This page shows how to verify a customer’s address from the United States in 5 minutes via the official USPS website to avoid errors when creating shipments and delivery issues.
Address verification in the United States
Before dispatching a parcel, it is worth confirming the buyer’s address. This is a useful action for the seller, taking no more than 5 minutes and helping to avoid delivery errors.
To avoid errors when processing shipments within the United States, we recommend confirming your client’s address in advance.
Note: a reliable source for verifying U.S. addresses is the official resource USPS website.
Enter the recipient’s details into the appropriate fields to confirm with the USPS postal service that this location is in the registry.
Common mistakes in American addresses
| Error | How it presents | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect ZIP code | USPS can’t locate the address or suggests a different variant | Check the ZIP via USPS and confirm the ZIP code with the customer. |
| Missing apartment / suite number | USPS shows the house number but does not specify the unit | Ask the customer to specify apartment, suite, or unit. |
| Errors in street name | The address partially matches, but the format differs | Cross-check the street spelling with the USPS-provided variant. |
| Incorrect state or city | ZIP code does not match the specified city/state | Verify the city–state–ZIP linkage via USPS and confirm the address. |
Please note on the new packaging rules for parcels for Plus and Direct consolidations.
In order for your parcels to be scanned faster and not require manual handling by postal staff (and thus reach your customers faster and not require extra charges for their handling), please follow the simple postal service packaging requirements:
- Do not wrap consolidation shipments with film, stretch wrap (you may wrap the item inside the parcel with protective film only).
- Do not seal the parcel completely with tape.
- Replace tubes with square or triangular packaging.
According to the postal service rules:
- send orders in courier bags. If needed, seal several zones with tape (you do not need to seal completely);
- reinforce the corners of the box so the parcel keeps its shape;
- wrap the product inside the cardboard box with film/plastic wrap;
- place cardboard boxes into courier bags for shipments up to 2 kg actual or dimensional weight;
- a courier bag is allowed for shipments up to 2 kg actual or dimensional weight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Address Verification in the USA
Why verify the buyer's address before shipping?
Why verify the buyer's address before shipping?
Address verification helps prevent situations where a package is returned by the carrier due to address errors or cannot be delivered to the customer. This saves time and money and reduces the number of claims from customers.
Which site is best to use for verifying addresses in the USA?
Which site is best to use for verifying addresses in the USA?
The only reliable source for verifying American addresses is the official USPS website. It is the one that maintains the up-to-date address database used by postal services in the United States.
What to do if USPS can't find the address?
What to do if USPS can't find the address?
First, ensure the street, city, state, and ZIP code are spelled correctly. If the address still can’t be found, contact the customer with a request to clarify the full address, including apartment/suite and the correct ZIP code.
Is it necessary to verify the address for every order?
Is it necessary to verify the address for every order?
It is most critical to verify the address if it looks unusual, the customer has provided partial data, or the package is expensive. For regular customers with already verified addresses, selective verification can be performed.
Please note: address errors can lead to returned packages, delivery delays, and additional costs. Checking with USPS in advance helps avoid these risks.