325 Business–to–Business Address Output

Once an address has gone through a standardization process, look at the output of the address as it appears on the mailpiece, insert, or address label. A standardized address should also be “machine readable” so that it can be processed on high-speed optical character readers (OCRs). If your mailpiece will be submitted for automation rates (other rates may also apply), the requirements in the DMM must be met.

It is recommended that delivery address information be stored in a minimum of 30 bytes or spaces in your computer system. The most optimum recommendation is 64 bytes or spaces to be compatible with the Postal Service National ZIP+4 database.

The Postal Service defines a complete address as one that has all the address elements necessary to allow an exact match with the current Postal Service ZIP+4 and City State files to obtain the finest level of ZIP+4 and delivery point codes for the delivery address. A complete address may be required on mail at some automation rates. See the DMM for more detailed information.

A standardized address is one that is fully spelled out, abbreviated by using the Postal Service standard abbreviations shown in this publication or as shown in the ZIP+4 files.