual, Family, and Business”[^24]

## NCOALink MPE

NCOALink MPE runs NCOALink on mailpieces already printed, using a multiline optical character reader or a remote video encoding system.[^35] When a piece matches a change-of-address order, the equipment prints the new address directly on it.[^35] Its data covers the previous 18 months and arrives weekly.[^35]

A Basic license lets a licensee print new addresses on pieces, but not return change-of-address files to customers.[^35] An Enhanced license also allows list processing and the electronic return of updated addresses.[^35] 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.[^35] That mailer needs no NCOALink license of its own.[^35]

The equipment runs in modes that decide what happens to a matched piece, and five of them meet Move Update under a Basic license.[^44] In Forwardable Mailpiece mode, the piece gets its new address and goes out with the mailing.[^44] In the notification modes, the updated piece or a facsimile goes back to the mailer.[^44] In the delivery barcode sorter mode, nothing is printed on letters, and matched pieces are returned, destroyed or mailed at full rate.[^44] Another mode, for Enhanced licensees and cloud users, also returns an electronic file of the matches.[^38]

On request, the licensee may give the customer a report of the standard NCOALink return codes.[^45] Pieces in an exceptional format, such as `Jane Doe or Current Resident`, are not eligible for NCOALink MPE and not subject to Move Update.[^46]

- **NCOALink MPE Basic License**: “This license allows the processing of mailpieces through an NCOALink MPE system, where change-of-address (COA) information is applied directly onto mailpieces.”[^35]
- **NCOALink MPE Enhanced License**: “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.”[^35]
- **NCOALink MPE WAN**, also called 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”[^35]
- **Forwardable Mailpiece Processing**, also called Forwardable Mailpiece: “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.”[^44]
- **Notification via Returned Mailpiece Processing**, also called Notification Via Returned Mailpiece: “Processing in which updated COA information is sprayed on mailpieces and returned to the mailer via hardcopy or photocopy mailpieces.”[^45]
- **Mailpiece Facsimile Processing**, also called Mailpiece Facsimile: “Processing in which updated COA information is sprayed directly on mailpiece facsimiles and returned to the mailer.”[^45]
- **DBCS (Delivery Barcode Sorter) Processing**: “Processing of letter mail on DBCS equipment in which no COA information is sprayed on mailpieces.”[^45]
- **Culled Flats Processing**: “Mode 5: Culled Flats Processing where addresses on flat-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.”[^44]
- **Forwardable Mailpiece with Electronic File 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. Also, an electronic file of all the matches from the job is provided back to the mailer.”[^38]
- **report of the standard NCOALink return codes**: “This report indicates the type of match made or the reason that a match could not be made.”[^45]

## ACS and endorsements

ACS and [ancillary service endorsements](https://postalref.com/products/ancillary-service-endorsement.md) meet the standard for a mailer that mails to each address at least every 95 days.[^21] The mailer must apply each new address before its next mailing.[^21][^41] 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.[^47]

Neither method qualifies the first mailing that uses it, since both are post-mailing methods.[^48][^49] That first mailing meets the standard if, for example, its addresses went through NCOALink within the 95 days before it.[^48] Addresses the mailer got straight from the addressees within 95 days before a mailing are not subject to the standard at all.[^50]

The four endorsements that count for Move Update are these.[^51]

- 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.[^49]

## The alternative methods

The two alternative methods apply to First-Class Mail only, and the National Customer Support Center must approve each mailer's use.[^3][^22] A mailer approved for either can extend it to USPS Marketing Mail sent to the same address list.[^52]

The 99 Percent Accurate Method is for mailers whose own list keeping holds 99% or more of their addresses current.[^53] USPS tests the list against its change-of-address data, and the list passes when less than 1% of its addresses match.[^54][^50] The test takes about 7 to 10 business days.[^53] A passing list may be mailed at commercial prices for the next year, and only that list is covered, as [99% testing](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#99-testing) explains.[^55]

The Legal Restraint Method is for mailers that a law bars from updating an address without direct contact from the customer.[^50] Such a mailer still gets change-of-address information from an approved method within 95 days before mailing.[^22] It then contacts each addressee within 30 days of receiving that information.[^22] Its legally restrained mailings must use [Mailer IDs](https://postalref.com/guides/business-accounts.md) reserved for them.[^53] That lets USPS leave them out of the [Seamless Acceptance](https://postalref.com/guides/full-service.md) Move Update review where appropriate.[^53]

- **99 Percent Accurate Method**, also called 99 Percent Accurate, Mailer Move Update Process Certification: “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.”[^53]
- **Legal Restraint Method**, also called Legal Restraint: “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.”[^50]
- **99% Testing**, also called 99% Accurate test, 99 Percent Accurate test: “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.”[^54]
- **National Customer Support Center**, also called NCSC, National Customer Service Center: “An organization that provides information, services, and products (e.g., address management software programs such as the City State product, zone charts, directories, testing of ZIP+4 code or delivery point code address matching software) that improve addressing quality for mailings that qualify for certain prices.”[^56]

## Checking compliance

USPS's automated check is the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process.[^57] 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.[^17] The order's age runs from the later of its move effective date and create date to the postage statement finalization date.[^17] Errors are counted across a calendar month, and pieces beyond a 0.5% tolerance are assessed $.08 each.[^17]

The tolerance allows for problems outside the mailer's control, such as a change-of-address request without a valid old or new address.[^57] The Mailer Scorecard shows every change-of-address error, under the threshold or over it, with detail for each piece.[^17]

Green & Secure lets USPS dispose of undeliverable pieces, with or without secure destruction.[^7] Errors on pieces whose barcode requests Green & Secure are reported separately and left out of the error percentage.[^58] Residual ACS, part of the same census process, sends ACS notices at no charge based on the Mailer Scorecard, as [undeliverable mail](https://postalref.com/guides/undeliverable-mail.md) explains.[^59]

- **Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process**, also called AQCMAP, Census method of Move Update testing, Move/Update verification: “The USPS validates Move Update address quality through an automated process referred to as the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process.”[^57]
- **Move Update error**: “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.”[^17]
- **Mailer Scorecard**, also called Mailer scorecard report, Full-Service Mailer Scorecard: “a mail quality tool, the Mailer Scorecard, which displays a dashboard view of the results of the letter and flat mailing activity within each of these initiatives over a calendar month.”[^60]
- **Green & Secure**, also called Green & Secure option: “allows USPS to dispose of undeliverable mailpieces in one of two ways, either with or without secure destruction.”[^7]

## What goes wrong

- [Address matching](https://postalref.com/guides/address-matching.md) software such as CASS does not meet Move Update, because it never checks whether the addressee still lives at the address.[^16]
- Keeping the original address after ACS returns a new one fails the standard, as [Move Update](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#problems) explains.[^41] That holds even when the new address is not Delivery Point Validated.[^41]
- Disregarding updates does not keep the discounts: an address left unchanged over 95 days after the move counts as non-updated, as [Move Update](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#problems) explains.[^52]
- Running NCOALink in a mode other than Standard risks failing Move Update verification, as [NCOALink](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#matching) explains.[^24]
- A letter-size envelope whose window reaches into the barcode clear zone is not eligible for NCOALink MPE, a [mailpiece design](https://postalref.com/guides/mailpiece-design.md) limit.[^61]
- A list tested for the [99 Percent Accurate Method](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#99-testing) falls out of compliance once its content changes more than 1% since the last audit.[^53][^55] The mailer must then tell the National Customer Support Center in writing.[^55]
- A licensee cannot process a customer's lists once that customer's Processing Acknowledgement Form expires before a renewed form arrives, as [NCOALink](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#paf) explains.[^62]
- An ANKLink extract sent to a Full Service Provider must hold at least 100 unique names and addresses, as [ANKLink](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md#rules) explains.[^63]
- A customer's refusal of a new address may affect a [Legal Restraint](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#legal-restraint) mailer's Move Update verification score, so the mailer records each refusal.[^22]

## Index: 44 entries

### Services (7)

- [18-month NCOALink Product](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md#terms)
- [ANKLink option](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md)
- [hash tables](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md#terms)
- [Mailpiece Facsimile Processing](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [National Change of Address Linkage](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md)
- [NCOALink MPE Basic License](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [NCOALink MPE Enhanced License](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)

### Programs (2)

- [99 Percent Accurate Method](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#alternatives)
- [99% Testing](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#99-testing)

### Systems (2)

- [Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#coa)
- [National Change of Address](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#coa)

### Files (6)

- [99% Results NCOA Matches](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#99-testing)
- [99% Results Records Not ZIP + 4 Coded](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#99-testing)
- [99% Results Summary Report](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#99-testing)
- [NCOALink Processing Summary Report](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md#terms)
- [report of the standard NCOALink return codes](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [Standardized Input](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#terms)

### Document (1)

- [Processing Acknowledgement Form](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#ncoalink)

### Roles (8)

- [Broker-Agent](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#terms)
- [End User](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#ncoalink)
- [Full Service Provider](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#ncoalink)
- [Licensee](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#ncoalink)
- [Limited Service Provider](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#ncoalink)
- [List Owner](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#terms)
- [Mail Processing Agent](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#terms)
- [Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#mail-processing-equipment-service-provider-licensees)

### Terms (18)

- [Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#census)
- [Culled Flats Processing](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [DBCS (Delivery Barcode Sorter) Processing](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [Directly acquired](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#terms)
- [Forwardable Mailpiece Processing](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [Forwardable Mailpiece with Electronic File Processing](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [Move Effective Date](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#coa)
- [Move Update](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md)
- [Move Update error](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#census)
- [Moved, Left No Address](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#coa)
- [National Change-of-Address Link Mail Processing Equipment](https://postalref.com/products/ncoalink.md#terms)
- [NCOALink MPE Active mode of processing](https://postalref.com/?q=NCOALink%20MPE%20Active%20mode%20of%20processing)
- [NCOALink MPE WAN](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [NCOALink with ANKLink](https://postalref.com/products/anklink.md#terms)
- [Notification via Returned Mailpiece Processing](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#mpe)
- [Post-mailing](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#terms)
- [Pre-mailing](https://postalref.com/products/move-update.md#terms)
- [Standard Name Matching Logic](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md#ncoalink)

## Sources

[^1]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=10), page 7: “To qualify for commercial prices for First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailings, mailers must demonstrate that they have updated the addresses used on mailpieces within 95 days prior to the mailing date.”

[^2]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=4), page 1: “Mailers must use one of the preapproved or alternative methods to meet the Move Update standard. … The Postal Service offers three preapproved methods: National Change-of-Address Linkage System (NCOALink), Address Change Service (ACS), and Ancillary Service Endorsements. … 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.”

[^3]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=17), page 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. … For First-Class Mail two alternative methods are also available that require separate approval or preregistration from the National Customer Support Center (NCSC): … 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.”

[^4]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=25), page 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. … NCOALink provides mailers with documentation showing each updated address and the month the move became effective. … NCOALink is a pre-mailing method available only through companies licensed by the Postal Service.”

[^5]: [NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/usertechinfo_v12.pdf#page=3), page 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. … one who has been certified and licensed by the USPS to perform NCOALink® processing”

[^6]: [NCOALink® End User Performance Requirements](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/End_User_LPR_v32.pdf#page=3), page 3: “Licensees must use USPS CASS Certified™ Address Matching software parsed, standardized output to query the NCOALink Product.”

[^7]: [Address Change Service (ACS) with Green & Secure Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-08/Green%20and%20Secure_v18.pdf#page=1), PDF 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. … Green & Secure allows USPS to dispose of undeliverable mailpieces in one of two ways, either with or without secure destruction. … allows USPS to dispose of undeliverable mailpieces in one of two ways, either with or without secure destruction.”

[^8]: [Appendix B: ACS™ Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-04/AppendixB_ACSFAQ.pdf#page=5), page 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). … Therefore, using ACS on a mailpiece allows future mailings to meet the Move Update requirement when the mailer uses the data.”

[^9]: [PostalPro: ANKLink®](https://postalpro.usps.com/address-quality/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. … ANKLink is only available to NCOALink Limited Service Providers and End User Mailers. ANKLink provides an additional 30 months of COA information. … Annual License Fee (ANKLink only): $8,720.00 (LSP) $1,930.00 (EUM). … ANKLink certification is covered under the NCOALink Developer testing.”

[^10]: [ANKLink® FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-08/ANKLink%E2%84%A2%20FAQ.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “ANKLink™ will allow mailers to make informed decisions regarding a specific customer. … 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. … ANKLink™ has the potential to reduce the production of UAA (Undeliverable as Addressed) mail, which reduces production, preparation and postage costs. … ANKLink™ is packaged as an enhancement to the NCOALink® product. … Development, distribution and use are all covered under the existing NCOALink® license. … An ANKLink™ match will be indicated by the Return Code 77 followed by the appropriate NCOALink® Return Code.”

[^11]: [PostalPro: NCOALink®](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing-and-shipping-services/NCOALink): “FSPs receive 48 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment. … There are six (6) licensing categories. … 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* … The NCOALink Interface Distributor License grants Developers the right to distribute the NCOALink interface. … NCOA is a system of record for all COA requests and is used to produce the NCOALink product. … The NCOALink data is provided on a regular basis to companies that have been licensed by the Postal Service. … 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. … 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. … 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. … LSPs can both provide services to third parties and use the product internally. … The NCOALink Software Developer License grants the right to develop an NCOALink interface for internal purposes and third parties.”

[^12]: [NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/usertechinfo_v12.pdf#page=11), page 11: “Any ANKLink record that has a final NCOALink defined return code as A, 91, 92 will not have a new address.”

[^13]: [ANKLink® FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-08/ANKLink%E2%84%A2%20FAQ.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “No. ANKLink™ Certification is covered under the Developer Testing. … Limited Service Provider and End User Mailer licensees who wish to obtain the ANKLink™ product will need to contact their NCOALink® Distributor.”

[^14]: [NCOALink® End User Performance Requirements](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/End_User_LPR_v32.pdf#page=19), page 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.”

[^15]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=5), page 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.”

[^16]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=51), page 48: “The update requirement applies to individual addresses on mailpieces, not to entire lists. … 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. … 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.”

[^17]: [Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process (AQCMAP) Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-11/Automated%20Move%20Update%20Quality%20Measurement_v17.11.5.20.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Quality is measured across a calendar month and any pieces exceeding the 0.5% tolerance level will be assessed $.08 per piece. … 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. … Results of this evaluation can be found through an online reporting tool called the Mailer Scorecard. … 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. … 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. … 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.”

[^18]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=16), page 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. … 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. … 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. … 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. … Be advised that these are undeliverable as addressed situations and the Postal Service recommends that mailers suppress them from their mailings.”

[^19]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=52), page 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.”

[^20]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=11), page 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). … A COA request must be submitted by the addressee or by someone authorized to file on their behalf: … Mover’s Guide Online (requires a verification fee) … PS Form 3575 – Official Mail Forwarding Change-of-Address Order”

[^21]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=19), page 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. … 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.”

[^22]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=47), page 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. … 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. … Contact the addressee within 30 days after receiving the COA information. … 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.”

[^23]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=12), page 9: “Three types of COAs are available that will determine whose mail needs to be forwarded: … This is because a Family COA will redirect ALL mail with that last name. … A Permanent COA is retained for 18 months, and forwarding is provided for the first 12 months of the order. … Address corrections containing the new address information are available for the entire 18 month period. … The Postal Service does not provide the new address when the recipient has filed a Temporary COA order.”

[^24]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=18), page 15: “Standard Name Matching Logic is matching all three COA move types: Individual, Family, and Business. … 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. … Additionally, Move Update verification uses Standard Mode when checking for compliance during the Move Update verification process. … matching all three COA move types: Individual, Family, and Business”

[^25]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=23), page 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. … an addressee’s move date”

[^26]: [A Complete Guide to Processing PAFs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/PAF_Guide_v13.pdf#page=24), page 24: “These COAs are retained on the file for a four-year period from the move-effective date and the file is updated weekly. … The five types of processing modes are Standard (S); Business and Individual (C); Individual (I); Business (B); and Residential (R).”

[^27]: [Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode (IMpb) ACS™ Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-02/IMpb_ACS_Technical_Guide.pdf#page=10), page 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).”

[^28]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=13), page 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.”

[^29]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=14), page 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.”

[^30]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=15), page 12: “Incomplete and invalid addresses are sent to the Delivery Unit via the Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service (eUARS). … 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). … NCSC weekly COA data processing incorporates AMS address updates and distributes the updated COA data to the NCOALink (4a) and PARS (4b) databases.”

[^31]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=78), PDF page 78: “A Web-based interface that corrects uncoded change-of-address (COA) records that do not match a delivery point in the Address Management System database.”

[^32]: [Newspaper Mail Preparation & Entry](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-12/Newspaper%20Mail%20Preparation%20and%20Entry%20V_2.pdf#page=5), PDF page 5: “a system of record for all COA requests and is used to produce the NCOALink product.”

[^33]: [Move Update Methods Requirements Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-11/Methods%20of%20Meeting%20Address%20Quality_v52.11.10.20.pdf#page=1), page 1: “Based upon individual mailer needs and requirements, mailers can develop or deploy in-house or utilize a Service Provider. … 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. … a licensee that uses the NCOALink® product to update mailing lists for its own mailings”

[^34]: [MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirements](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/MPE_DATA_USER_%20LPR_v20.pdf#page=1), page 1: “Through use of the NCOALink MPE Product, Licensees will prepare and update address information for customers’ existing mailpieces for USPS acceptance and delivery.”

[^35]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=26), page 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. … 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. … If a change-of-address is identified, the new address is printed directly on the mailpiece. … 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. … 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. … 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. … 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. … This license allows the processing of mailpieces through an NCOALink MPE system, where change-of-address (COA) information is applied directly onto mailpieces. … 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”

[^36]: [NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/usertechinfo_v12.pdf#page=5), page 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.”

[^37]: [A Complete Guide to Processing PAFs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/PAF_Guide_v13.pdf#page=5), page 5: “The service provider licensee must acquire this form from each customer before they can perform NCOALink processing. … 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.”

[^38]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=29), page 26: “The PAF is not a requirement for the NCOALink End User licensees, since they only process lists internally. … 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. … where an address that is matched has the new address sprayed onto the mailpiece. The mailpiece is included in the commercial mailing being prepared. Also, an electronic file of all the matches from the job is provided back to the mailer.”

[^39]: [A Complete Guide to Processing PAFs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/PAF_Guide_v13.pdf#page=25), page 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.”

[^40]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=63), page 60: “Use Standardized Input record. Address is Move Update compliant. … To maintain Move Update Compliance, New Address must be used when MED (Move Effective Date) is greater than 95 days.”

[^41]: [Clarification to the Move Update Standard ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-06/2016-15648.pdf#page=2), 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. … 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. … 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. … There are situations where the ACS method will provide a notification of a new address for the intended recipient that is not DPV.”

[^42]: [NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/usertechinfo_v12.pdf#page=16), page 16: “New address information is returned only on the following return codes: A, 91, 92”

[^43]: [A Complete Guide to Processing PAFs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/PAF_Guide_v13.pdf#page=29), PDF page 29: “is a non-exclusive Licensee of the USPS® (United States Postal Service®) to provide Full Service NCOALink processing, ZIP + 4® Coding, DPV® LACSLink® and SuiteLink®. … is a nonexclusive Licensee of the USPS to provide Limited Service NCOALink processing.”

[^44]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=28), page 25: “There are five operational modes of the basic MPE license that can be used to meet the Move Update standard: … 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. … 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. … 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. … 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. … Mode 5: Culled Flats Processing where addresses on flat-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.”

[^45]: [A Complete Guide to Processing PAFs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/PAF_Guide_v13.pdf#page=38), PDF 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. … Processing in which updated COA information is sprayed on mailpieces and returned to the mailer via hardcopy or photocopy mailpieces. … Processing in which updated COA information is sprayed directly on mailpiece facsimiles and returned to the mailer. … Processing of letter mail on DBCS equipment in which no COA information is sprayed on mailpieces. … This report indicates the type of match made or the reason that a match could not be made.”

[^46]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=57), page 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.”

[^47]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=20), page 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.”

[^48]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=6), page 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: … Each address in the mailing was processed through NCOALink and the addresses were updated within 95 days prior to the first mailing requesting ACS.”

[^49]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=8), page 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: … 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.”

[^50]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=9), page 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. … 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. … 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.”

[^51]: [Move Update Methods Requirements Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-11/Methods%20of%20Meeting%20Address%20Quality_v52.11.10.20.pdf#page=3), page 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.”

[^52]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=53), page 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. … 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.”

[^53]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=48), page 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. … The verification process takes approximately 7 to 10 business days. … 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. … 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. … 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.”

[^54]: [PostalPro: 99% Testing](https://postalpro.usps.com/address-quality-solutions/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.”

[^55]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=49), page 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. … 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.”

[^56]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=144), PDF page 144: “An organization that provides information, services, and products (e.g., address management software programs such as the City State product, zone charts, directories, testing of ZIP+4 code or delivery point code address matching software) that improve addressing quality for mailings that qualify for certain prices.”

[^57]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=60), page 57: “The USPS validates Move Update address quality through an automated process referred to as the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. … 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.”

[^58]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=61), page 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.”

[^59]: [OneCode ACS® Technical Guide ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2019-10/OneCodeACSTechnicalGuide.pdf#page=12), 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.”

[^60]: [Guide to eInduction](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/375_Guide-to-eInduction_1.pdf#page=53), page 52: “a mail quality tool, the Mailer Scorecard, which displays a dashboard view of the results of the letter and flat mailing activity within each of these initiatives over a calendar month.”

[^61]: [Guide to Move Update](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-01/Guide%20to%20Move%20Update.pdf#page=27), page 24: “A letter-size envelope containing a window that intrudes into the barcode clear zone is not eligible for MPE processing.”

[^62]: [A Complete Guide to Processing PAFs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/PAF_Guide_v13.pdf#page=13), page 13: “Future NCOALink processing cannot be performed if the existing PAFs expire before new ones are received.”

[^63]: [A Complete Guide to Processing PAFs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-04/PAF_Guide_v13.pdf#page=26), page 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.”

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Unofficial. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Postal Service. This is https://postalref.com/guides/move-update as Markdown.