What is an invalid USPS address? (How to fix + other FAQs)
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Packing boxes, moving furniture, and setting up utilities are just some of the things you’ll encounter when moving. However, you may have overlooked something – your mail delivery.
More specifically, if you’ve recently moved and haven’t received the mail, you have a big problem on your hands. In this article, we’ll explain what an invalid address is and how to verify yours!
What is an invalid USPS address in 2022
If the address does not match the corresponding address in the 2022 USPS Official Address Database, the USPS will consider the address invalid. Additionally, new and unregistered addresses, incorrect data, and addresses located within zip codes primarily served by PO Boxes will be considered invalid.
If you’re having issues with mail delivery and think it’s related to your address being marked as invalid, read on for solutions!
How do I fix an invalid address using USPS?
First, you want to make sure the address is registered.
You may not realize that although the USPS maintains a database of addresses, it is not the responsibility of the company to keep track of new addresses that have been created.
Instead, it is up to the home or building owner who lives and works there to ensure their address is registered.
To do this, you will need to add your address to the US Address Management System (AMS).
You can visit the USPS Postal Pro page to complete this process. Here you can find out where your nearest address management system office is.
After entering your zip code, you’ll get the address and phone number for your local AMS. Contact customer service and they will help you add your address to the USPS database.
Note that updating your address with USPS can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
What is an invalid USPS address?
Addresses that do not match corresponding addresses in the USPS official address database are considered invalid addresses.
Essentially, this means that the USPS does not recognize the address and therefore will not deliver there.
Why does USPS say the address is invalid?
There are several reasons why the USPS does not recognize an address and therefore considers it invalid.
One of the more common reasons for an address to appear invalid is because it contains incorrect data.
This could be a misspelled street name, an incorrect house number, or a missing zip code.
For an address to be valid, it must match the corresponding address in the official USPS address database.
Therefore, if an address contains any incorrect data, it will not match the corresponding address in the database and will be considered invalid.
Another reason an address may appear invalid is because it is marked “vacant” in the USPS system.
The address will be marked as empty if…
- No mail received for 90 days or more
- An address is under construction and has not been occupied or will not be occupied for a long time (for example, when the building is demolished)
In addition to these interpretations, new addresses, unregistered addresses, or addresses located in zip codes primarily served by PO Boxes may be considered invalid by USPS.
What if USPS cannot verify the address?
If USPS cannot deliver the mail at the address, the company will use the return address on the mail and attempt to return the item to the sender.
If there is no return address, mail will be processed by the local post office or sent to the Mail Recovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
To track lost mail, you can contact a Consumer Affairs Representative at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
Additionally, you can submit a lost mail request online or visit your local post office to submit a search request.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on how to cancel a USPS change of address, how long a USPS change of address lasts, and USPS delivery to the wrong address.
in conclusion
Newly created, vacant addresses, or simple spelling mistakes are all reasons why the USPS may consider an address invalid.
An invalid address means your mail will not be delivered, so this is a problem worth addressing as soon as possible.
