USPS Move Update

Date: November 14th, 2008

Beginning November 23, 2008 USPS "Move Update" requires that mailers use names and addresses that were updated no earlier than 95 days prior to the date of mailing.

The names and addresses in your files are up to date and meet the standard if you are mailing to your address files, at a minimum, every 95 days. Those who mail customer bills every 30, 60 or 90 days meet this requirement.

The first time you mail to a new customer also meets the requirement because the customer has requested goods or services.

The "Move Update" requirement is not the same as the "CASS" process used to standardize addresses and assign a correct zip+4 and delivery point. "Move Update" is designed to reduce the number of mail pieces that are undeliverable as addressed because the person is no longer at the address. Mail that is addressed to "Water District Customer" or "Current Resident", for example, is not subject to this standard.

"Move Update" is not a new program. Effective November 23, 2008 the standards are now applicable to standard mail as well as first class mail, and the time period has been shortened from 195 days to 95 days. You may also see reference to "NCOA" in connection with this program. Mailers who must validate their mailing lists before mailing may upload their lists to a "National Change of Address" service provider for validation.