When you are sending Bulk Mail or Business Mail, most circumstances require a move update. It means what does the post office do with the mail if the recipient is no longer at that address and how important is that information to the sender. Types and descriptions below are move updates for letters, flats and postcards. The most common are Return Service Requested and Or Current Resident.
Sample Mail Piece indicating Move Update Locations
Return Service Requested – Undeliverable mail is returned to you with the recipient’s new address or the reason for non-delivery; no charge.
Temp-Return Service Requested – If the recipient files a temporary change of address, the mail is forwarded at no charge. You won’t be notified.
Address Service Requested – In the first year after the recipient moves, the mail is forwarded. You’ll be given their new address and charged an address correction fee. In months 13-18, the mailpiece is returned to you with the recipient’s new address, at no charge. After 18 months, the mail is returned with the reason it couldn’t be delivered, for no charge.
Change Service Requested – You’ll be notified of the recipient’s new address or the reason the item couldn’t be delivered, and charged an address correction fee. The mailpiece is discarded or recycled.
Forwarding Service Requested – If the recipient has a change of address on file, mail will be forwarded for a year. In months 13-18, the mailpiece is returned to you with the recipient’s new address. After 18 months, mail is returned to you with the reason it couldn’t be delivered. All for no charge.
Or Current Resident – If the recipient no longer lives at this address but you would still like the mail delivered to the address regardless of our lives their now; no charge. This alternative address format is placed above or below the recipient name or business name in the address line.
NCOA Link – For senders who do not wish to include any alternative move update on their mail, the other option is to have your database N.C.O.A. (National Change of Address) approved for accuracy and delivery point validation. The fee is to be determinded.
