NCOALink
NCOALink is a USPS dataset of about 160 million permanent change-of-address records from individuals, families and businesses.PostalPro: NCOALink®“The NCOALink Product is a secure dataset of approximately 160 million permanent change-of-address (COA) records constructed from names and addresses of individuals, families, and businesses who have filed a change-of-address with the Postal Service™.”USPS original Mailers use it to update the addresses on a mailing list before they mail.PostalPro: NCOALink®“Developed with secure data store technology to increase security of postal customer data and protect the privacy of this information, the NCOALink Product enables mailers to process mailing lists and update lists with new addresses prior to mailing.”USPS original USPS provides the data only to companies it licenses.PostalPro: NCOALink®“The NCOALink data is provided on a regular basis to companies that have been licensed by the Postal Service.”USPS original
What it is
NCOALink is an address correction service that mailers reach through companies USPS licenses.Guide to Move Updatepage 1“NCOALink is an address correction service provided to mailers through companies licensed by the Postal Service.”USPS original USPS builds it from NCOA, its system of record for all change-of-address requests.PostalPro: NCOALink®“NCOA is a system of record for all COA requests and is used to produce the NCOALink product.”USPS original The data comes in a secure form that holds no change-of-address data in clear text.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 3“The secure technology of this DATA ONLY PRODUCT eliminates the clear text representation of the change-of-address data and the complexity of name and address matching routines.”USPS original
Its sole purpose is to correct mailing lists that will be used to prepare mailings.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 23“I also understand that the sole purpose of the NCOALink service is to provide a mailing list correction service for lists that will be used for preparation of mailings.”USPS original
NCOALink is one of three methods USPS preapproves for meeting the Move Update standard.Guide to Move Updatepage 1“The Postal Service offers three preapproved methods: National Change-of-Address Linkage System (NCOALink), Address Change Service (ACS), and Ancillary Service Endorsements.”USPS original It is the only pre-mailing method, so it meets the standard the first time it updates an address.Guide to Move Updatepage 14“The Postal Service offers one pre-mailing method:”USPS originalGuide to Move Updatepage 2“NCOALink is a pre-mailing method and therefore meets Move Update standards the first time it is used to update an address.”USPS original
NCOALink MPE, the version of NCOALink for mail processing equipment, works on mailpieces that already exist.Guide to Move Updatepage 14“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 It reads each piece on an optical character reader or a video encoding system and prints the new address on it.Guide 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
The NCOALink file
The full file holds about 160 million permanent changes of address.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“The full NCOALink file is a consolidated file of move information that on average contains approximately 160 million permanent changes-of-address (COAs) filed with the United States Postal Service (USPS).”USPS original Each stays on the file for four years from its move effective date, and USPS updates the file weekly.A 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 Temporary changes of address are only in the 48-month product.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 14“Temporary COAs are only available in the 48-month product.”USPS original
Before a change of address joins the file, its old address must be ZIP+4 coded.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“Before being added to the NCOALink file, the Old address supplied by the Postal customer must be ZIP + 4® coded.”USPS original The new address must be ZIP+4 coded and validated against USPS's database of actual delivery points.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“The New addresses must be ZIP + 4 coded and validated using the USPS’ proprietary database of actual delivery points.”USPS original When USPS can't validate the new address, NCOALink shows that a move exists but gives no new address.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“If unable to validate the New address, the NCOALink process will indicate that a move exists but will not provide the undeliverable New address.”USPS original
About 40% of the file's moves are family moves, 54% individual moves and 6% business moves.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“The data contained within the NCOALink Product is comprised of approximately 40% family moves, 54% individual moves, and 6% business moves.”USPS original When a customer moves more than once, NCOALink links the moves where it can, so a match gives the latest address.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“When possible, postal customers who move multiple times within the NCOALink time period are “linked” or “chained” to ensure that the latest address is furnished when an NCOALink match is attained.”USPS original
Who can use it
USPS licenses NCOALink in six categories.PostalPro: NCOALink®“There are six (6) licensing categories.”USPS original Each licensee must complete certification before it processes a list, and must use CASS Certified address matching software.PostalPro: NCOALink®“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
| License | What it allows | Change-of-address data |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service Provider | Serves unrelated third parties, at least 51% of its processingPostalPro: 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.”USPS original | 48 months, weeklyPostalPro: NCOALink®“FSPs receive 48 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original |
| Limited Service Provider | Serves third parties and uses the product internallyPostalPro: NCOALink®“LSPs can both provide services to third parties and use the product internally.”USPS original | 18 months, weeklyPostalPro: NCOALink®“LSPs receive 18 months of COA data on a weekly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original |
| End User | Processes only its own house filesPostalPro: NCOALink®“EUMs may only use the NCOALink Product for processing internal house files.”USPS original | 18 months, monthlyPostalPro: NCOALink®“EUMs receive 18 months of COA data on a monthly basis from the USPS via Electronic Product Fulfillment.”USPS original |
| NCOALink MPE | Updates addresses on mailpieces on optical character readersPostalPro: NCOALink®“The NCOALink MPE solution is available to allow the use of NCOALink data on multiline optical character readers (MLOCR) to update and spray change-of-address information on mailpieces prior to submission to the USPS.”USPS original | 18 months, weeklyGuide 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 |
Two more licenses cover software: one lets a company develop an NCOALink interface, and one lets a developer distribute it.PostalPro: 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, an option that extends the 18-month data to 48 months.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · 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.”USPS original Months 19 to 48 give return codes but no new address.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 5“The data in months 19 – 48 will not provide any new address information but will provide return codes indicating the result.”USPS original When that data shows a move, the mailer may drop the record or hire a Full Service Provider to find the new address.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 26“If the data indicates a move, the mailer may choose to suppress the record from their list or attempt to determine the actual new address by engaging the services of an NCOALink Full Service Provider (FSP) Licensee.”USPS original
How it works
A licensee runs NCOALink through interface software, written or bought, that links its list to ZIP+4 matching software.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 1“A software interface, which must be written or purchased, will customize the type of input format, provide the desired output, and contain appropriate links with ZIP+4 matching software.”USPS original
- The service provider gets a signed Processing Acknowledgement Form from the customer.A 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
- Every address on the list goes through CASS certified software first.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · 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.”USPS original
- Interface software queries NCOALink with each name and address on the list.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“NCOALink processing will only provide new address information when queried with a specific algorithm of the name and input address from a mailers address list which matches the information on the NCOALink Product.”USPS original
- Each record gets a return code for the type of match or why none was made.A 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 match returns the new address, the move effective date and the move type.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 4“When a match is made, the following elements must be returned: the move effective date, specific name and address utilized in the query that obtained the match, and the move type.”USPS original
- A processing summary report gives the list's statistics from the run.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 4“Processing summary report containing information to identify the specific list and the statistics resulting from the NCOALink process performed on the list.”USPS original
- The mailer uses the new addresses in a mailing within 95 days.Guide to Move Updatepage 14“As long as you process and update the addresses using NCOALink within 95 days prior to mailing to those addresses, you are in compliance with Move Update.”USPS original
Matching
NCOALink matches a name and an address together, under strict logic USPS controls.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“The provision of change of address information is controlled by strict name and address matching logic.”USPS originalGuide to Move Updatepage 22“The Postal Service strictly controls the matching logic of NCOALink.”USPS original A change-of-address order records one of three move types: business, individual or family.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 24“Data contained in and information returned by NCOALink is determined by the name and move type (Business, Individual, or Family) indicated on a Postal customer’s Change of Address form.”USPS original
Standard matching tries the business name first.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 25“Business – Match on business name.”USPS original It then tries an individual's first name, middle name, surname and title.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 25“Individual – Match on first name, middle name, surname and title required.”USPS original Last, it tries the surname alone, for a family move.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 25“Family – Match on surname only.”USPS original
Five processing modes set which move types a run can match.A 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 Standard mode, S, is recommended because it gives the best chance of a match regardless of move type.Guide to Move Updatepage 22“Standard Processing Mode “S” is recommended because it provides the best opportunity to match regardless of the COA type.”USPS original The other modes leave out a move type, such as family moves, for lists that don't need it.Guide to Move Updatepage 23“Business and Individual Processing Mode “C” omits matching to family orders.”USPS original
USPS removed soundex from the matching logic and uses a Rules Table instead.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 25“The USPS has opted to remove soundex from the matching logic process.”USPS original The Rules Table matches spellings such as JOHNY and JOHNNY.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 25“This process will produce matches that otherwise would not be possible, i.e. JOHNY and JOHNNY, without the risks associated with soundex.”USPS original
Each developer must build its own name parser, and the quality of NCOALink's answers depends on it.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 9“Developers must create their own name parser and the quality of the responses from the NCOALink data will be directly dependent on the quality of the name parser.”USPS original For an individual, the interface tries the name in a set order and moves on only when a form fails to match.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 20“Normalize First Name: If a match is not obtained utilizing rule 1, then query the NORMALF.LST with the input first name, and substitute the normalized version(s) of the first name (Individual logic).”USPS original
- The interface first tries the first, middle and last name as the list gives them.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 20“Original Input: Attempt a match utilizing the First Name, Middle Name and Last Name as presented from the input file (Individual logic).”USPS original
- It then tries the normalized versions of the first name.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 20“Normalize First Name: If a match is not obtained utilizing rule 1, then query the NORMALF.LST with the input first name, and substitute the normalized version(s) of the first name (Individual logic).”USPS original
- It then substitutes each nickname for the first name.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 20“Nickname: If a match is not obtained utilizing rule 2, then query the NICK.LST utilizing the original input or normalized version(s) of the first name if one was obtained, and substitute the nickname for the first name for all nickname occurrences (Individual logic).”USPS original
- It then tries the normalized version of the last name.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 20“Normalize Last Name: If a match is not obtained utilizing rule 3, then query the NORMALL.LST with the input last name and substitute the normalized version of the last name.”USPS original
- It may try the first initial with the full middle and last names.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 21“First Name Initial: If a match is not obtained utilizing rule 4, if there is a Middle Name (more than 1 character), you may attempt a lookup on only the first initial, full middle name, and last name utilizing the original input as presented (Individual logic).”USPS original
- It may swap the first name and the full middle name.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 21“Swap First/Middle Name: If a match is not obtained utilizing rule 5, you may reverse the order of the first name and full middle name, providing, of course, that the middle name is more than 1 character utilizing the original input as presented (Individual logic).”USPS original
- Last, it may try the last name alone, which is family logic.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 21“Last Name: If a match is not obtained utilizing rule 6, then you may attempt the lookup utilizing only the original input LAST NAME as presented (family logic).”USPS original
Trying variations of the first name and the last name at the same time is prohibited.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 20“Attempting variations of the first name and last name simultaneously is prohibited.”USPS original
Return codes
A return code is the code NCOALink gives each record to say what the match found.A 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 Code A, for example, is a match that furnishes a new address.Guide to Move Updatepage 60“COA Match – The input record matched to a COA record. New address is furnished”USPS original
NCOALink Return Code Descriptions, User Technical Reference, ANCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 12CodeAReturn codeCOA MatchWhat it meansThe input record matched to a COA record. A new address could be furnished.* Please Note: If this return code is achieved, no other matching attempts are permitted regardless of the PROCESSING mode.New address providedYDerived by data (D) or software (S)SReceived during business matching logicYESReceived during individual matching logicYESReceived during family matching logicYESRetry matching attemptsNOUSPS original
- Return code
- COA Match
- What it means
- The input record matched to a COA record. A new address could be furnished.* Please Note: If this return code is achieved, no other matching attempts are permitted regardless of the PROCESSING mode.
- New address provided
- Y
- Derived by data (D) or software (S)
- S
- Received during business matching logic
- YES
- Received during individual matching logic
- YES
- Received during family matching logic
- YES
- Retry matching attempts
- NO
Only three return codes carry a new address, and the move effective date comes back only with a match.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 16“New address information is returned only on the following return codes: A, 91, 92 … Return Codes that return a move effective date (MATCH Return Codes): A, 91, 92, 01, 02, 03, 05, 14, 19”USPS original Some codes mark a change of address found with no new address.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 16“Return Codes that indicate a COA was found but was unable to provide a new address: 01, 02, 03, 05, 14, 19”USPS original Others mark a potential match the rules don't allow, and for these the licensee must discard the move effective date.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 16“Return Codes that indicate potential matches but could not make the match due to rules: 04, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 … Return Codes in which the move effective date must be discarded by licensee: 04, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20”USPS original
In the How column, D means the code is derived by data and S means it is derived by software.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 12“How = “D” = Derived by data – returned in lieu of 11digit … “S” = Derived by software”USPS original
| Code | Return code | New address provided | Derived by data (D) or software (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | COA Match | Y | S |
| 00 | NO Match | N | S |
| 01 | Found COA: Foreign Move | N | D |
| 02 | Found COA: Moved Left No Address(MLNA) | N | D |
| 03 | Found COA: Box Closed No Order(BCNO) | N | D |
| 04 | Cannot match COA: Street Address with Secondary | N | D |
| 05 | Found COA: New 11-digit DPBC is Ambiguous | N | D |
| 06 | Cannot Match COA: Conflicting Directions: Middle Name Related | N | D |
| 07 | Cannot Match COA: Conflicting Directions: Gender Related | N | D |
| 08 | Cannot Match COA: Other Conflicting Instructions | N | D |
1 to 10 of 25 codes in the NCOALink Return Code Descriptions, User Technical Reference.
| Result | What the mailer does |
|---|---|
| A match with a new address | Uses the new address as soon as appropriateGuide to Move Updatepage 60“Use New Address as soon as appropriate.”USPS original |
| A foreign move, with no forwarding address | Keeps the standardized address, and may get the new one through Address Change ServiceGuide to Move Updatepage 60“Use Standardized Input record. New Address record may be acquired through ACS.”USPS original |
| A move with no new address, or a closed PO Box | Verifies the address with the addressee and corrects itGuide to Move Updatepage 60“The mailer should verify with the addressee and correct the address as necessary.”USPS original |
| No match | Keeps the standardized address, which is Move Update compliantGuide to Move Updatepage 60“Use Standardized Input record. Address is Move Update compliant.”USPS original |
| A possible match that conflicts on name, gender or address | Verifies and corrects the nameGuide to Move Updatepage 61“Use Standardized Input record. Name should be verified and corrected as necessary.”USPS original |
Some fields NCOALink returns for analysis, such as the gender and the middle name, must not go back to the customer.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 48“The following fields of returned data used for analysis must not be returned to the customer: result drop flag, result drop n flag, result middle name, result gender and result hint byte.”USPS original
Processing Acknowledgement Form
A Processing Acknowledgement Form is the form a list owner signs to accept that NCOALink only corrects mailing lists.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 23“I also understand that the sole purpose of the NCOALink service is to provide a mailing list correction service for lists that will be used for preparation of mailings.”USPS original The list owner, the licensee and any third party between them all sign it.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 5“This form must be completed and signed by the mail list owner, the NCOALink licensee and, when applicable, any third parties that are a part of the transaction between the list owner and the licensee.”USPS original
The form lets USPS and mailers comply with the Privacy Act of 1974, through a written request to use change-of-address information.A 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 It identifies the mailers to whom USPS has disclosed that information through NCOALink.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 5“Identifies those mailers to whom USPS has disclosed change-of-address information via the use of NCOALink processing.”USPS original
Service provider licensees need the form from each customer, but End User licensees don't.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 5“NCOALink® Service Providers licensees are required by their license agreement with USPS® to acquire a Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF) for each of their customers. The PAF is not a requirement for the NCOALink End User licensee.”USPS original A broker-agent between the list owner and the licensee must not keep the list owner's file for more than 45 days.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 6“Must not retain the file from the List Owner for more than 45 days”USPS original
Every party that signs the form must give a physical address, and PO Boxes and PMBs are not accepted.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 11“All parties signing the PAF must provide a physical address. … Use of PO Boxes and PMBs are not acceptable.”USPS original A third party should never sign for the list owner.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 19“Under no circumstances should a third party sign for the List Owner.”USPS original When a form expires before its renewal arrives, the licensee cannot process that customer's lists.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 13“Future NCOALink processing cannot be performed if the existing PAFs expire before new ones are received.”USPS original
A separate form lets a Full Service Provider update lists for a Mail Processing Agent, a company whose main business is preparing mail.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 17“The scope of this PAF is to allow Full Service Provider Licensees the option provide list processing services to companies whose primary business is to prepare mail pieces to be deposited in the mail stream.”USPS original The agent uses the updated list only to mail the owner's pieces and never returns the updated addresses to the owner.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 32“Agent will not return updated address records to the original owner nor will the updated list be used for any purpose other than for mailing the original mail pieces from the original mailing list owner.”USPS original It must destroy both lists within 30 days after the pieces enter the mail.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 32“Agent must destroy the original and updated mailing list within 30 days from the date the mail pieces are deposited into the mail stream.”USPS original
Reports to USPS
Each End User licensee produces a monthly performance report from its service log, with a record for each mailing list it processed.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 6“Licensee shall produce a monthly performance report from the service log by site and/or system platform. … The log must contain a record for each Mailing List processed through the NCOALink system and the resultant statistics.”USPS original The report is due within seven calendar days of the end of the month.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 7“The reports must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days of the end of the month via electronic upload to https://epfup.usps.gov/up/upload.html.”USPS original The licensee keeps the reports for USPS review for five years.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 7“reports will be maintained and made available for Postal Service review for a period of five (5) years at Licensee’s facility.”USPS original
Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees
A Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensee is a company USPS licenses to update the addresses on its customers' existing mailpieces with NCOALink MPE.MPE 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 original Its data users get the full 18-month data set each week, under direct license from USPS.PostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“MPE Data Users receive the full 18-month data set provided weekly under direct license from the USPS®.”USPS original The same solution can run on delivery point barcode sorters, to find and remove undeliverable-as-addressed mail before it reaches USPS.PostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“The NCOALink® MPE solution, which is similar to the FASTforward® system, can also be used on delivery point barcode sorters to identify, sort, and remove undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail prior to submission to the USPS®.”USPS original
Each MPE license comes with performance requirements the licensee must meet, unless USPS changes them in writing.MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 2“Licensee, in order to utilize the NCOALink MPE Product, must meet all requirements and specifications contained within the License Agreement and the most current version of the Licensee Performance Requirements, unless explicitly allowed, prohibited, or modified by USPS in writing.”USPS originalMPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 2“The Developer and Licensee, in order to use the NCOALink Product, must meet all requirements and specifications contained within the NCOALink Mail Processing Equipment Data User License Agreement, the most current version of these Performance Requirements, and the most current version of the Software Developer Guide (SDG), unless modified by USPS in writing.”USPS originalMail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 1“The Licensee, in order to sell and/or distribute its NCOALink MPE software interface, must meet all requirements and specifications contained within the License Agreement and the most current version of this document.”USPS original
| License | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Data User | Using the NCOALink Product with mail processing equipmentPostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“This agreement licenses the use of the NCOALink Product with Mail Processing Equipment.”USPS original |
| Software Developer | Developing software interfaces for NCOALink MPEPostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“This agreement licenses the development of software interfaces for the NCOALink® Mail Processing Equipment.”USPS original |
| Interface Distribution | Distributing a certified NCOALink MPE software interfacePostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“This agreement governs the distribution of licensee's certified NCOALink® mail processing equipment software interface.”USPS original |
A data user license comes in two pricing options, Basic and Enhanced.Guide to Move Updatepage 23“There are two pricing options for MPE licenses and a third option where no license is required by an end user:”USPS original A Basic licensee sprays new addresses on mailpieces but may not return change-of-address files to customers electronically.Guide 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 licensee may also process lists and return updated addresses to customers electronically.Guide 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
Enhanced costs $36,440.00 a year, and Standard, the Basic option, costs $17,840.00.PostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“A1: Yes; however you will be required to pay the prorated fee for Enhanced since the fee for this method is $36,440.00. As a Standard MPE Data User, the fee is $17,840.00.”USPS originalLicensing FeesPDF page 2“Lic Year indicates the actual beginning and ending months of the 12-month period covering by the annual license fees.”USPS original A Standard data user can switch to Enhanced by paying the prorated Enhanced fee.PostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“A1: Yes; however you will be required to pay the prorated fee for Enhanced since the fee for this method is $36,440.00. As a Standard MPE Data User, the fee is $17,840.00.”USPS originalLicensing FeesPDF page 2“Month of Pmt - amounts in these rows indicate the prorated license fees applicable from the beginning of the following month through the remainder of the current license year.”USPS original Its other sites can then switch without paying again, since the primary site has paid.PostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider Licensees“These sites will not have to pay the additional fees since the primary site has already paid the fee to return electronic COA data back to their customers.”USPS original
The WAN method, also called the cloud method, sends the names and addresses an optical character reader lifts to a third-party licensee over the internet.Guide 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 A mailer that uses it needs no license of its own.Guide 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
A data user must first get a licensed and certified MPE software interface, by purchase or under a developer license.MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 2“Any Licensee wishing to provide NCOALink MPE processing must first obtain (either by purchase or developer license) a licensed and certified MPE software interface.”USPS original USPS reviews and tests the interface at the licensee's site before any production processing.MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 2“The MPE Interface must be reviewed, tested and approved for use at Licensee’s site(s) by USPS prior to any actual NCOALink MPE processing occurring in a production environment to ensure all license requirements are met.”USPS original
| Requirement | What the data user must meet |
|---|---|
| Equipment and software | MASS certified hardware and CASS Certified softwareMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 4“Licensee must use MASS certified address matching hardware and CASS Certified address matching software to obtain ZIP + 4/DPV confirmed address information to query the NCOALink Product.”USPS original |
| Weekly data | Installed within seven business days of its releaseMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 1“Licensees shall install the current weekly NCOALink database no later than seven (7) business days after it is made available via EPF.”USPS original |
| Location | Equipment inside the United States or its territoriesMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 3“The Mail Processing Equipment shall not be physically located outside the boundaries of the United States of America or its territories.”USPS original |
| Processing Acknowledgement Form | On file for each customer before processing, and kept six yearsMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 8“Licensee must, prior to processing any mailpieces or facsimiles through the NCOALink MPE process, have on file for each customer submitting mailpieces or facsimiles, a fully executed NCOALink Mail Processing Equipment Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF). … Original hardcopies of these executed forms shall be maintained by the Licensee and made available for Postal Service review for a period of six (6) years from the date of execution.”USPS original |
| Smallest job | 100 unique names and addressesMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 4“Process prepared mailpieces of at least 100 unique names and addresses with valid and active Customers IDs and reject processing requests for mailpieces of less than 100 unique names and addresses and invalid and inactive Customer IDs”USPS original |
| Returned pieces | Back to the customer within 72 hours, unless the customer asks in writing for longerMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 9“Licensee must return all mailpieces and facsimiles that obtained COA information as a result of the NCOALink MPE process within 72 hours of processing, unless a longer period is specified by the customer in writing.”USPS original |
| Change-of-address data | Never copied or kept, and destroyed within 72 hours of returning the piecesMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 7“The Licensee shall not copy, retain, store, or archive in any manner, change-ofaddress information obtained from the NCOALink MPE Product. … This information shall only be applied to mailpieces or facsimiles, after which it shall be destroyed completely within 72 hours of returning the mailpieces or facsimiles back to the customer.”USPS original |
| Service log | Sent to USPS monthly and kept five yearsMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 9“This service log shall be kept on a computer file and shall be submitted to USPS electronically on a monthly basis (see Exhibit B for format). … These service logs will be maintained and be made available for Postal Service review for a period of five (5) years.”USPS original |
| Repairs | Within 30 days of finding a deficiencyMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 9“Licensee shall repair or have repaired all equipment, hardware and/or software deficiencies related to the NCOALink MPE system within 30 days of identification of said deficiencies.”USPS original |
| Audit | At least 95% correct results, and no unexpected matchMPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 16“The percentage of audit file/deck input name and address records that achieve the correct result shall not be less than 95% when compared to the USPS expected results. … The audit file/deck output shall not result in a match that is not expected and would result in returning incorrect information that would eventually cause the misdirection of mail.”USPS original |
The equipment must run in one of five operational modes whenever it is connected to the certified platform.MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 12“Licensee must have the Mail Processing Equipment in one of five operational modes described below, at all times when using Mail Processing Equipment that is connected to the certified NCOALink MPE platform.”USPS original In Forwardable Mailpiece mode, matched pieces get the new address sprayed on and go straight into the mail.MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 12“Forwardable Mailpiece – Processing in which ZIP+ 4/DPC information is obtained and mailpieces that are matched to the NCOALink Product are sprayed with updated COA information for individuals, families and businesses. These mailpieces are immediately entered into the mailstream.”USPS original In Notification via Returned Mailpiece mode, updated pieces go back to the mailer.MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 12“Notification via Returned Mailpiece – Processing in which mailpieces that have been updated with new address information for individuals, families and businesses are returned to the mailer.”USPS original There, a piece with no new address available gets the literal NEW ADDRESS INFORMATION UNKNOWN.MPE Data User Licensee Performance Requirementspage 12“On mailpieces in which new address information obtained from the NCOALink MPE process is unavailable or unknown, the literal “NEW ADDRESS INFORMATION UNKNOWN” is sprayed on the mailpiece.”USPS original
A software developer programs the MPE software, and needs a separate license before anyone uses, sells or distributes it.MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 1“Developer is responsible for programming all necessary NCOALink MPE software. Prior to any use, sale and/or distribution of Developer’s NCOALink MPE software, Developer must obtain a separate license under one or more of the license categories authorizing said use, sale and/or distribution.”USPS original The software takes its address input from CASS Certified software, as a 9-digit ZIP+4 code and a standardized address.MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 3“Any Developer wishing to use, sell and/or distribute NCOALink MPE software interface must first develop software that uses as its address input the 9-digit ZIP + 4 code and standardized address output from the USPS CASS Certified software.”USPS original USPS sends a certification notice once the software meets every requirement.MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 3“Upon USPS determining that Developer has met all requirements in the license and that the software meets all USPS requirements, USPS will provide the Developer a certification notice for its proposed MPE software interface.”USPS original
The developer's software must reject a job of fewer than 100 unique names and addresses.MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 5“Reject prepared mailpieces of less than 100 unique names and addresses.”USPS original It enforces a 45-day expiration date from the date of the NCOALink data.MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 6“Enforce a 45-day expiration date based on the date of the NCOALink Product.”USPS original It includes a way to return change-of-address data to the customer in an electronic file.MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 5“Developer shall establish an application within the NCOALink MPE software for providing COA information back to the customer in an electronic file.”USPS original The developer must not export the product or its data outside the United States or its territories.MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance Requirementspage 3“Developer shall not export the NCOALink Product and/or datasets outside the boundaries of the United States of America or its territories.”USPS original
An interface distributor must first develop an MPE software interface, under a separate license, and get it certified.Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 1“Additionally, under separate license with USPS, Licensee must first develop an MPE software interface and obtain certification for that Interface.”USPS original It distributes only USPS certified interfaces.Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 1“Licensee must distribute only USPS certified NCOALink MPE software interfaces to access the NCOALink Product according to USPS specifications.”USPS original It must be able to validate customers' authorization codes, and to recall or disable the software of customers USPS suspends or terminates.Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 1“Validating customer authorization codes prior to distribution of software.”USPS originalMail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 2“Recalling or disabling software of customers suspended and/or terminated by USPS.”USPS original It keeps a distribution log and a monthly distribution report for each platform, each for five years.Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 2“Licensee must maintain a distribution log, which will be maintained and made available for Postal Service review for a period of five (5) years.”USPS originalMail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 3“The Licensee must maintain a monthly report of MPE interface distribution by each MPE platform. The report will be maintained and made available for Postal Service review for a period of five (5) years at the Licensee’s facility.”USPS original It supports its own customers and gives each a brochure that holds USPS's required text.Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 2“Licensee is responsible for providing all necessary customer support for its interface. … Each potential User wishing to purchase NCOALink MPE software must be provided with a product/service brochure by the Licensee.”USPS originalMail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 3“The Postal Service will provide the Licensee with the required text that, in addition to the Licensee’s own marketing material, must be included in, or with, its product/service brochure.”USPS original
User Guides
Quick Service Guides
Fact Sheets
- Checklist for Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) CertificationJune 21, 2012
- Licensing FeesJuly 17, 2026
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Data User Required Text DocumentJanuary 26, 2016
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Required Text DocumentJanuary 26, 2016
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF) RequirementsMay 3, 2012
Contact Lists
- MPE (Mail Processing Equipment) Service Provider LicenseesSeptember 1, 2026
Applications/Forms
- MPE Interface Distribution License AgreementJuly 16, 2026
- MPE Developer LicenseJuly 16, 2026
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Data User License AgreementJuly 16, 2026
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Processing Acknowledgement FormApril 13, 2023
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Data User Certification ProceduresFebruary 27, 2018
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Software Interface Certification ProceduresFebruary 27, 2018
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Certification ProceduresFebruary 27, 2018
Rules
Furthermore, I understand that NCOALink may not be used to create or maintain new movers’ lists.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 23“Furthermore, I understand that NCOALink may not be used to create or maintain new movers’ lists.”USPS original
A list owner may not use NCOALink to build or keep a list of people who have moved.
The service provider licensee must acquire this form from each customer before they can perform NCOALink processing.A 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
A service provider must have a customer's Processing Acknowledgement Form before it processes that customer's list.
The PAF must be renewed annually and the NCOALink licensee must retain a copy for six years and must make it available to USPS upon request.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 5“The PAF must be renewed annually and the NCOALink licensee must retain a copy for six years and must make it available to USPS upon request.”USPS original
The licensee must renew each form every year, keep a copy for six years, and show it to USPS when asked.
Any interface system that provides for, or allows data transfer between the interface and any other location or device, must enable the user/licensee to ensure that no COA information obtained from the NCOALink® system is intercepted, copied, rerouted, stored, retained, archived, or used for any purpose other than explicitly authorized in the license agreement.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 3“Any interface system that provides for, or allows data transfer between the interface and any other location or device, must enable the user/licensee to ensure that no COA information obtained from the NCOALink® system is intercepted, copied, rerouted, stored, retained, archived, or used for any purpose other than explicitly authorized in the license agreement.”USPS original
Software that moves data must let the licensee make sure no change-of-address data is copied, kept or used beyond what the license allows.
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.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · 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.”USPS original
Every address must go through CASS certified software before NCOALink sees it.
All foreign processing must be granted prior approval.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 14“All foreign processing must be granted prior approval.”USPS original
A licensee must have USPS approval before it processes a list for a foreign entity.
A one hundred unique record file minimum is required.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 3“A one hundred unique record file minimum is required.”USPS original
A file must hold at least 100 unique records.
Pure Family only matching is prohibited.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 5“Pure Family only matching is prohibited.”USPS original
Software must not match on family moves alone.
What goes wrong
USPS audits each End User licensee's NCOALink process with an audit file of known forwardable and non-forwardable addresses.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 4“The audit file will test Licensee’s NCOALink software with a series of known forwardable addresses and known non-forwardable addresses to validate Licensee’s ability to query the NCOALink Product and return the appropriate output responses.”USPS original At least 99% of the audit records must get the correct result.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 5“The percentage of audit file input name and address records that achieve the correct result shall not be less than 99% when compared to USPS expected results.”USPS original The output must not contain an unexpected match, since that would misdirect mail.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 5“The audit file output shall not result in a match that is not expected and would result in returning incorrect information that would eventually cause the misdirection of mail.”USPS original
Auditing happens once a year, or as USPS specifies.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 4“Auditing will be performed once annually or as specified by USPS. If necessary, subsequent audits due to failures must be completed within the annual license period to prevent suspension and/or termination.”USPS original A licensee that fails must pass a later audit within the license year to avoid suspension or termination.NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 4“Auditing will be performed once annually or as specified by USPS. If necessary, subsequent audits due to failures must be completed within the annual license period to prevent suspension and/or termination.”USPS original
The Processing Acknowledgement Form may protect the licensee when a mailer abuses the results, for example to build a list of new movers.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 5“May protect the licensee if a mailer uses the processing results for reasons that abuse the intended use of the product such as creating a list of new movers.”USPS original USPS takes punitive action when a customer, agent or licensee knowingly supplies false information on the form.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 26“Punitive action will be taken by the USPS if the customer, agent or licensee is found to have knowingly supplied false information.”USPS original A licensee that fails to capture the data on every party handling a list between it and the list owner can lose its license.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 16“So, data for any company/person who is handling a mailing list between the LICENSEE and LIST OWNER must be provided to the USPS to comply with this law. … Failure to capture all data can result in the Termination of your license.”USPS original
In December 2014, USPS's Licensing and Certification Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service began onsite reviews at licensees' sites.PostalPro: NCOALink®“In a coordinated effort that began in December 2014, the Licensing and Certification Department and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) have teamed up to conduct NCOALink onsite reviews at Licensees’ site locations.”USPS original
Full and Limited Service Providers violate their agreements when they serve an entity outside the Territory, or use updated lists there.PostalPro: NCOALink®“Licensee agrees that it violates this Agreement to provide Services to an Entity located or operating outside of the Territory or using the Updated Mailing Lists outside of the Territory.”USPS original For an approved foreign request, the customer gives the licensee a Processing Acknowledgement Form and a letter of intent from the foreign entity.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 14“The NCOALink Licensee will have the customer provide the following items: 1. A completed NCOALink PAF (Processing Acknowledgement Form) identifying all parties in the process. 2. A Letter of Intent (LOI) from the foreign entity requesting the processing.”USPS original USPS does not process an incomplete request.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 14“The USPS will not process incomplete requests.”USPS original
When NCOALink MPE equipment can't print the new address on flats, they go back to the mailer, are destroyed or are mailed at full rate.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFsPDF page 38“If flat mailpieces are processed on equipment in which COA information is unable to be sprayed on the mailpieces, mailpieces are either returned to the mailer, destroyed or mailed at full rate.”USPS original
Terms
- National Change of AddressNCOA
- a system of record for all COA requests and is used to produce the NCOALink product.Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 5“a system of record for all COA requests and is used to produce the NCOALink product.”USPS original
- Licensee
- one who has been certified and licensed by the USPS to perform NCOALink® processingNCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 3“one who has been certified and licensed by the USPS to perform NCOALink® processing”USPS original
- End UserEUM, End User Mailer, NCOALink End User License
- a licensee that uses the NCOALink® product to update mailing lists for its own mailingsMove Update Methods Requirements Fact Sheetpage 1“a licensee that uses the NCOALink® product to update mailing lists for its own mailings”USPS original
- List Owner
- The owner of the mail created from this list; the one party in the process that is driving the mail without whom no mailing would occurA Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 6“The owner of the mail created from this list; the one party in the process that is driving the mail without whom no mailing would occur”USPS original
- Broker-AgentBroker or Agent
- an external third party who generates business for a LicenseeNCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 52“an external third party who generates business for a Licensee”USPS original
- Move Effective DateMED
- an addressee’s move dateGuide to Move Updatepage 20“an addressee’s move date”USPS original
- Standardized Input
- the original address record that is appended with the correct 5-digit ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code, other postal values and any other intelligence flags or footnotes that result from the CASS™ processing segment of the NCOALink processing jobGuide to Move Updatepage 60“the original address record that is appended with the correct 5-digit ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code, other postal values and any other intelligence flags or footnotes that result from the CASS™ processing segment of the NCOALink processing job”USPS original
- ANKLink optionANKLink
- an extended option to the 18 month version of NCOALink®NCOALink® End User Performance Requirementspage 19“an extended option to the 18 month version of NCOALink®”USPS original
- National Change-of-Address Link Mail Processing EquipmentNCOALink MPE, NCOALink MPE service, NCOALink MPE processing, NCOALink MPE solution, NCOALink Mail Processing Equipment
- 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 mailpieceGuide to Move Updatepage 23“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
- Electronic Product FulfillmentEPF, Electronic Product Fulfillment (EPF) web site, Electronic Fulfillment Website
- A secure web-based application managed by the National Customer Support Center in Memphis TN that is used to post and receive Address Management and Address Information System products, including ACS fulfillment files.Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™page 43“A secure web-based application managed by the National Customer Support Center in Memphis TN that is used to post and receive Address Management and Address Information System products, including ACS fulfillment files.”USPS original
- Move UpdateMove Update standard, Move Update address quality standard
- 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 ServiceGuide to Move Updatepage 13“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
- Mail Processing AgentMPA
- an entity that provides printing and mailing services at multiple retail locations.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 9“an entity that provides printing and mailing services at multiple retail locations.”USPS original
Documents
Tech Guides
- NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideApril 18, 2023
- Advertising Technical GuideMarch 2, 2018
User Guides
- Guide to Move UpdateJanuary 18, 2024
- NCOALink® End User Performance RequirementsApril 17, 2023
- NCOALink® Software Developer Performance Requirements for End UserApril 14, 2023
- NCOALink® Software Developer Performance Requirements for Service ProviderApril 14, 2023
- NCOALink® Full Service Provider Performance RequirementsApril 14, 2023
- MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance RequirementsApril 14, 2023
- MPE Data User Licensee Performance RequirementsApril 14, 2023
- NCOALink® Limited Service Provider Licensee Performance RequirementsApril 14, 2023
- A Complete Guide to Processing PAFsApril 13, 2023
- NCOALink® Reports Master File DescriptionsJanuary 11, 2023
- NCOALink® Software Interface Distributor Performance RequirementsApril 22, 2019
- TrademarksMarch 2, 2018
- NCOALink® Software Interface Distributor Certification ProceduresFebruary 28, 2018
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance RequirementsFebruary 27, 2018
- NCOALink® Software Interface Distributor Required Text DocumentJanuary 26, 2016
Publications
- Guide to Move UpdateJanuary 18, 2024
Announcements
- A Complete Guide to Processing PAFsApril 13, 2023
- Alternative Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF) Renewal PolicyOctober 8, 2013
- Licensing Announcement: Instructions on Submitting MPE Audit Test Decks for GradingJune 24, 2016
- Licensing Announcement: Reminder on Processing NCOALink® MPE Audit Test DecksMay 25, 2016
Quick Service Guides
Fact Sheets
- Checklist for Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) CertificationJune 21, 2012
- Licensing FeesJuly 17, 2026
- NCOALink® End User Monthly Electronic Product Fulfillment (EPF) ScheduleDecember 5, 2024
- Clarification to the Move Update StandardJuly 1, 2016
- Licensing Announcement: Instructions on Submitting MPE Audit Test Decks for GradingJune 24, 2016
- Licensing Announcement: Reminder on Processing NCOALink® MPE Audit Test DecksMay 25, 2016
- Combined Required Text Documents (RTD)January 26, 2016
- Full and Limited Service Provider NCOALink® with ANKLink® Required Text DocumentJanuary 26, 2016
- Mail Processing Agent Required TextJanuary 26, 2016
- Service Provider Required Text DocumentJanuary 26, 2016
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Data User Required Text DocumentJanuary 26, 2016
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Required Text DocumentJanuary 26, 2016
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF) RequirementsMay 3, 2012
FAQs
- Move Update Compliance for Non-U.S. Mailers FAQsSeptember 26, 2016
Data Files
- NCOALink® StatisticsDecember 3, 2025
Release Notes
- Reminder on the importance of Completing the PAF AccuratelySeptember 1, 2016
- Updated REST Web Services DocumentationAugust 26, 2016
- Licensing Announcement: Loading NCOALink® UpdatesJanuary 4, 2010
- NCOALink® Enhancement AdvisementMay 4, 2009
- NCOALink® Foreign ProcessingDecember 19, 2008
- Service Provider PAF and RTDNovember 7, 2008
- Licensing Announcement: USPS® NCOALink® Full and Limited Service LicenseesFebruary 15, 2008
Contact Lists
- NCOALink® Limited Service Provider LicenseesSeptember 10, 2026
- MPE (Mail Processing Equipment) Service Provider LicenseesSeptember 1, 2026
- NCOALink® with ANKLink® Service ProvidersFebruary 2, 2026
- NCOALink® Licensed Interface DistributorsFebruary 2, 2026
- NCOALink® Certified Software DevelopersFebruary 2, 2026
- NCOALink® Full Service Provider LicenseesFebruary 2, 2026
Applications/Forms
- NCOALink® Full Service Provider License Agreement v36 (7/15/2026)July 17, 2026
- NCOALink® Limited Service Provider License Agreement v30 (7/15/2026)July 17, 2026
- NCOALink® Software Interface Distributor License Agreement v30 (7/15/2026)July 17, 2026
- NCOALink® End User License Agreement v30 (7/15/2026)July 17, 2026
- NCOALink® Software Developer License Agreement v29 (7/15/2026)July 17, 2026
- MPE Interface Distribution License AgreementJuly 16, 2026
- MPE Developer LicenseJuly 16, 2026
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Data User License AgreementJuly 16, 2026
- Electronic Product Fulfillment (EPF) Web Access Request Form (PS 5116)June 30, 2026
- Combined NCOALink® Processing Acknowledgement FormApril 13, 2023
- Mail Processing Agent NCOALink® Processing Acknowledgement FormApril 13, 2023
- Service Provider Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF)April 13, 2023
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Processing Acknowledgement FormApril 13, 2023
- NCOALink® Compliance Testing FormMay 31, 2018
- Continuity of Operations Site Certification Procedures (PDF)February 28, 2018
- Licensing and Certification Key Personnel Form for NCOALink®February 28, 2018
- NCOALink® Software Developer Certification ProceduresFebruary 28, 2018
- NCOALink® End User Certification ProceduresFebruary 28, 2018
- Service Provider Certification ProceduresFebruary 28, 2018
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Data User Certification ProceduresFebruary 27, 2018
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Software Interface Certification ProceduresFebruary 27, 2018
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Certification ProceduresFebruary 27, 2018
- NCOALink® Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Key Personnel FormFebruary 27, 2018
- NCOALink® and Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) User License AgreementMay 20, 2016
- ANKLink® Request FormApril 22, 2008
Contacts
A customer with a question about its results must ask its processor first.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 26“An NCOALink customer with questions about the specific results returned from an NCOALink process must first contact the processor for explanation and resolution.”USPS original An MPE licensee with a question about its interface or its results must first ask its software distributor.Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance Requirementspage 7“An NCOALink MPE Licensee with questions about specific processes within an NCOALink MPE software interface and/or results returned from an NCOALink MPE process must first contact the software distributor for explanation and resolution.”USPS original
USPS supports NCOALink through the National Customer Support Center in Memphis, Tennessee.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 3“The USPS provides support for this system through the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) in Memphis TN.”USPS original Its NCOA department takes administration and technical questions at 800-589-5766 or ncoalink@usps.gov.NCOALink® User Technical Reference GuideEffective April 13, 2023 · page 3“For all administration and technical information regarding this product please contact the NCOA department at 800-589-5766 or email at ncoalink@usps.gov.”USPS original A licensee sends a foreign processing request by mail or by email to ncoalink@usps.gov.A Complete Guide to Processing PAFspage 14“The Licensee will then submit the formal request including the above information by one of the following methods: … Email: ncoalink@usps.gov”USPS original
Sources
- PostalPro: NCOALink®USPS original
- Guide to Move UpdateUSPS original
- NCOALink® User Technical Reference Guide, Effective April 13, 2023USPS original
- A Complete Guide to Processing PAFsUSPS original
- NCOALink® End User Performance RequirementsUSPS original
- MPE Data User Licensee Performance RequirementsUSPS original
- PostalPro: Mail Processing Equipment Service Provider LicenseesUSPS original
- MPE DEV SPR: MPE Software Developer Software and Hardware Performance RequirementsUSPS original
- Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Interface Distribution Licensee Performance RequirementsUSPS original
- Licensing FeesUSPS original
- Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryUSPS original
- Move Update Methods Requirements Fact SheetUSPS original
- Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™USPS original