Every year, millions of Americans and businesses change their addresses—and the USPS requires mailers to keep up. The Move Update standard ensures that all bulk and First-Class mail uses the most current recipient addresses. Failing to comply can result in returned mail, wasted postage, or even loss of USPS mailing privileges. This guide explains how to meet Move Update requirements and keep your lists accurate for every mailing.
Step 1: What Is the USPS Move Update Requirement?
The USPS Move Update program is designed to reduce undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. It requires all mailers using discounted postage rates to regularly update and verify their mailing lists against official change-of-address data.
In short, it ensures your mail reaches the right recipient at their new address, saving both time and money.
Step 2: How Often You Must Update Your Mailing Lists
To remain compliant, mailers must verify and update addresses within **95 days** before the mailing date. That means every campaign must use a refreshed list that’s been checked against the USPS National Change of Address (NCOA) database or an approved equivalent system.
step 3: Approved Move Update Methods
The USPS accepts several methods for staying compliant with Move Update requirements:
- NCOA (National Change of Address): The most common and automated way to match old addresses with new ones.
- ACS (Address Change Service): USPS sends address corrections for mail you’ve sent.
- Ancillary Service Endorsements: Uses specific labels (like “Return Service Requested”) to update your list manually.
- FASTforward® and OneCode ACS®: Electronic methods for large-scale mailers.
TPSi’s mailing system integrates NCOA updates automatically—ensuring all lists meet USPS standards before printing.
Step 4: Benefits of Staying Move Update Compliant
Beyond avoiding penalties, maintaining clean data offers several benefits:
- Fewer undeliverable mail pieces
- Lower postage costs
- Higher delivery success rates
- Better customer engagement and ROI
- Improved data accuracy for future campaigns
In other words, Move Update compliance doesn’t just meet USPS requirements—it directly improves campaign performance.
Step 5: How to Verify Compliance
USPS may perform random audits or request verification of your address list. You can confirm compliance by:
- Keeping documentation of your NCOA or ACS processing date
- Using USPS Mailer Scorecard tools to monitor performance
- Working with certified mail service providers who retain proof of list updates
TPSi maintains verification records for every client campaign, ensuring full USPS audit readiness.
Step 6: What Happens If You Don’t Comply
If USPS detects noncompliance, they may revoke discounted rates or charge additional postage fees. Mail that doesn’t meet Move Update standards may be delayed, returned, or destroyed. Staying compliant avoids these issues while preserving your eligibility for Marketing Mail discounts.
Step 7: Partnering with a Professional Mailing Provider
For high-volume mailers, staying compliant manually can be challenging. Partnering with a professional provider like TPSi ensures that every address is updated, verified, and formatted according to USPS rules. Our automated systems apply Move Update verification before each mailing, helping you save money and maintain compliance effortlessly.