Address validation (or verification) is the processof checking a mailing address against an authoritative address database. If the address matches an address in theofficial database, the address "validates", meaning it's real. Non-matching addresses are marked "invalid",meaning they don't exist or aren't registered with the official database.
Address validation is provided by Smarty via single address, bulk address and address validation APIs forboth the United States and International addresses.
| One Address at a Time | Many Addresses at a Time | Validate via API |
|---|---|---|
Single Address Validation | Bulk Address Validation | Address Validation APIs |
In this article, we'll cover:
- USPS Address Validation
- Video: Address Validation - Step by Step
- Parsing and Standardization
- Why Real Addresses May Not be Valid Addresses
- Address Data Append
- Address Validation Providers
USPS Address Validation
In the United States, the authoritative database for address lookups is the USPS. Performing USPS addressvalidation is as easy as finding a provider that uses the USPS address database. While the USPS databasefeatures over 160 million addresses there are still millions of valid addresses where USPS does notdeliver and don't include in their data. Fortunately for you, Smarty starts with the USPS databaseand adds addresses from several authoritative private and public sources. You can start validatingaddresses now by using our single address verification tool oraddress validation APIs.
Most countries around the world have their ownrespective databases against which addresses can be validated. Though address formats vary from nation tonation, the basic process is generally the same: Check to see if the address is on file. If it is, the addressis valid. If it is not, the address is invalid.
Video: Address Validation - Step by Step
Address validation can be a little more complicated than what we described in the first paragraph of thisarticle. Before an address can be validated, there's a lot that has to be done to prepare it for thevalidation process. And, there are some reasons why a real addressmight not validate. To understand the details of the validation process, it's best to start at thebeginning.
Address Parsing and Standardization
Before an address can be validated, it often has to go through some cleanup first, which usually involvesparsing and standardization.
Address Parsing is the process of breaking down an address into its constituent parts such ascity, state, and ZIP Code. Different versions of parsing have different levels of accuracy—and differentlevels of functionality.
Address Standardization is the processof formatting a mailing address so that it matches the standard address format specified by the governing postalauthority. Once an address has been properly parsed, it can be standardized. In the United States, CASS-certified providers standardize an address by formatting it toUSPS standards, filling in missing data, and checking for spelling errors—so that the address will looklike the ones that are in the USPS address database. The standardizing processcan include correcting misspelled words, filling in gaps in the data (such as missing ZIP Codes, streetsuffixes, and so on) and abbreviating notifications to match the official database formats. For example, inthe US, "Street" becomes "St", "Avenue" becomes "Ave", and so on. States or provinces also receive properabbreviations.
Once the address is properly formatted, it's validated by looking for its twin in the officialaddress database. If there's a match, the address is valid. If not, it's invalid.
Why Real Addresses May Not be Valid Addresses
Just because an address didn't validate, however, doesn't mean the addressis not real. There are multiple reasons an address might come up as invalid. Here are a few:
- Imaginary address: The address is fake, hypothetical, no longer exists, or does not yetexist. Making up a number for a house on your street would have this effect, as would using the address of abuilding torn down six months ago.
- Incorrect address: Sometimes the entered address is so poorly spelled/formatted that itcannot be accurately corrected. Or the wrong information is given, such as incorrect street name or housenumber.
- Address not occupied: Perhaps a building is new or vacant. Either way, if no one's there toreceive mail, the address won't be listed in the official mailing address database. Therefore, it won'tvalidate.
- Address not registered: New buildings, new occupants, occupants that don't want/need toreceive mail—all are examples of an address not being registered yet/anymore with the USPS. If they are notregistered, they're not in the system. And, if an address is not in the system, it is considered invalid.
Address Data Append
Address validation providers often complement their validationservices with appended data and features. Address data appending can range from providing the census informationand climatestatistics of the area the addresses come from, to providing the geocodecoordinates of the address. Here at Smarty, for example, we focus primarily on address validationandgeocodes, both US and international. Then wesupplement that focus with features designed to make our system easier to use.
For example, we offer batch processing in two formats for anyone eager to process large quantities all at once.Our service is also fast enough to make you question your own sanity. Our addressmatching engine can handle standardizing and validating even the most ugly of addresses. We support APIintegration, and a host of web plug-ins. We also offer ZIP+4 accuracy,ZIP Code classification, time zone information,FIPS Codes, and much more data about the address. Over 45 data pointsto be precise.
Address Validation Service Providers
You may have stumbled into this article simply curious about the topic. But odds are, you came searching with apurpose. If you need address validation, go ahead and try it right now forfree. If you needmore help, we'd be happy to help, that is, we're just so helpful that we can't help it. Go ahead and call us (it's nice to do business with a human being every now and again, isn't it?), orchat with us if you're suffering from laryngitis. Or if you're feeling proactive, you can take care of thingsyourself with a free account at the pricing page if you need to get started at ludicrousspeed.
