More Than 45 Million Americans Change Their Addresses Each Year

Many of them are good customers of yours --- customers you value and who
are important enough for you to communicate with through the mail.
However, not all of them have told you that they have moved.

If you want to keep these customers, you need to make sure your mail
reaches them. That is why it is good business to update your address
lists now.

The Postal Service^®^ is committed to increasing customer value. That is
one of the key goals of our Vision 2013 Plan. We do that by working with
customers like you to update databases frequently and accurately so
addresses are correct. But that's not all. By analyzing your business
processes, we can identify ways to improve those processes. That is
where Move Update comes in; it is one of many ways to help you reach
your customers efficiently and cost-effectively.

Updating Reduces Waste

Every mailpiece, regardless of class, has two critical pieces of
information --- the intended recipient and the recipient's address. When
both are accurate and complete, the Postal Service can deliver the mail
quickly and easily.

If the address is incorrect or missing an element or the recipient has
moved, the mailpiece could become undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail.
Such mail causes loss of time, effort and money for the Postal Service
--- and you --- the mailer.

This publication describes four primary and two alternative Move Update
methods for updating your mailing list and answers commonly asked
questions.

Move Update

Mailers who plan to claim discounted First-Class Mail^®^ and Standard
Mail^®^ prices must meet the Move Update standard for updating
addresses.

Effective November 2008, the Postal Service required all addresses on
mailings that receive discounts for First-Class Mail^®^ or Standard
Mail^®^ service, whether presorted or automation (or carrier route, for
Standard Mail), to undergo address correction within 95 days of the
mailing. The Postal Service offers mailers four primary and two
alternative Move Update methods. Mailers can meet the Move Update
standard in the following ways:

**Primary Move Update Methods:**

1.  Ancillary Service Endorsement

2.  OneCode ACS^®^/ACS™

3.  NCOA^Link®^

4.  *FASTforward^®^*

**Alternative Move Update Methods:**

1.  Legal Restraint

2.  99 Percent Accurate

***Note:*** Alternative Move Update methods apply to First-Class Mail
only.

A mailer wishing to enter mail at a discounted price must certify, on
the postage statement submitted, that the address on each mailpiece have
been updated within the previous 95 days.

Newly Acquired Addresses

When a customer's newly acquired address is added to a mailing list as a
result of purchasing goods or services or requesting information, the
mailer can use the new address for the first 95 days, newly acquired
addresses currently meet the Move Update standard. After 95 days, the
address must be verified during the next Move Update cycle along with
the other addresses.

Primary Move Update Methods

Ancillary Service Endorsement

Mailers may use an ancillary service endorsement to (1) request a
hard-copy notification of the addressee's new address; and (2) tell the
Postal Service how to handle UAA mail. Mailers may combine ancillary
service endorsements with other approved Move Update methods.

Mailers wishing to meet the Move Update standard while using an
ancillary service endorsement must send at least one letter or mailpiece
to the address: (1) with an approved ancillary service endorsement at
either a single-piece First-Class Mail price or via another class of
mail not subject to the Move Update standard and (2) within 95 days
prior to the use of the address in a discounted First-Class Mail or
Standard Mail mailing.

Mailers must keep address-correction records for up to 2 years in case
the Postal Service asks them for documentation showing that they met the
Move Update standard.

To complete the Move Update process, mailers who used the ancillary
service endorsement must make the address changes before mailing to the
address again.

Ancillary service endorsement requirements differ for First-Class Mail
and Standard Mail, as follows:

**First-Class Mail**

Mailers can meet the Move Update standard for First-Class Mail service
by using any of the following endorsements:

-   **Return Service Requested.** The Postal Service returns UAA
    mailpieces with a new permanent address or the reason for
    nondelivery at no charge.

-   **Temp-Return Service Requested (First-Class Mail only).** The
    Postal Service: (1) returns UAA mailpieces with a new permanent
    address or the reason for nondelivery at no charge; and (2) forwards
    the mail for which there is a temporary Change of Address (COA) at
    no charge, but does not provide a separate notice of a new temporary
    COA.

-   **Change Service Requested.** The Postal Service disposes of the
    mailpiece and returns a PS Form 3547, *Notice to Mailer of
    Correction in Address,* with a new permanent address or the reason
    for nondelivery at the \$0.50 address correction fee.

-   **Address Service Requested.** The fees charged and services
    provided for Address Service Requested vary by the time period, as
    set forth in the following table:

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **For months...**      **the Postal Service...**    **your fee is...**
  ---------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------
  1--12                  forwards the mail            \$0.00

                         provides a separate hardcopy \$0.50 address
                         notice of new address        correction fee

  13--18                 returns the mail with a new  \$0.00
                         address attached             

  Greater than 18 months returns the mail with the    \$0.00
  or undeliverable       reason for nondelivery       
                         attached                     
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Standard Mail**

Mailers can meet the Move Update standard for Standard Mail service by
using the following endorsements:

-   **Return Service Requested.** The Postal Service returns UAA
    mailpieces with a new permanent address or the reason for
    nondelivery applied to the mailpiece at the single-piece,
    First-Class Mail or Priority Mail (if the piece is over 13 ounces)
    price.

-   **Change Service Requested.** The Postal Service disposes of the
    mailpiece and returns a PS Form 3547, *Notice to Mailer of
    Correction in Address,* with a new permanent address or the reason
    for nondelivery at the \$0.50 address correction fee.

-   **Address Service Requested.** The fees charged and services
    provided for Address Service Requested vary by the time period, as
    set forth in the following table:

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **For months...**      **the Postal Service...**    **your fee is...**
  ---------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------
  1--12                  forwards the mail            \$0.00

                         provides a separate hardcopy \$0.50 address
                         notice of new address        correction fee

  13--18                 returns the mail with a new  weighted fee\*
                         address attached             

  Greater than 18 months returns the mail with the    weighted fee\*
  or undeliverable       reason for nondelivery       
                         attached                     
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

\*See *Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,* Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM^®^) 507.1.5 for more information.

Address Change Service

There are two separate and distinct versions of ACS, as follows:

**OneCode ACS**

OneCode ACS is available for all classes and shapes of mail except
Package Services and parcels, and uses an Intelligent Mail^®^ barcode
that identifies the mailer and the type of service.

For Standard Mail, OneCode ACS requires a printed ancillary service
endorsement in conjunction with an Intelligent Mail barcode and a mailer
ID.

Mailers using OneCode ACS receive notifications via a secure Web site.

**Traditional**

Traditional ACS is available for all classes of mail. The mailer must
include a printed ancillary service endorsement and an alpha participant
code to activate the ACS data in the address block. A keyline is
recommended but optional.

For the fee structure, see DMM 507.4.1

Mailers using traditional ACS can select how frequently they receive
address correction notifications: daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, or
bimonthly. They can receive notifications electronically via a secure
Web site or a CD-ROM.

**Both Programs**

The following applies to OneCode ACS/ACS programs:

-   Address Service Requested, Change Service Requested, and Electronic
    Service Requested are authorized ancillary service endorsements.

-   Address correction and mailpiece disposition options must be
    incorporated in the mailer profile maintained by the NCSC ACS
    department.

-   Traditional ACS mailers receive notifications electronically via a
    secure Web site or a CD-ROM.

-   OneCode ACS with IMB mailers are notified electronically of a COA or
    a reason for nondelivery and when mailpiece modifications are
    required.

-   Processing COA information electronically speeds entry, reduces
    errors, and lowers processing costs.

Keep in mind, to complete the Move Update process, mailers who rely on
ACS or printed ancillary service endorsements without ACS, must
incorporate the address changes received within 95 days prior to
subsequent mailings. If an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at
one class of mail is updated with an approved method, the same address
may be used during the following 95 days in another mailing as well as
another class of mail, and meets the Move Update standard.

Mailers who wish to participate in either program must apply to the ACS
department at the National Customer Support Center (NCSC). For further
information, go to [*http://ribbs.usps.gov/*](http://ribbs.usps.gov/) or
contact the NCSC ACS department at 800-640-0724.

NCOA^Link^

NCOA^Link^ is available only through companies licensed by the Postal
Service™. Licenses are available for 18-month and 48-month databases.
The mailer's electronic list is matched with permanent COA orders sent
to the Postal Service by individuals, families, and businesses. Updated
COA records are provided to NCOA^Link^ licensees weekly or monthly based
on their license agreement. Before using the mailing list processed
through NCOA^Link^, the mailer must update the address changes prior to
mailing. By using NCOA^Link^ before mailing, the mailer reduces UAA
handling costs for the Postal Service and the mailer.

NCOA^Link^ verifies and provides mailers with documentation showing the
date the record was updated and that the Move Update standard has been
met,

Information about the types of NCOA^Link^ licenses available is shown in
the table below:

  ------------------------------ -------------------- --------------------
  **NCOA^Link^ License**         **Number of Months   **Update Frequency**
                                 COA Database Is in   
                                 Effect**             

  Full Service Provider          48                   Weekly

  Limited Service Provider       18                   Weekly

  End User                       18                   Monthly
  ------------------------------ -------------------- --------------------

For details about NCOA^Link^ and how you can acquire a license, go to
[*http://ribbs.usps.gov/*](http://ribbs.usps.gov/) or contact the NCSC
NCOA^Link^ department by e-mail at *<ncoalink@usps.gov>* or by calling
800-589-5766.

*FASTforward*

Mailers may comply with the Move Update standard using *FASTforward*
Multiline Optical Character Reader (MLOCR), which updates each mailpiece
as it is being barcoded and prepared for mailing as automation mail.
Licensed *FASTforward* MLOCR users must get an approved interface from
their MLOCR vendors. As a mailpiece runs through the MLOCR, the names
and addresses are checked against a Postal Service encrypted database
that contains permanent COA records and updates from the previous 13
months. If a COA is applicable, the correct address and barcode are
sprayed on the mailpiece.

Mailers using *FASTforward* have the option of using *FASTforward* Move
Update Notification (FFMUN), to receive electronic files of COAs matched
during the MLOCR run. For details, go to
[*http://ribbs.usps.gov/*](http://ribbs.usps.gov/), click on Move Update
on the left side of page.

Alternative Move Update Methods

The Alternative Move Update methods, Legal Restraint and 99 Percent
Accurate, apply to First-Class Mail only. A mailer's use of either
method must be approved by NCSC. To find out if you qualify, call the
NCSC NCOA^Link^ department at 800-589-5766.

Legal Restraint Method

Mailers who claim they are restricted by law from incorporating Postal
Service COA information into their mailing lists without permission from
addressees may request NCSC approval to meet their Move Update
requirements using the Legal Restraint method. Unless the mailer is a
federal, state, or local government entity, the request for approval
must include a citation and copies of the applicable legal statutes or
regulations. Federal, state, and local government entities must request
approval, but they do not have to submit citations.

Mailers wishing to use the Legal Restraint method must follow steps 1
through 5 below:

1.  Receive Postal Service COA information using one of the primary
    methods (OneCode ACS/ACS, NCOA^Link^, *FASTforward,* or printed
    ancillary service endorsement) no more than 95 days before the
    mailing.

2.  For each address identified as a COA (as in step 1 above), contact
    the addressee within 30 days after receiving the COA information to
    request confirmation of the move in a format that will satisfy legal
    requirements. The mailer chooses the format with which to receive
    confirmation from the addressee --- written, telephoned, or
    electronic. Then the mailer sends written notification to the new
    address.

3.  All COA confirmations received in response to step 2 must be
    incorporated into the list within 30 days of receipt from the
    customer.

4.  Must keep documentation of the process described in steps 1 to 3 for
    2 years, including dates on which each step was performed, number of
    COAs identified, number of confirmation requests, and evidence to
    demonstrate that updates have been incorporated into the list.

5.  Provide documentation to the Postal Service upon request.

99 Percent Accurate Method

Some mailers believe their customers diligently notify them of address
changes, making their address lists as accurate as possible. They claim
that the Postal Service update methods are unnecessary and add no value.

Mailers who believe their lists are already accurate may meet their Move
Update requirements by using a printed ancillary service endorsement (at
minimal cost if the list is up-to-date), or getting approval from NCSC
and following the validation process described in steps 1 through 4
below:

1.  Provide an address list in an electronic format that meets Postal
    Service guidelines. The mailer must identify the name of the list
    and include 100 percent of the addresses in the list. The Postal
    Service will match the list against its COA information for an
    initial charge of \$1 per thousand addresses and a minimum charge of
    \$100. If a mailer needs help to format the files, the mailer must
    pay a setup fee of \$500. For a minimum fee of \$6,000, a Postal
    Service representative will visit a mailer's site to format the
    files.

2.  If the mailing list contains 1 percent or fewer name and address
    combinations for which COAs have been filed and meets the CASS™
    address quality standards, then the mailer will be permitted to mail
    based on the validation process. The mailer will receive written
    documentation from NCSC that the list has met the Move Update
    standard. NCSC documentation will identify the list by name, number
    of addresses that matched the NCOA^Link^ file, and the percentage of
    the list that the matching addresses represent. Addresses that match
    will be identified so that the mailer can update the address
    information. If COAs exceed 1 percent, then the mailer must use one
    of the four primary Move Update methods and will be permitted to
    reapply for an alternative method after 3 months.

3.  Mailers whose lists meet the 1 percent requirement may mail using
    the validation process for the next year. If the list does not
    remain in compliance, NCSC will notify the mailer in writing that
    approval for alternative Move Update processing has been withdrawn.
    The mailer must then use one of the four primary Move Update methods
    and will have to wait 6 months to reapply for the alternative
    method.

4.  Repeat steps 1 and 2 annually.

If the mailing list is in compliance after the third year, the mailer
will be permitted to mail based on the validation process for the next 4
years. However, at the end of each 4-year cycle the mailer must show
that the mailing complies with current standards. If the list does not
meet compliance standards, then it must be revalidated using the initial
verification process.

Mailers who have reached the 4-year cycle must submit an annual letter
to the Postal Service confirming their eligibility and identifying any
changes to their business, as follows:

-   Merger or acquisition of the company whose list is validated.

-   Increase in the customer base or the address data that make up the
    mailing list that is greater than 1 percent of the total list.

-   Changes in or modifications to the address matching tools used in
    the CASS, NCOA^Link^, or *FASTforward* processes.

-   Change in the type of business originally validated.

-   Change in the systems that maintain address information that
    requires customers to change how they update their addresses.

After receiving and reviewing the mailer's annual update letter, the
Postal Service will determine if the list needs to be revalidated. If
revalidation is needed, the Postal Service must test the list within 90
days of receiving the update letter.

Using Updated Address lists for Other Classes of Mail

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.
Address Change Service) and the same address is used in a First-Class
Mail or Standard mailing within 95 days after the address has been
updated.

If in Doubt, Ask

The Postal Service is eager to guide you through each Move Update
method. Our goal is to give you the best service at the lowest cost.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please email
the Move Update department <ncsc.moveupdate@usps.gov>, visit the Postal
Service Web site at
*[www.usps.com/ncsc/services/](http://www.usps.com/ncsc/services/)* or
call NCSC at 800-238-3150.

Move Update Questions and Answers

ACS^®^ / OneCode ACS^®^

**Q1:** **I am preparing my first direct mail campaign using Standard
Mail. I purchased a mailing list. The broker said I need to do the Move
Update processing before I mail and that I can not use an ancillary
service endorsement or ACS/OneCode ACS on my mailpieces to meet the Move
Update standard. Is this true?**

A1: Your broker is correct. An ancillary service endorsement or
ACS/OneCode ACS cannot be used to qualify the first mailing to an
address, unless you received that address directly from your customer
within 95 days of your mailing. You must use a pre-mailing Move Update
method, i.e., NCOA^Link^ or *FASTforward* MLOCR, to catch potential UAA
addresses due to customer moves before you mail. For all of your
subsequent mailings to that address, you may use a post-mailing Move
Update method, i.e., ancillary service endorsement or ACS/OneCode ACS,
as long as no more than 95 days have transpired until your next mailing.
When you receive a change of address notification simply update your
customer's record within your mailing list and use that new address for
future mailings.

**Q2:** **Once I use a pre-mailing Move Update method for all addresses
I am mailing to for the first time, then I can use ancillary service
endorsements or ACS/OneCode ACS for subsequent mailings. Can I use
[any]{.underline} ancillary service endorsement on my mailpieces to meet
the Move Update requirement for those mailings?**

A2: No. There are certain endorsements that can be used as a stand-alone
method for meeting the Move Update requirement. For First-Class Mail,
the following endorsements meet the Move Update standard as a
stand-alone method: Address Service Requested, Return Service Requested,
and Temp-Return Service Requested. For Standard Mail, the following
endorsements meet the Move Update standard as a stand-alone method:
Address Service Requested, Return Service Requested, and Change Service
Requested.

On First-Class Mail, Change Service Requested is only available when
used in conjunction with ACS. Electronic Service Requested must be used
in conjunction with ACS/OneCode ACS. Forwarding Service Requested does
not meet the Move Update standard. For more information about the use of
each endorsement, see DMM section 507.1 at
*<http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/507.htm>.*

NON-U.S. MAILERS

A foreign mailer can use NCOA^Link^, *FASTforward*, ACS (OneCode or
Traditional), and Ancillary Service Endorsements with some restrictions.

**Q3:** **If I want to use ACS or OneCode ACS, can I get electronic
address corrections if my place of business is in Canada?**

A3: Yes. If the business in Canada has a domestic US return address; ACS
and OneCode ACS can be used.

ACS and OneCode ACS are dependent upon the mailer's request for
ancillary service endorsement and in many cases require a printed
endorsement in addition to the service request embedded in the
Intelligent Mail Barcode. The same dependency on the domestic return
address printed on the front of the mailpiece would also apply to ACS
and OneCode ACS mail.

DMM 602 1.5.3 requires that the sender's domestic return address must
appear legibly on mail of any class, when its return and/or an address
correction service is requested.

> Fulfillment of ACS address change information may be retrieved
> electronically via a secure Internet site. The NCSC provides a login
> and password to the ACS participant. If Traditional ACS is requested,
> CD-ROM media can be mailed only to a domestic address.
>
> **Q4: We plan to use the Intelligent Mail Barcode on First-Class Mail
> to request OneCode ACS service and are not required to print an
> ancillary service endorsement on the mailpiece to request address
> correction service. Am I eligible to receive electronic address
> corrections even though my return address is not a domestic US
> address?**

A4: All mail requesting address correction services is required to bear
a domestic US return address. The address correction service that is
requested through the Intelligent Mail Barcode will require the use of a
domestic return address to be eligible to receive the address
correction.

Alternative Methods

> **Q5:** **If I believe my list is accurate, when should I submit my
> files to the NCSC in Memphis for testing?**

A5: This verification process takes approximately 7 to 10 business days.
Therefore, you should submit an application for approval as soon as
possible; keeping in mind your preparation needs

and desired mailing date.

**Q6: Can a mailer who constantly polls for correct address information
meet the Move Update standard (e.g., "Check this box to indicate whether
you have moved. If you have, provide your new mailing address.")?**

A6: No. Mailers eligible to use an alternative Move Update method maybe
able to use this type of polling to maintain the required 99 percent
accuracy rate as an alternative method.

**Q7: My business does not maintain a mailing list with an
address-update cycle. How does the**

**Move Update standard apply when my customer provides an address?**

A7: If you send the mailpiece to the address within 95 days of the date
the address was provided by

the customer, the address complies with the Move Update standard. If you
use the address 95

days or more after it was provided, you must use a pre-mailing method
such as NCOA^Link^ or

*FASTforward* or a post-mailing method i.e., as a printed ancillary
service endorsement for address

correction. In most instances, if the mailpiece is mailed shortly after
the address was provided, the

address will not change, and the mailpiece will be delivered as
addressed.

**Q8: How do I meet the Move Update standard when mailing to an address
recently added to my address list?**

A8: The Move Update process is name-and-address-based, not list-based.
When a customer

contacts a business and provides the address, the newly added address
can "ride" with the list within the 95 day period. After 95 days the
address must be processed through one of the Move Update methods. The
address will be added to the list only if the customer has requested
services or literature or has purchased merchandise.

If an address is added to the list not because a customer contacted a
business but for another reason, the address will not qualify for an
automated discount unless the mailer can provide the Move Update
documentation showing proof of the update. Otherwise, the initial
mailing must be processed through NCOALink or FASTforward or mailed at
the single-piece price. If the pieces in

this initial mailing contain ancillary service endorsements the address
can be added to your

normal update cycle if the next mailing incorporates the address within
95 days.

If the address list is rented to another party for the purpose of
mailing at discounted rates and that list has a blend of established and
newly acquired customers, the list owner must provide Move Update
documentation to prove that all of the addresses on the list have been
updated. If the address list is distributed to additional mailers (e.g.
by a second party to others or by a third- party), the addresses must be
processed through one of the Move Update methods and the Move

Update documentation must accompany the address list.

The accommodation of "first time mailing" is not expected to raise an
issue with evaluation of Move Update compliance as these addresses are
expected to be current and not have an active change of address. In the
event that these first time mailing addresses are not current, and there
is an active COA, then it is typically expected they will not be in
excess of the 95-day elapse between the Move-Effective-Date (MED) and
the mail entry date. In the event these first time

mailing addresses do have a COA that was entered more than 95 days
prior, then the USPS

questions how these addresses are defined to be "newly acquired". The
USPS would recommend

that mailers in doubt as to the currency of any address prior to mailing
should use NCOA^Link^ to

"reset" the address currency for the purpose of mailing.

99 Percent List

**Q9: I bought a mailing list from a certified Alternative Move Update
Method mailer. How long can I use the list and meet the Move Update
standard?**

A9: The clock for the 95-day cycle begins on the date the names and
addresses were extracted out of

the mailer's database, not when they were sold or when you received
them.

Ancillary Service Endorsements

**Q10: [Standard Mail Mailer:]{.underline} Will I be able to use
ancillary service endorsement on my mailpiece**

**to meet the Move Update standard? What is the best ancillary service
endorsement for**

**Standard Mail?**

> A10: Mailers can meet the Move Update standard for Standard Mail
> service by using the following

endorsements:

 

> **Return Service Requested.**  Use when you always want the mailpiece
> back when it cannot be delivered as addressed.  The Postal Service
> returns UAA mailpieces with a new permanent address or the reason for
> non-delivery applied to the mailpiece at the single-piece, First Class
> Mail price or Priority Mail priced for pieces over 13 ounces.
>
> **Change Service Requested.**  Use when you are only interested in
> receiving the new address information, or the reason for non-delivery,
> and you do not want the mailpiece returned.  The Postal Service
> disposes of the mailpiece and returns a PS Form 3547, *Notice to
> Mailer of Correction in Address,* with a new permanent address or the
> reason for non-delivery at the \$0.50 address correction fee or
> applicable ACS/OneCode ACS fee.

 

> **Address Service Requested.** Use when you want your mailpiece to be
> forwarded to a customer's new address. A separate notice is returned
> to you with the customer's new address.
>
> **For Standard Mail pieces not using ACS:** If no COA is on file, the
> mailpiece is returned with reason of non-delivery at weighted fee. 
> **If COA is on file,** fees are charged and services provided as set
> forth in table below.
>
>  
>
> The fees charged and services provided for Address Service Requested
> vary by the time period, as set forth in the following table:

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **For months...**      **the Postal Service...**    **your fee is...**
  ---------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------
  1--12                  forwards the mail            \$0.00

                         provides a separate hardcopy \$0.50 address
                         notice of new address        correction fee

  13--18                 returns the mail with a new  weighted fee\*
                         address attached             

  Greater than 18 months returns the mail with the    weighted fee\*
  or undeliverable       reason for nondelivery       
                         attached                     
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> \*See *Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,*
> Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®^) 507.1.5 for more information.
>
>   
>
> For Standard Mail pieces using ACS: If no COA is on file, the
> mailpiece is returned with reason of non-delivery at First-Class Mail
> single-piece price or Priority Mail price for pieces over 13 ounces. 
> **If COA is on file fees are charged and services provided as set
> forth in table below.**
>
>  

+---------------------+---------------------------+-------------------+
| **For months...**   | **the Postal Service...** | **your fee        |
|                     |                           | is...**           |
+=====================+===========================+===================+
| 1--12               | forwards the mail         | \$0.35 for        |
|                     |                           | letters           |
|                     |                           |                   |
|                     |                           | \$1.05 for flats  |
+---------------------+---------------------------+-------------------+
|                     | provides a separate       | \$0.25 fee for    |
|                     | notice of new address     | Traditional ACS   |
|                     |                           |  electronic       |
|                     |                           | notification      |
+---------------------+---------------------------+-------------------+
| 13--18              | returns the mail with a   | First-Class Mail  |
|                     | new address attached      | single-piece      |
|                     |                           | price             |
+---------------------+---------------------------+-------------------+
| Greater than 18     | returns the mail with the | First-Class Mail  |
| months or           | reason for nondelivery    | single-piece      |
| undeliverable       |  (Forwarding Order        | price             |
|                     | Expired) attached         |                   |
+---------------------+---------------------------+-------------------+

> Printing an appropriate ancillary service endorsement on a mailpiece
> does not, by itself, satisfy the
>
> Move Update standard.  To satisfy the Move Update standard, the
> address on the mailpiece must
>
> have gone through an approved Move Update process during the previous
> 95 day period.
>
>  
>
> Manual address notifications are the least effective and most costly
> Move Update method for the
>
> Postal Service, mailers and list owners. When the higher fee per
> notice is added to the costs
>
> associated with manually processing and incorporating the COA
> information into the address file, these costs often far exceed the
> fee for the address correction notice.

NON-U.S. MAILERS

**Q11. Can a non-U.S. mailer use a printed ancillary service endorsement
to request address correction service and meet the Move Update
standard?**

A11. Current requirements to receive address corrections based on a
printed ancillary service

endorsement state that a domestic return address must be present on the
address side of the mail

piece. If the return address on the mailpiece is a domestic address then
a printed ancillary service

endorsement can be used to meet the Move Update standard. If, however,
the return address

shows a non-domestic return address then a printed ancillary service
endorsement cannot be used

because the USPS has no means to collect address correction fees from
the foreign address.

*FASTforward^®^*

**Q12: I am a mailing agent and my clients cannot prove that they have
updated their addresses within the last 95 days when I accept their
mail. May I still include those mailpieces in First-Class Mail^®^ or
Standard Mail^®^ presort, or automation rate mailings?**

A12: No, unless you are a *FASTforward* licensed MLOCR user using
*FASTforward* to update

the addresses. Otherwise, those mailpieces must be mailed at the
First-Class Mail single-piece price.

**Q13: If my mail is processed for Move Update using *FASTforward*
MLOCR, which mailpiece design issues (other than general automation
compatibility) do I need to be concerned**

**about?**

A13: The name of the addressee must be in the optical character reader
(OCR) read area. Mailpieces

with exceptional address formats (such as "Jane Doe or Current
Resident") are not eligible for

*FASTforward* processing. Mailpieces with exceptional address formats
are not subject to the

Move Update standard. All mailpieces must have a barcode clear zone that
is completely free of

any text, images, or windows so the MLOCR can spray the delivery point
barcode and the new

address on the lower right bottom of the mailpiece if a COA is
identified.

**Q14: I do not want my mailpieces forwarded to the new address if the
addressee has moved, but I want to receive the new address from the
Postal Service. If I endorse my mailpieces with**

**an approved ancillary service endorsement and give them to a presort
bureau licensed to**

**use FASTforward on their MLOCR, what will happen to the mailpiece, and
what information**

**will I receive from the Postal Service?**

A14: The Postal Service provides the new address when a COA is submitted
and the mailpiece is

addressed for delivery to the old address and bears an approved
endorsement for an address

correction to be provided. If a mailpiece is processed, using MLOCR
*FASTforward* and a new

address is identified, the new address and its associated delivery point
barcode are sprayed on

the mailpiece and the mailpiece is sent directly to the correct new
address. The Postal Service

will not return the mailpiece to the sender or provide information about
the new address because

it is considered to be addressed correctly.

If you want to receive updated address information for a mailpiece and
do not want the mailpiece

mailed directly to the addressee's new address, you need to advise the
MLOCR service bureau to

process in the "DO NOT FORWARD" mode and return the mailpieces to which
*FASTforward*

applied new address information.

If you choose to use only ancillary service endorsements to meet the
Move Update standards, you

must use them at least every 95 days before subsequent mailings. In
addition, you must update

your addresses within 95 days of using the addresses.

NON-U.S. MAILERS

**Q15. My company is a service bureau with a place of business in the
United States that takes finished mailpieces from international mailers
and combines them for entry into a US mail processing facility. Can I
use *FASTforward* to meet the Move Update standard? What about the
commercial alternative to *FASTforward* known as UMOVE?**

A15. Yes. *FASTforward* and UMove can be used to meet the Move Update
standard. As with other

change-of-address systems, these Move Update tools are only available
for use by companies

with business locations in the United States. There is no restriction in
the license that limits the

*FASTforward* Service Provider's ability to do processing for
international entities.

NCOA^Link®^

**Q16:** **An address file is run through NCOA^Link^ and some addresses
are identified as Moved Left**

**No Address (MNLA) or No Forwarding Order. Can those mailpieces still
be mailed and meet**

**the Move Update standards on the whole mailing?**

A16: Yes, if a mailer submits an address to NCOA^Link^ and NCOA^Link^
comes back with an indicator that

the customer has "Moved Left No Address", or "PO Box Closed", "No
Forwarding Order"

(BCNO), or "Foreign Move" the mailer has up to 95 days to update the
mailpiece and claim the

discount. After 95 days, the mailer has not updated the address; the
mailpiece must be mailed at

the First-Class Mail single-piece price.

**Q17: Some mailers will claim they are obligated to mail to the
"Last-known-address," even where**

**it is known that the addressee is not there.**

A17: After 95 days, the mailer still claims they are obligated to mail
to the "Last-known-address" the

mailpiece must be mailed at the First-Class Mail single-piece price.

Be advised that the Postal Service does not know where this person is
when there is no forwarding order on file and the mailpiece will become
UAA mail and returned, or treated as waste as determined by the class of
mail and ancillary endorsement used.

During the MERLIN evaluation we report the MLNA, BCNO, and foreign moves
as we would any other move. This means if a mailer continues to mail to
the old address they will be held accountable in the MERLIN evaluation.

NON-U.S. MAILERS

**Q18: My company in Canada conducts surveys of U.S. households and
sends information to**

**U.S. addresses about different products and services using Standard
Mail. We would like**

**to use NCOA^Link^ to comply with the new Move Update standard. Do we
have to get pre-**

**approval from the USPS to use NCOA^Link^ to meet the Move Update
standard?**

A18: The License Agreement between the NCOA^Link^ Service Provider and
the US Postal Service does

not allow the NCOA^Link^ Service Provider to process lists that
originate outside of the United States.

To accommodate foreign mailers that are entering mail directly into the
US, a special process has

been established to allow foreign mailers to satisfy the Move Update
requirement by using

NCOA^Link^ to update their address list. Before any NCOA^Link^ Service
Provider, can process an

address list originating from a foreign source the NCOA^Link^ Service
Provider must first contact the

NCSC Licensing & Certification department @ 800-589-5766 and obtain
pre-approval to process

the foreign mailer's address list.

**Q19: What is the process by which a non-U.S. mailer can be approved to
use NCOA^Link^ processing to meet the Postal Service Move Update
requirement?**

A19: Approval to process address lists from non-domestic mailers must be
initiated by the NCOA^Link^

Service Provider on behalf of the non-domestic mailer. The NCOA^Link^
Service Provider works with

the mailer to ensure that the mailer's intended use of NCOA^Link^
processing is appropriate before

requesting approval from the USPS. The NCOA^Link^ Service Provider
verifies that a properly

completed Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF) is received and that it
correctly represents

all parties involved in the transaction. When the NCOA^Link^ Service
Provider has all the necessary

information, the Service Provider contacts the NCSC Licensing &
Certification department

@ 800-589-5766 to request approval to perform the processing service.

**Q20: How long does it typically take the NCOA^Link^ Service Provider
to get approval to provide processing services for a company that is
outside the US?**

A20: The Postal Service attempts to get feedback to the NCOA^Link^
Service Provider within 24 hours

of their submission of the request.

**Q21: If the USPS has given approval to an NCOA^Link^ Service Provider
to provide NCOA^Link^ processing for a foreign mailer, how long does the
approval remain valid?**

A21: There is no time limit on approval. The approval is good for as
long as the foreign mailer continues

to use the same NCOA^Link^ Service Provider. If a mailer switches to a
different NCOA^Link^ Service

Provider, the new Service Provider will request approval to process for
the foreign mailer.

**Q22: We are a foreign-owned company that also has an office in the
U.S. Can we use our U.S. address when requesting NCOA^Link^ processing
and does it require separate approval from the USPS before using
NCOA^Link^?**

A22: Yes, you may use your U.S. address to request NCOA^Link^
processing. The NCOA^Link^ Service

Provider is not required to seek prior approval as long as the U.S.
address is on the Processing

Acknowledgment Form (PAF).

**Q23: We are approved to use NCOA^Link^ and after updating our address
list for mailing we want to sell or rent extracts from our updated list.
Are there any restrictions on how we use addresses that were updated by
NCOA^Link^?**

A23: The restrictions that apply are outlined in the Required Text
Document (RTD) provided to you by

the NCOA^Link^ Service Provider. These restrictions apply equally to
US-based companies and to

non-U.S. based companies.

**Q24: We are a U.S.-based business that sends our address files to a
company in Canada for mail**

**creation, printing, and entry. My processor in Canada will be
submitting my address file to**

**an NCOA^Link^ Service Provider for update. Do we have to be
pre-approved by the USPS**

**before we can use NCOA^Link^?**

A24: No. Since your company resides within the United States, no special
permission is needed for

your NCOA^Link^ Service Provider to process your list. It is important
that you and your Canadian

processor complete the Processing Acknowledgement Form to show that, as
the list owner, your

place of business is within the United States.

**Q25: Who is required to complete the Processing Acknowledgement Form
(PAF)? I send my file**

**to a processor who takes care of my address list and keeps it updated.
Do I have to**

**complete a PAF or can my processor complete a PAF on my behalf?**

A25: All parties to whom updated address information is disclosed must
be identified on a PAF. The

form can be completed by any entity but the Service Provider must verify
the identity of the

authorized representative(s) listed on the PAF. This includes but is not
limited to the List Owner

and any Broker/Agent/List Administrators. The Service Provider may
collect a signature or may

verify the authenticity of the entities identified on the PAF through
other means.

**Q26: What is the difference between a List Administrator and a Broker?
How does this affect how the PAF is completed?**

A26: A List Administrator houses, maintains, updates and 'baby-sits' the
list on behalf of the List Owner

and has a contract to provide these services to the List Owner. A Broker
acts as a 'middle-man'

between the List Owner (customer) and the Service Provider. A Broker
must not retain the file

from the List Owner for more than 45 days and may receive updated
addresses from the Service

Provider for the purposes of delivering the same to the List Owner, but
is never the final repository

for the data. The only difference on how a PAF is completed for a List
Administrator or a Broker is

the sections that must be completed on the PAF. In all cases the PAF
must identify the List

Owner.More information about competing PAFs can be found on our RIBBS
website at:

<http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/NCOALINK/PAF_GUIDE.PDF>

More FAQS

**Q27: In addition to the address list, what documentation must the list
owner furnish to a mailer**

**for use on a non-automation or automation rate mailing?**

A27: The list owner is obligated to prove the following: (1) he or she
is aware of the requirements of

Move Update; and (2) the addresses on the list comply with those
requirements. The list owner

should keep the following for 2 years:

-   Move Update output reports documenting that the address list was
    updated within 95 days before it was submitted to the Postal
    Service.

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-   Proof that names and addresses on the list added since the last
    update came directly from customers.

**Q28: My letter shop prepares and enters mail for customers. If the
customers cannot provide**

**Move Update documents, can I enter this mail at discounted price?**

A28: No, unless you process the list of addresses through a Move Update
method within 95 days

before mailing.

**Q29: If I am mailing a promotional mailpiece at First-Class Mail or
Standard Mail prices and I use**

**an exceptional address format (Jane Doe or Current Occupant), must the
recipient name**

**have been updated within the previous 95 days?**

A29: No. If deliverable, each mailpiece will be delivered to the address
appearing on the mailpiece

whether or not the named addressee resides at that address. Mailpieces
using Alternative

address format such as "Jane Doe" or "Current Resident" are not subject
to Move Update

standard.

**Q30: I have CASS Certified™ address-matching software that ensures I
have good addresses.**

**Does this meet the Move Update standards for new names and
addresses?**

A31: No. Address-matching software looks up addresses to correct and
standardize the address

information and append ZIP+4™ codes. 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.

**Q32: Does a list or an address have to be updated every 95 days?**

A32: An address can be updated at any time, so long as it is updated
within 95 days before the

address is actually used for a discounted First-Class Mail or Standard
Mail mailing. If a mailer

mails a list once every 2 years, that list must be updated using one of
the Move Update methods

within 95 days before the mailing.

**Q33: Must entire lists be updated every time?**

A33: Entire lists do not have to be updated at once. The update
requirement applies to individual

addresses, not to entire lists. Only those addresses that will be used
in a First-Class Mail or

Standard Mail discounted mailing need to meet the Move Update
requirement. The list could not

be used with an ancillary service endorsement since the addresses would
not have been updated

within 95 days. However, the list could be used with NCOA^Link^ or
*FASTforward* MLOCR prior to

mailing.

**Q34: My mail volume is generated by rented lists and I have no reason
to use a post-mailing**

**process to acquire updates. How can I qualify?**

A34: The list owner is responsible to provide you with the quality
product you require. If your

requirement is that the list must be Move Update qualified for a certain
time period, then make

that a requirement. You also always have the option of using a
pre-mailing process like NCOA^Link^

on the lists you acquire from outside sources.

**Q35: I have a mail-order business. During the holiday season, one of
my customers purchased**

**30 gifts and directed me to send them to a list of people she
provided. Does that "Gift List"**

**meet the Move Update standard?**

**A35:** No. These addresses are not considered to be newly acquired
addresses because you did not receive them directly from the addressees
themselves.

**Q36: Must I accept every new address I receive from a Move Update
Method?**

A36: No, but you have 95 days to independently verify and reflect the
new address on the mailpiece.

After 95 days of notification, the old address does not meet the Move
Update standard and mail to

that old address must be mailed at the appropriate First-Class Mail
single-piece price or another

price not subject to Move Update standards and for which the price
qualifies.

**Q37: Is any Move Update documentation required at the time of
mailing?**

A37: No, the mailer's signature on the postage statement, or electronic
submission (i.e., *PostalOne!^®^,*

Mail.dat) certifies that the mailing complies with all relevant
standards, including Move Update,

and that the mailing qualifies for the prices and fees claimed.

**Q38: [Standard Mail Mailers]{.underline}: Are non-profits (i.e.
universities) subject to the Move Update**

**standards?**

A38: Mailpieces mailed at the Nonprofit Standard Mail prices must meet
the Move Update standards for

Standard Mail, see DMM section 243, 343, or 443 in addition to standards
specific to any other

discount or price claimed.

Compliance

**Q39: Mailers have effectively two methods for updating their lists
prior to the mailing; *FASTforward*^®^ and NCOA^Link®^. However,
*FASTforward* only contains 13 months of change- information (depending
on whether the Full Service or Limited version is used). It is very
likely that a list contains a name-and-address that moved more than 13,
18, or 48 months ago, but was unable to be updated using these
aforementioned compliance methods (particularly if the 18 months version
of NCOA^Link^ is used). How will the USPS handle this if the Move Update
Verification process is using 48 months of change-of-address
information?**

A39: The Move Update verification process will report change-of-address
(COA) matches by time

periods that can be evaluated based on the Move Update product used by
the mailer. For

example, the process will indicate COA matches that, based on the latest
date of either the

Move-Effective-Date (MED) or the COA-Entry-Date (CED), were:

-   Less than 95 days from the processing date

-   Between 95 days and 13 months from the processing date

-   Between 13 months and less than 18 months from the processing date

-   Greater than 18 months from the processing date

Using the breakout of the elapsed time between either the MED or the CED
compared to the Move

Update product used by the mailer will provide the basis for evaluating
mailer performance.

**Q40: Will MERLIN produce an accurate name and address record that can
be matched to a COA**

**considering issues such as nicknames, family versus individual moves,
and other related**

**nuances that affect accurate COA matching**?

A40: It is unlikely that there will be a discrepancy between the name
and address read by MERLIN from

the mailpiece and the actual name and address matched with NCOA^Link^.
Address matches to

NCOA^Link^ are very conservative and require precision between the input
name and address and the

COA name and address. A more likely scenario is that there will be a
discrepancy in the optical

character reading and text conversion by MERLIN and the Move Update
verification will fail to

detect a valid move. Where the Move Update verification process
identifies a COA match there is

high confidence in the accuracy of the match.

**Q41: Does the Move Update verification process accommodate the Daily
Delete File?**

A41: The USPS will ignore any matches detected where a Daily Delete
transaction had occurred for the

prior 95 days for the address. This exclusion of matches will eliminate
any instances where a

mailer had used NCOA^Link^ but failed to update an address record due to
the existence of a Daily

Delete transaction.

**Q42: When multiple moves (address A to B and then B to C) occur, the
USPS tries to "chain" all of the moves together so that the latest
address is always returned. When they are able to do so, a single record
connects A to C. Sometimes the USPS is not able to chain the moves, so
there are two records in the NCOA^Link^ database. The first processing
of a record through NCOA will make the A to B change and the B to C
change will occur during the next**

**cycle of processing through NCOA^Link^. Assuming the Move Update
verification process sees**

**a mail piece between the two NCOA^Link^ processing cycles, it may
"fail" a piece for not yet having the C address.**

A42: The USPS acknowledges that there may be circumstances where a
"broken chain"

prevents a mailer from receiving the most current address for an
individual. The most likely

scenario envisioned is a case where:

> Family move recorded from address A to B
>
> Individual move recorded from address B to C

If an address is presented, for example Jim Winston at Address A, then
the first processing of NCOA^Link^ will move him based on a last name
only match to Address B. Where MERLIN scans a mailpiece showing Jim
Winston at Address B, the Move Update verification process will show
that a move had occurred to Address C.

Assuming the original mailer address for Jim Winston at Address A was
processed and updated in compliance with Move Update timeframes, the
maximum age of the first COA match moving Jim Winston to Address B would
be 190 days when processed by MERLIN. The expectation that a second COA
moving Jim Winston to address C occurred immediately after the first COA
was filed is considered low, although possible. To mitigate this
potential the USPS will look at the potential to do a "Move-in" test of
Jim Winston at Address B to determine if a recent move into Address B
occurred within the past 95 days. If so, the COA match for Jim Winston
from Address B to Address C will be disregarded and not reported.

**Q43: The USPS allows NCOA^Link^ licensees to return as few as the most
recent six months**

**(based on Move Effective Date) of NCOA^Link^ matches. Will the USPS
consider a mailer that**

**opts to apply only six months of COA data to their file to have
complied with the Move Update standard?**

A43: The USPS will consider the mailer to have complied with Move Update
that was based on the use

of an NCOA^Link^ 6-month dataset only where the mailer:

-   Previously updated the mailing list based on the 18-month NCOA^Link^
    product prior to beginning use of the 6-month NCOA^Link^ database
    for ongoing maintenance, or has done continuous NCOA^Link^
    processing based on a 6-month database for the past 12 months.

-   Has an ongoing process that reprocesses the mailing list at the
    required 95 day intervals.

-   Does not add address records to the mailing list that have not first
    been processed using the NCOA^Link^ 18-month database within 95 days
    of receipt of the address.

**Q44: NCOA^Link^ matches are possible only for "old side" addresses
that bear an 11-digit ZIP Code. Consequently, an address that can be
coded only to a 5-digit ZIP Code will never receive a match in
NCOA^Link^ despite the fact that a COA could exist and the 5-digit
(non-DPV) address record is regularly processed through NCOA^Link^.
There are a variety of scenarios (e.g.**

**updates to the AMS database, AEC II corrections, street name
corrections, etc.) that could**

**result in the address being updated to a condition that allows it at a
later date to**

**successfully DPV and subsequently be matched to an NCOA^Link^ record.
The Move Update**

**verification process may be able to find an NCOA^Link^ hit that did
not previously exist -- until**

**the mailer processes them through their next NCOA^Link^ cycle.**

A44: This condition is possible but is considered to have a minimum
negative impact. Within the COA

data received from customers, approximately 6% of all old addresses are
unable to be coded to a

precise 11-digit ZIP+4 code at time of COA entry. The majority
(two-thirds of the 6%) of ZIP+4

code deficiencies are due to a lack of apartment information. Assuming a
5% typical match rate by

NCOA^Link^, the estimate of the potential of these address records being
hit is 0.3% (three-tenths of

1 percent). In addition, the majority of all the changes that causes a
non-coded old address to

become ZIP+4 coded occur within the first 30 days of the COA entry. This
means that any

comparison with the mailer's address by the Move Update verification
would typically occur within

125 days of the MED and would not have a significant impact on the Move
Update verification

assessment.

**Q45:** **Back-dating of moves has been a reality since the advent of
the NCOA and NCOA^Link^ master**

**reference files. If the patron back-dates their move three months on
the Change of Address**

**form by the time the move is entered and distributed to the NCOA^Link^
product, it is four**

**months old. So the first time the COA is available for NCOA^Link^
matching it is already out**

**side the 95-day limit and could be flagged. The USPS reference files
in addition to the move**

**effective date should contain the date the COA was added to the
file.**

A45: The USPS will factor the "backdated COAs" into the Move Update
verification analysis by using

either the Move-Effective-Date (MED) for COAs that are received in
advance of the move date or

the COA-Entry-Date (CED) for those COAs that arrive with a prior MED.
This will minimize any

impact on the assessment by the Move Update verification of the age of
the COA when compared

to the MERLIN processing date.

**Q46:** **Will the Move Update verification process use the same
reference files and versions as the**

**NCOA^Link^ providers? NCOA^Link^ files are full file replacements; it
is our understanding the**

**product fulfillment cycle takes two weeks to produce and distribute
replacement files,**

**which then have to be installed. Will the Move Update verification
process have more**

**current data than the NCOA^Link^ providers?**

A46: The update of the NCOA^Link^ data will occur weekly on the last
permissible date an NCOA^Link^ licen-

see can install an update per the Licensee Performance Requirements. We
do not anticipate that

the timing of NCOA^Link^ data refreshes will cause mailers to be
impacted as the update of any

> address in the NCOA^Link^ data will fall within the 95 day Move Update
> performance window.

**Q47: The Move Update requirements for Standard Mail apply to all
automation, presort and**

**carrier route pieces, including letters, flats, Not Flat-Machinables
(NFMs), and parcels. How**

**will the USPS verify move update compliance for NFMs, parcels, and
even letters and flats**

**that cannot be processed on MERLIN because they are non-machinable?**

A47: First-Class Mail and Standard Mail postage statements have been
updated to provide mailers a

section for mailers to identify the Move Update method used for a
mailing. Mailers should check

the box in this section for the method used to update their addresses.
Mailers may be requested

to furnish the appropriate documentation to demonstrate Move Update
compliance.

**Q48: In many cases, businesses only accept "individual" change of
addresses. For instance,**

**financial institutions reject "family" move matches because they
cannot legally move more**

**than one account based upon this notification, especially if there is
a separation, divorce**

**or instance of fraud. How will MERLIN handle these situations?**

A48: 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 getting the discount. Within the Move Update
verification of the address,

addresses that have not been updated due to a mailer business practice
will be identified, and the

mailer will be required to document why these addresses have not been
updated.

**Q49: There are situations where some businesses are provided with more
current/recent address**

**information from their customers than what the USPS may have. For
instance, when**

**businesses use a recent activity date to identify situations where
they have a newer or**

**changed address from their customer, or with P. O. Box moves. Some
businesses may**

**choose to apply only a percentage of the NCOA^Link^ changes they
obtain from the USPS because they have more recent data from their
customer. How will the Move Update verification process handle these
situations?**

A49: Addresses that have a COA on file that result in a match when
evaluated through the

Move Update verification processing will be reported for mailer
documentation of why the address

was not updated. If the mailer has information to show they have more
current information than

what is in the NCOA^Link^ data, that information will be taken into
consideration. The fact that

NCOA^Link^ matches approximately 75% of the total population of COAs
that may exist is not a

basis for excluding any of the matches that NCOA^Link^ does produce. If
a mailer is uncomfortable

with the NCOA^Link^ processing results, the mailer should consider use
of a different Move Update

tool.

**Q50:There are some specific industry types and practices that present
significant barriers to**

**compliance with Move Update. For instance, some financial institutions
cannot use**

**NCOA^Link^ or ACS because they cannot legally make address changes
without customer**

**authorization. These companies are authorized under current postal
regulations to use**

**alternative methods for Move Update. How will the USPS handle these
companies/**

**addresses if the Move Update verification process is the sole source
for verification of**

**Move Update compliance? Although some financial mailers may be
"protected" by the**

**restrictions on changing an address without customer authorization,
the restriction applies**

**only to First-Class Mail mailing of account information and does not
apply to promotional**

**and advertising mail.**

A50: The postage statements request mailers to identify the Move Update
method they use and

therefore the acceptance personnel know which mailers have received
approval to comply with

the Move Update standard through an alternative method. Where any
request for Move Update

documentation is made to justify the mailer's claim of postage
discounts, the mailer should refer

the inquiry to the NCSC for resolution. A mailer that has allowance to
use an alternative Move

Update method for First-Class Mail can extend that allowance to Standard
Mail when it involves

the same address list covered by the allowance under First-Class Mail
mailing.

**Q51: There are addresses that will be "excused" even though MERLIN may
identify them as non-**

**compliant. How will the USPS handle these "exceptions" in the
verification process? Will**

**those addresses somehow be identified so that a clerk will know to
excuse those from the**

**acceptance test and error calculation for the mailing?**

A51: A mailer may be contacted to inquire about the method used to
update their addresses. Mailers

should communicate any exceptions when contacted. All Move Update
verifications are subject to

the appeal process that exists today for circumstances where a mailer
disagrees with issues

detected during mail acceptance.

**Q52: The USPS has stated that the Move Update standard is per name and
address and not the**

**list. The USPS has further clarified that if an approved Move Update
method has been**

**applied to a name and address record within 95 days, then that record
can be used on both**

**First-Class Mail and Standard Mail mailings and be considered
compliant with the Move**

**Update standard. This also includes the clarification that a name and
address sourced**

**directly from the addressee is considered compliant with the Move
Update standard for 95**

**days. How will the USPS take this into consideration as it implements
a verification**

**process using the Move Update verification process?**

A52: As long as an address that was qualified under one class of mail or
by a different Move Update

tool is mailed within 95 days of the use of the Move Update tool; it
should not result in an issue.

**Q53: For newly acquired addresses, the USPS^®^ has indicated that
these addresses do not need**

**to be run through a Move Update process when first mailed, but that
the mailer may need to**

**provide documentation to demonstrate that the method used was used
within the**

**appropriate timeframes and on the specific mailing in question. Would
the addresses need**

**to be run through a Move Update process before they are mailed
again?**

A53: Yes. If the addresses are used 95 days or more after they was
provided, you must use a pre-

mailing method such as NCOA^Link^ or *FASTforward* or a post-mailing
method i.e., as a printed

ancillary service endorsement for address correction.

**Q54:** **Do seed names need to be run through a Move Update process?
Some say the USPS does**

**not plan to require these addresses to be run through Move Update
because they are**

**usually a separate string of records to "known recipients" and less
than 100 in the string,**

**thus cannot legally be processed via NCOA^Link^.**

A54: The assumption is that seed records will represent known persons at
what is expected to be cur

rent addresses. As such, they are similar to "newly acquired" in that
the seed address should

represent what the mailer knows to be a current address. It is not
anticipated that a seed address

would typically raise a question of non-compliance with Move Update as
the number of instances

of moves associated with the seed addresses is expected to be low. If a
mailer is not actively

maintaining the seed addresses then it is recommended they include the
exceptional address for-

> mat of "Or Current Resident" to avoid issues with Move Update
> compliance.

**Q55:** **Can NCOA^Link^ identified moves with a move effective date
older than the mailer's last activity**

**date be rejected? The USPS has indicated these can be rejected, but
mailers**

**will need to document these in case they are questioned by the USPS as
not meeting the**

**Move-Update requirement. How detailed and specific this documentation
needs to be is not**

**known at this time.**

A55: See response to "Situations Where Businesses Have More Current
Data" previously answered.

**Q56: How should mailers document compliance and assign postage
liability for non-compliance**

**when the mailing is presented by a mailing agent (today accomplished
with the postage**

**statement PS Forms 3602)? What documentation will mailers need to
prove compliance**

**with Move Update in the future, and to assign liability for postage
adjustment in cases of**

**non-compliance where the mail is presented by a mailing agent?**

A56: Reference the 'Mailer Advisement Policy' at
<http://ribbs.usps.gov/>, click on Move Update

latest news, document for a description of the documents and processes
that can be used to

substantiate Move Update compliance. The ultimate burden for

maintenance of documentation for any postage discount claimed is the
mailers. Refer to

DMM 234.4.7 for additional information on provision of additional
documentation.

**Q57: What are the error tolerances for non-compliance with Move Update
for a mailing, and how**

**will they be applied? What are the postage adjustment consequences,
and how will those be**

**communicated to the customer and applied to the customer?**

A57: The USPS will evaluate results of the new Move Update verification
to arrive at a fair tolerance.

The USPS believes that mailers that undertake a good-faith effort to
comply with the Move Update

standard will not have to be concerned about what the eventual error
tolerance may be as the

mailer's address list will be current and thus not require evaluation
per the error tolerance.