Address Change
An address change refers to when a person or entity moves from one address to another. Typically you are supposed to notify your new Post Office when this happens so they can enter your new address in their system. Ancillary Service Endorsements represent one of the three ways for a mailer to comply with the Move Update standard requirement and it’s fairly simple to put into place.
Understanding USPS® Ancillary Endorsements
Below are the different address change services with information on how to use them.
Forwarding Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| NO | NO |
What Does it Do?
Your mail piece is forwarded to the addressee’s new address (within 12 months of moving) assuming a change-of-address order in on file.
When Do I Use It?
There are few reasons to use FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED since it does not provide sender with updated addressee info and does not avail compliance with the Move Update standard
Should I Use It?
Since you do not receive information about the address change (unless the mail piece is un-deliverable), we do not recommend use of FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
Your mail piece is forwarded to the addressee’s new address (No Charge).
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
Your mail piece is returned to you with the address change – no charge.
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
Your mail piece is returned to you undelivered (potentially with reason for non-delivery).
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| NO | POSSIBLE |
What Does it Do?
Your mail piece is forwarded to the addressee’s new address (within 12 months of moving) assuming a change-of-address order in on file.
When Do I Use It?
There are few reasons to use FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED since it does not provide sender with updated addressee info and does not avail compliance with the Move Update standard.
Should I Use It?
Since you do not receive information about the address change (unless the mail piece is un-deliverable), we do not recommend use of FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
Your mail piece is forwarded to the addressee’s new address (No Charge).
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
Your piece is also returned, but you will pay a “Weighted Fee” charge calculated by a factor of 2.472 x single piece cost (e.g. a 1 oz. First-Class letter at $.50 x 2.472 = $1.24 charge payable by the recipient).
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
Your piece is also returned, but you will pay a “Weighted Fee” charge calculated by a factor of 2.472 x single piece cost (e.g. a 1 oz. First-Class letter at $.50 x 2.472 = $1.24 charge payable by the recipient).
Return Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | NO |
What Does it Do?
Your mail piece is returned to the sender’s address if the addressee is not at the address (regardless of change-of-address order on file)
When Do I Use It?
For many mailers, this is the least expensive means to be in compliance with the USPS®’ Move Upstate standard requirements.
Should I Use It?
Automatic service for First-Class Mail – No Charge.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
Mail piece returned to sender regardless of change-of-address order on file.
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
Mail piece returned to sender regardless of change-of-address order on file.
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
Mail piece returned to sender regardless of change-of-address order on file.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does it Do?
Your mail piece is returned to the sender’s address if the addressee is not at the address (regardless of change-of-address order on file)
When Do I Use It?
For many mailers, this is the least expensive means to be in compliance with the USPS®’ Move Upstate standard requirements.
Should I Use It?
This a more premium service over “Return Service Requested” because of the additional. returned notification card returned. If you have a high donor list, for example, you might want to use this endorsement. We do not recommend your using this for flat-rate mailings, just 1 oz. letters or postcards.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
Mail piece is returned at Single Piece First-Class Postage Charge payable by sender (e.g. $.50 for a 1 oz. FCM Letter) with reason for non-delivery info.
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
Mail piece is returned at Single Piece First-Class Postage Charge payable by sender (e.g. $.50 for a 1 oz. FCM Letter) with reason for non-delivery info.
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
Mail piece is returned at Single Piece First-Class Postage Charge payable by sender (e.g. $.50 for a 1 oz. FCM Letter) with reason for non-delivery info.
Address Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | POSSIBLE |
What Does it Do?
Address Service Requested provides two services: (1) the mail piece is forwarded to the new recipient address if possible and (2) the sender receives back a USPS®-sent postcard called a Form 3547 (Notice to Mailer of Correction in Address) which details either the new address or reason for non-delivery.
When Do I Use It?
You use Address Service Requested for First-Class Mail if you really want both (a) to know to where someone moved and (b) to have the recipient get your mail piece.
Should I Use It?
If you are doing First-Class mailings at least 1x per year, and you have an “organic” data list, then yes, we encourage use. Be careful of over-1-ounce mailings such as event invitations as Weighted Fee charges will apply. If this is a purchased address list, you should probably use another endorsement such as Return Service Requested, mostly for compliance purposes.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
The USPS® forwards the mail piece at no charge and returns back to the sender/mailer a postcard with handling detail (i.e. Form 3547) at a cost of $.59 to the sender.
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
The USPS® returns the mail piece at no charge with handling detail (explaining the reason for non-delivery) directly labeled on the mail piece. No charge.
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
The USPS® returns the mail piece at no charge with handling detail (explaining the reason for non-delivery) directly labeled on the mail piece. No charge.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does it Do?
Address Service Requested provides two services: (1) the mail piece is forwarded to the new recipient address if possible and (2) the sender receives back a USPS®-sent postcard called a Form 3547 (Notice to Mailer of Correction in Address). which details either the address change or reason for non-delivery.
When Do I Use It?
You use Address Service Requested if you really want both (a) to know to where someone moved and (b) to have the recipient get your mail piece.
Should I Use It?
You need to weigh the cost-benefit of using this endorsement for bulk/non-profit mail as costs could be very high depending upon your list quality. One strategy to prevent high costs here is to send a FCM postcard once a year using the same list to obtain move updates; then, use Address Service Requested later to avoid unexpected charges. Non-Profit bulk mail high-cost example: if a 1.5 ounce non-profit event invitation were to be forwarded 1 six months after the recipient’s move, use of Address Service Requested could potentially cost you $2.47 per piece . If this is a purchased list, we don’t recommend use of this endorsement — use Return Service Requested for compliance purposes.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
The USPS® forwards the mail piece at no charge and returns back to the sender/mailer a postcard with handling detail (i.e. Form 3547) at a cost of $.59.
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
The USPS® returns the mail piece at with charges based upon a “Weighted Fee” calculated by a factor of 2.472 x single piece cost (e.g. a 1 oz. First-Class letter at $.50 x 2.472 = $1.24 charge payable by the sender).
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
The USPS® returns the mail piece at with charges based upon a “Weighted Fee” calculated by a factor of 2.472 x single piece cost (e.g. a 1 oz. First-Class letter at $.50 x 2.472 = $1.24 charge payable by the sender).
Change Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does it Do?
This is an electronic service only available only to mailers who use IM® barcodes and who participate in the USPS’ ACS (Address Change Service) program. This endorsement provides address correction services without forwarding or mail piece return — the mail, usually a letter, is destroyed, but the sender receives back updated data which details either the new address or reason for non-delivery.
When Do I Use It?
You use this service only in conjunction with the sender’s participation in the USPS®’ ACS (Address Change Service) program and use of a participant number in the IMbc (Intelligent Mail barcode) configuration. Because the service is fully electronic, it may be used at any time.
Should I Use It?
For most people reading this, Change Service Requested is unlikely to be used, although do use it if you can — the costs are considerably less expensive than traditional Ancillary Service Endorsements. This is not applicable for Cornerstone clients who receive similar Data Quality Reports (DQRs) which each mailing or upon request.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
N/A
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
N/A
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
N/A
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does it Do?
This is an electronic service only available only to mailers who use IM® barcodes and who participate in the USPS®’ ACS (Address Change Service) program. This endorsement provides address correction services without forwarding or mail piece return — the mail, usually a letter, is destroyed, but the sender receives back updated data which details either the new address or reason for non-delivery.
When Do I Use It?
You use this service only in conjunction with the sender’s participation in the USPS® ACS (Address Change Service) program and use of a participant number in the IMbc (Intelligent Mail barcode) configuration. Because the service is fully electronic, it may be used at any time.
Should I Use It?
For most people reading this, Change Service Requested is unlikely to be used, although do use it if you can — the costs are considerably less expensive than traditional Ancillary Service Endorsements. This is not applicable for Cornerstone clients who receive similar Data Quality Reports (DQRs) which each mailing or upon request. Costs for Marketing Mail are only slightly above those for FCM — still a bargain in comparison.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
N/A
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
N/A
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
N/A
Temp-Return Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | POSSIBLE |
What Does it Do?
Two results possible: (a) the mail piece is returned to sender only if it is non-deliverable, otherwise (b) the USPS® forwards the mail (at no charge) for which there is a temporary Change of Address (COA) but the sender is not notified of the temporary forwarding address.
When Do I Use It?
This endorsement is rarely used. It is used perhaps for areas that have large student or “snow bird” populations, areas in which there is a stable (non-tranisent) population which “migrates” and then returns.
Should I Use It?
Check with your local post office using the post office locator or even the regional BMEU (Bulk Mail Entry Unit) that handles sufficient discounted mail volume to make a recommendation. For large volume mailers, this service is available under ASC (Address Change Service) guidelines.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
Mail is returned at no charge if not deliverable; mail is forwarded at no charge (for reasons of the temporary address change).
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
Mail is returned at no charge with reason of return. (Minor charges apply for ACS participant mailers)
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
Mail is returned as un-deliverable, with reason of non-delivery if available.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
What Does it Do?
Not Available for Marketing Mail
When Do I Use It?
N/A
Should I Use It?
Not Available for Marketing Mail
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
N/A
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
N/A
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
N/A
Electronic Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does it Do?
Mail piece is directed to a Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) or Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) site for processing. This endorsement is used in the realm of high-end mailers who are participants in the Postal Services®’ ACS (Address Change Service) Program.
When Do I Use It?
It is unlikely that you will be using this if you are reading this as set-up is required to be predefined within the ACS mailer profile data.
Should I Use It?
If you are a very large volume mailer, fully versed with Intelligent Mail barcode configuration set-up (specifically, Service ID numbers), and participate in the ACS program, then such a service will make sense.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
Minor, and highly discounted fees are charged for users of this service.
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
Minor, and highly discounted fees are charged for users of this service.
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
Minor, and highly discounted fees are charged for users of this service.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does it Do?
Mail piece is directed to a Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) or Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) site for processing. This endorsement is used in the realm of high-end mailers who are participants in the Postal Services®’ ACS (Address Change Service) Program
When Do I Use It?
It is unlikely that you will be using this if you are reading this as set-up is required to be predefined within the ACS mailer profile data.
Should I Use It?
If you are a very large volume mailer, fully versed with Intelligent Mail barcode configuration set-up (specifically, Service ID numbers), and participate in the ACS program, then such a service will make sense.
Addressee Moved within Past 12 month
Minor, and highly discounted fees are charged for users of this service
Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months
Minor, and highly discounted fees are charged for users of this service
Addressee moved over 18 Months Ago
Minor, and highly discounted fees are charge for users of this service