Return Data Layout

Your return data format will match the format of the data you uploaded for processing, appended with the NCOA fields. For example, if you upload a XLSX file, your return data will be XLSX; if you upload a tab-delimited format, your return data will be tab-delimited.

NCOAsource
Return File Layout Specifications

NCOA Standard Append Return Layout

NCOA Standard Append v3.20

Ready-to-mail ... Easy-to-use

Return Data Format equals input data format (e.g. if input format = CSV, then Return format = CSV; if Input Format = XLSX, then Return Format = XLSX, etc.)

Return data includes Column Names in header for ease of understanding and simple data integration.

Each return row begins with the original client input data intact, followed by appended NCOA fields.
Phone data is at the end of the layout. It follows CombinedZip column and is present in return data when requested at time of file upload.

Need our more comprehensive return layout?

NCOA Standard Append II v4.10

LENGTH DESCRIPTION

ALL ORIGINAL DATA INTACT

ALL ORIGINAL DATA INTACT

ALL ORIGINAL DATA INTACT

ALL ORIGINAL DATA INTACT

1
New Address Flag

Y = New NCOA Address Found
P = New PCOA Address Found (available with Proprietary Change of Address processing)

1
MRT Flag (Mail Return)

Y = Record Flagged by USPS as Mail Return

40 MAILTO ADDRESS1 (New address1 when avail, or standardized input address1)

40 MAILTO ADDRESS2 (New address2 when avail, or standardized input address2)

28 MAILTO CITY (New city when avail, or standardized input city)

2 MAILTO STATE (New state when avail, or standardized input state)

5 MAILTO ZIP (New zip when avail, or standardized input zip)

4 MAILTO ZIP+4 (+4 zip data when avail)

3 MAILTO DPBC (3-char numeric Delivery Point Barcode)

4 MAILTO CARRIER ROUTE (4-char alpha-numeric)

1 DPV CONFIRMATION INDICATOR       (Delivery Point Validation values are defined by the United States Postal Service.)
Y = Address was DPV confirmed for both the Primary and (if present) Secondary Numbers.

S = Address was DPV confirmed for the Primary Number only, and Secondary Number information was present but unconfirmed.

D = Address was DPV confirmed for the Primary Number only, and Secondary Number information was missing.

N = Both Primary and (if present) Secondary Number information failed to DPV confirm.

(blank) = Address not presented to DPV for processing.

1 NCOA MOVE TYPE
I = Individual Move

F = Family Move

B = Business Move

6 NCOA MOVE DATE (YYYYMM)

1
DELIVERY CODE
F = Foreign Move
G = Box Closed
H = Cannot match LACSLink service; Highrise default
K = Moved, Left No Address
L = LACSLink Match
M = Forwardable address
P = Primary Address not verified at this time
S = Secondary address not verified
X = LACSLink Match to a Fake
(blank) = No match found in NCOA file

13 ZIP+4 UPDATES
AA = Address Successfully Matched to ZIP + 4

A1 = Address Not matched to the ZIP + 4 File

A2 = Alias Street matched to Zip + 4 Base Street

A3 = Address Matched to ZIP + 4 Alternate

D = Corrected City Name and/or State Information

E = Corrected Primary Address

F = Corrected secondary address data

H = Corrected or added the 5-Digit ZIP Code

J = Failure to match last line of address.
Could not validate the city name, state and ZIP code on this address. This address cannot be correctly processed by automated equipment and may be undeliverable.

K = Multiple match in primary address field.
Address matched to more than one address record.

K1 = Multiple match due to missing or incorrect direction(s).

K2 = Multiple match due to missing or incorrect suffix.

L = Multiple match in secondary address field.
Possible reason is missing or incorrect secondary descriptor (e.g. "SUITE", "APARTMENT", "ROOM", etc). Note: Apartment buildings can have deliveries to Suite 1 and Apartment 1.

M1 = Missing Street Number.

M2 = Address not found.

No such address exists

Transposed or incorrect address number

Incorrectly spelled street name

This address cannot be processed correctly on automated equipment and may be undeliverable.

M3 = No such Primary Number exists.

M4 = Firm Name not matched.

N1 = Missing Secondary Address Number.
Missing Secondary Address Number in a multiple-ZIP + 4-coded building.

N2 = Secondary Number not found.

No such address exists

Transposed or incorrect number

P1 = Missing Rural Route or Highway Contract Box Number. This address was identified as a Rural or Highway Contract delivery but it did not contain a box number. This address cannot be processed correctly on automated equipment and may be undeliverable.

P2 = Rural Route or Highway Contract Box Number not on file.

No such address exists

Transposed or incorrect number

Q1 = Missing PO Box Number.

Q2 = PO Box Number not found.

No such address exists

Transposed or incorrect box number

2 MAILABILITY SCORE ** (detailed codes below)
Score 1 - Accurate, Mailable Addresses

Score 2 - Probably Deliverable

Score 3 - Might Be Deliverable

Score 4 - Probably Undeliverable

Score 5 - Do Not Mail

10 COMBINED ZIP
Contains combined Zip+"-"+Zip4

TELEPHONE DATA UPON REQUEST

10
TELEPHONE

10-char Phone Number

3 TIMEZONE
(EST, CST, MST, PST, AST, HST, unknown)

1 PHONE MATCH LEVEL
1-3 Best Matches -
Phone numbers assigned to these names are very likely to agree:

1 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Last 4 digits of House Number / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname). Given names match (allowing initials and nicknames).

2 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Last 4 digits of House Number / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname).

3 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname).
Surnames match exactly. First six characters of street name match exactly. Given names match (allowing initials and nicknames).

4-5 Good Matches -
Recommend Testing:

4 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. Given names match (initials are not allowed).

5 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. First six characters of street name match exactly.

6-7 Weak Matches -
If it is important that you have the correct name do not call these numbers:

6 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. Surnames match exactly. Given names match (allowing initials and nicknames).

7 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly.

9 = Non-match

1 PHONE_STATUS
Telephone Listing Status
C = Current

R = Removed

V = Disconnect

1 PHONE_NUMBER_TYPE
2 = Alternate
3 = Add'l Number to be Dialed Outside Local Area
4 = After-Hours
9 = Emergency
B = Business Voice Line
C = Car, Cellular, or Mobile
D = TDD Device for the Deaf
F = Fax Line
H = Work-at-Home Voice Line
I = Toll Free Voice Line
M = Modem Line
P = Pager
O = Teletypewriter or Other Data Line
T = Teen Line, Teen/Children's Phone
U = Unknown Telephone Line
V = Consumer Voice Line
W = Converted to Wireless

Q & A:

What does it mean if I have a Y in the New Address field? It means a match was made during NCOA processing and a new address has been identified. You will see the new address information for that particular record in the MailTo fields.

MRT field stands for Mail Return field...if I have a Y in that field, should I delete the record? Deleting the record is up to you, of course, but do not mail to that address. You'll most likely be wasting postage.

How can I tell which records were USPS-standardized? Column ZIP4_UPDATES will contain an 'AA' for every record that successfully matched against the USPS Zip4 file.

And how are records flagged when they don't match the USPS Zip4 file? Column ZIP4_UPDATES will contain an 'A1' for these records.

Are there any new addresses in the data that are not indicated by a Y in New Address field? Yes. If you see 'E' in the field Zip4Updates, this means that there is a corrected version of your input address. You will find the new address in the standard Mailto address fields.

How can I tell whether a given move was an individual, family or business move? The NCOA Move Type field will tell you this. For individual moves you will see an 'I', for family moves 'F', and for business moves 'B'.

What matching criteria is used to determine what type of match is made? For individual moves, a perfect name/address match must be made. For family moves, last name and address need to match. For business moves, a match is made on business or firm name and input address.

With cleaner input data and better quality addresses, will I see see better NCOA results? Yes. The better the input data, the better the results. Assisting in this, the first thing we do with your input data is scrub it, standardize it, and perform robust hygiene to improve NCOA matching.

**Mailability Score Index The below scores describe the accuracy and overall 'mailability' of the address, using information from all hygiene services that were applied during processing.

Score 1. - Accurate, Mailable Addresses. These records are DPV confirmed and possess the necessary elements for potential delivery. These should be considered highly deliverable.

1A A change of address. A new address has been supplied by NCOA^Link. Use the new address to update the record.

1B Obsolete. Now coded as 2F.

1C DPV confirmed. Deliverable as long as the name of the addressee is correct.

1D Obsolete. Now coded as 2G.

1E Obsolete. Now coded as 2H.

1F DPV confirmed. A CMRA (Commercial Mail Receiving Agency) address that includes a PMB (Private Mail Box) number. Deliverable or forwardable by the CMRA as long as the name of the addressee is correct.

1G An address has been converted by LACSLink and is DPV confirmed.

1H DPV confirmed in a Unique ZIP CodeTM or a Military ZIP Code. In each case, the USPS delivers mail to a central point (a company, a university mail room, a military Post OfficeTM), but final delivery to individual addresses (a specific building, department, or individual) is handled by employees within the organization.

Score 2 - Probably Deliverable. These records are DPV confirmed, but may face additional challenges in delivery due to seasonality or general delivery.

2A Obsolete. Now coded as 4B or 4C.

2B Obsolete. Now coded as 4B.

2C General Delivery Addresses or a DSF2 delivery point drop. Final delivery is probably dependent on building manager.

2D This is a High Rise address. The primary address (street information) is verified by DPV, but secondary data (apartment or suite) is missing or incorrect. Address is not within a major metro area, so it is probably deliverable without the secondary data.

2E Address is a CMRA but it does not have a PMB number.

2F A new address has been supplied by NCOALink and has been DPV confirmed and the new "move to" address is a seasonal address. This score may indicate a "snowbird" or someone who routinely moves between two addresses.

2G An address has been converted by LACSLink and has been DPV confirmed and the converted address is a seasonal address. This score may indicate a "snowbird" or someone who routinely moves between two addresses.

2H Address does not have a ZIP + 4 code or any postal coding, but it is a known address. This is new construction or renovation that is "new to the file." Current postal files don't yet contain delivery point information (ZIP + 4 code, carrier route, etc.) for this address, so it won't qualify for postage discounts. The address will be coded in subsequent updates, probably within the next 30 days.

Score 3 - Might Be Deliverable. Some percentage of these records won't be delivered. If cost control is a priority, or if your message is personal or confidential, then you should bypass these records. But some records will be deliverable, so if you want to expand your mailing universe and can tolerate some risk, you may decide to mail some portion of these records.

3A Obsolete October 2008. Now coded 4D.

3B This is a High Rise address. The primary address (street information) is verified by DPV, but secondary data (apartment or suite) is missing or incorrect. The address is within a major metro area, and so mail may not get delivered without the secondary data.

3C DPV confirmed. The address and surname are very similar to a record on the NCOALink database, but differences in either the first name or the middle name prevent a match; therefore, a forwarding address can not be supplied.

3D No longer active.

3E Obsolete October 2008. Now coded 3C.

3F DPV confirmed. The primary address and name are very similar to a record on the NCOALink database, but some part of the secondary address data did not match; therefore, a forwarding address can not be supplied.

3G This address is obsolete. It has been updated by the LACSLink product, but LACSLink processing is unable to provide the converted address.

3H No longer active.

3I No longer active.

Score 4 -- Probably Undeliverable. Unless you have confirmation that this address is deliverable (e.g. from the addressee or from prior mailings), you should bypass these records.

4A No longer active.

4B This address cannot be ZIP + 4 coded. It has a valid 5-digit ZIP Code, and is in a single ZIP� city, so there is some possibility that the carrier may be able to determine the delivery address.

4C This address cannot be ZIP + 4 coded. It has a valid 5-digit ZIP Code, but it is in a multi-ZIP city (or the city type can't be determined), so it is unlikely that the carrier can determine the delivery address.

4D This is an accurate street-and-number address, but a PO Box address is necessary for delivery. This address is not located within a delivery area for any postal carrier. The addressee must receive all mail at a PO Box. Postal workers may be unable to deliver mail pieces that do not carry the PO Box address.

Score 5 - Undeliverable -- Do Not Mail. Suppress these records from mailings and suspend or delete from databases.

5A The addressee has moved and the record cannot be updated by the NCOALink product. The addressee is either a foreign move, box closed, moved and left no forwarding address, or the new address can not be DPV verified.

5B The ZIP Code is missing or invalid. Address errors or deficiencies prevent it from getting a correct 5-digit ZIP Code.

5C Identified by the DSF2 product as vacant. Note: Not all records identified by the DSF2 product as vacant are scored as 5C. If the NCOALink product provides a COA with an Effective Date within 4 months it is assigned 1A.

Questions...Feel free to ask us!

		LENGTH	DESCRIPTION
ALL	ORIGINAL	DATA	INTACT


ALL	ORIGINAL	DATA	INTACT


ALL	ORIGINAL	DATA	INTACT


ALL	ORIGINAL	DATA	INTACT
		1	New Address Flag Y = New NCOA Address Found P = New PCOA Address Found (available with Proprietary Change of Address processing)
		1	MRT Flag (Mail Return) Y = Record Flagged by USPS as Mail Return
		40	MAILTO ADDRESS1 (New address1 when avail, or standardized input address1)
		40	MAILTO ADDRESS2 (New address2 when avail, or standardized input address2)
		28	MAILTO CITY (New city when avail, or standardized input city)
		2	MAILTO STATE (New state when avail, or standardized input state)
		5	MAILTO ZIP (New zip when avail, or standardized input zip)
		4	MAILTO ZIP+4 (+4 zip data when avail)
		3	MAILTO DPBC (3-char numeric Delivery Point Barcode)
		4	MAILTO CARRIER ROUTE (4-char alpha-numeric)
		1	DPV CONFIRMATION INDICATOR (Delivery Point Validation values are defined by the United States Postal Service.) Y = Address was DPV confirmed for both the Primary and (if present) Secondary Numbers. S = Address was DPV confirmed for the Primary Number only, and Secondary Number information was present but unconfirmed. D = Address was DPV confirmed for the Primary Number only, and Secondary Number information was missing. N = Both Primary and (if present) Secondary Number information failed to DPV confirm. (blank) = Address not presented to DPV for processing.
		1	NCOA MOVE TYPE I = Individual Move F = Family Move B = Business Move
		6	NCOA MOVE DATE (YYYYMM)
		1	DELIVERY CODE F = Foreign Move G = Box Closed H = Cannot match LACSLink service; Highrise default K = Moved, Left No Address L = LACSLink Match M = Forwardable address P = Primary Address not verified at this time S = Secondary address not verified X = LACSLink Match to a Fake (blank) = No match found in NCOA file
		13	ZIP+4 UPDATES AA = Address Successfully Matched to ZIP + 4 A1 = Address Not matched to the ZIP + 4 File A2 = Alias Street matched to Zip + 4 Base Street A3 = Address Matched to ZIP + 4 Alternate D = Corrected City Name and/or State Information E = Corrected Primary Address F = Corrected secondary address data H = Corrected or added the 5-Digit ZIP Code J = Failure to match last line of address. Could not validate the city name, state and ZIP code on this address. This address cannot be correctly processed by automated equipment and may be undeliverable. K = Multiple match in primary address field. Address matched to more than one address record. K1 = Multiple match due to missing or incorrect direction(s). K2 = Multiple match due to missing or incorrect suffix. L = Multiple match in secondary address field. Possible reason is missing or incorrect secondary descriptor (e.g. "SUITE", "APARTMENT", "ROOM", etc). Note: Apartment buildings can have deliveries to Suite 1 and Apartment 1. M1 = Missing Street Number. M2 = Address not found. No such address exists Transposed or incorrect address number Incorrectly spelled street name This address cannot be processed correctly on automated equipment and may be undeliverable. M3 = No such Primary Number exists. M4 = Firm Name not matched. N1 = Missing Secondary Address Number. Missing Secondary Address Number in a multiple-ZIP + 4-coded building. N2 = Secondary Number not found. No such address exists Transposed or incorrect number P1 = Missing Rural Route or Highway Contract Box Number. This address was identified as a Rural or Highway Contract delivery but it did not contain a box number. This address cannot be processed correctly on automated equipment and may be undeliverable. P2 = Rural Route or Highway Contract Box Number not on file. No such address exists Transposed or incorrect number Q1 = Missing PO Box Number. Q2 = PO Box Number not found. No such address exists Transposed or incorrect box number
		2	MAILABILITY SCORE ** (detailed codes below) Score 1 - Accurate, Mailable Addresses Score 2 - Probably Deliverable Score 3 - Might Be Deliverable Score 4 - Probably Undeliverable Score 5 - Do Not Mail
		10	COMBINED ZIP Contains combined Zip+"-"+Zip4
TELEPHONE	DATA	UPON	REQUEST
		10	TELEPHONE 10-char Phone Number
		3	TIMEZONE (EST, CST, MST, PST, AST, HST, unknown)
		1	PHONE MATCH LEVEL 1-3 Best Matches - Phone numbers assigned to these names are very likely to agree: 1 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Last 4 digits of House Number / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname). Given names match (allowing initials and nicknames). 2 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Last 4 digits of House Number / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname). 3 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. First six characters of street name match exactly. Given names match (allowing initials and nicknames). 4-5 Good Matches - Recommend Testing: 4 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. Given names match (initials are not allowed). 5 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Street / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. First six characters of street name match exactly. 6-7 Weak Matches - If it is important that you have the correct name do not call these numbers: 6 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. Surnames match exactly. Given names match (allowing initials and nicknames). 7 = Match exactly on (State / PFN / Phonetic Surname). Surnames match exactly. 9 = Non-match
		1	PHONE_STATUS Telephone Listing Status C = Current R = Removed V = Disconnect
		1	PHONE_NUMBER_TYPE 2 = Alternate 3 = Add'l Number to be Dialed Outside Local Area 4 = After-Hours 9 = Emergency B = Business Voice Line C = Car, Cellular, or Mobile D = TDD Device for the Deaf F = Fax Line H = Work-at-Home Voice Line I = Toll Free Voice Line M = Modem Line P = Pager O = Teletypewriter or Other Data Line T = Teen Line, Teen/Children's Phone U = Unknown Telephone Line V = Consumer Voice Line W = Converted to Wireless

	Score 1. - Accurate, Mailable Addresses. These records are DPV confirmed and possess the necessary elements for potential delivery. These should be considered highly deliverable.
1A	A change of address. A new address has been supplied by NCOA^Link. Use the new address to update the record.
1B	Obsolete. Now coded as 2F.
1C	DPV confirmed. Deliverable as long as the name of the addressee is correct.
1D	Obsolete. Now coded as 2G.
1E	Obsolete. Now coded as 2H.
1F	DPV confirmed. A CMRA (Commercial Mail Receiving Agency) address that includes a PMB (Private Mail Box) number. Deliverable or forwardable by the CMRA as long as the name of the addressee is correct.
1G	An address has been converted by LACSLink and is DPV confirmed.
1H	DPV confirmed in a Unique ZIP CodeTM or a Military ZIP Code. In each case, the USPS delivers mail to a central point (a company, a university mail room, a military Post OfficeTM), but final delivery to individual addresses (a specific building, department, or individual) is handled by employees within the organization.

	Score 2 - Probably Deliverable. These records are DPV confirmed, but may face additional challenges in delivery due to seasonality or general delivery.
2A	Obsolete. Now coded as 4B or 4C.
2B	Obsolete. Now coded as 4B.
2C	General Delivery Addresses or a DSF2 delivery point drop. Final delivery is probably dependent on building manager.
2D	This is a High Rise address. The primary address (street information) is verified by DPV, but secondary data (apartment or suite) is missing or incorrect. Address is not within a major metro area, so it is probably deliverable without the secondary data.
2E	Address is a CMRA but it does not have a PMB number.
2F	A new address has been supplied by NCOALink and has been DPV confirmed and the new "move to" address is a seasonal address. This score may indicate a "snowbird" or someone who routinely moves between two addresses.
2G	An address has been converted by LACSLink and has been DPV confirmed and the converted address is a seasonal address. This score may indicate a "snowbird" or someone who routinely moves between two addresses.
2H	Address does not have a ZIP + 4 code or any postal coding, but it is a known address. This is new construction or renovation that is "new to the file." Current postal files don't yet contain delivery point information (ZIP + 4 code, carrier route, etc.) for this address, so it won't qualify for postage discounts. The address will be coded in subsequent updates, probably within the next 30 days.

	Score 3 - Might Be Deliverable. Some percentage of these records won't be delivered. If cost control is a priority, or if your message is personal or confidential, then you should bypass these records. But some records will be deliverable, so if you want to expand your mailing universe and can tolerate some risk, you may decide to mail some portion of these records.
3A	Obsolete October 2008. Now coded 4D.
3B	This is a High Rise address. The primary address (street information) is verified by DPV, but secondary data (apartment or suite) is missing or incorrect. The address is within a major metro area, and so mail may not get delivered without the secondary data.
3C	DPV confirmed. The address and surname are very similar to a record on the NCOALink database, but differences in either the first name or the middle name prevent a match; therefore, a forwarding address can not be supplied.
3D	No longer active.
3E	Obsolete October 2008. Now coded 3C.
3F	DPV confirmed. The primary address and name are very similar to a record on the NCOALink database, but some part of the secondary address data did not match; therefore, a forwarding address can not be supplied.
3G	This address is obsolete. It has been updated by the LACSLink product, but LACSLink processing is unable to provide the converted address.
3H	No longer active.
3I	No longer active.

	Score 4 -- Probably Undeliverable. Unless you have confirmation that this address is deliverable (e.g. from the addressee or from prior mailings), you should bypass these records.
4A	No longer active.
4B	This address cannot be ZIP + 4 coded. It has a valid 5-digit ZIP Code, and is in a single ZIP� city, so there is some possibility that the carrier may be able to determine the delivery address.
4C	This address cannot be ZIP + 4 coded. It has a valid 5-digit ZIP Code, but it is in a multi-ZIP city (or the city type can't be determined), so it is unlikely that the carrier can determine the delivery address.
4D	This is an accurate street-and-number address, but a PO Box address is necessary for delivery. This address is not located within a delivery area for any postal carrier. The addressee must receive all mail at a PO Box. Postal workers may be unable to deliver mail pieces that do not carry the PO Box address.

	Score 5 - Undeliverable -- Do Not Mail. Suppress these records from mailings and suspend or delete from databases.
5A	The addressee has moved and the record cannot be updated by the NCOALink product. The addressee is either a foreign move, box closed, moved and left no forwarding address, or the new address can not be DPV verified.
5B	The ZIP Code is missing or invalid. Address errors or deficiencies prevent it from getting a correct 5-digit ZIP Code.
5C	Identified by the DSF2 product as vacant. Note: Not all records identified by the DSF2 product as vacant are scored as 5C. If the NCOALink product provides a COA with an Effective Date within 4 months it is assigned 1A.

Return Data Layout

Quick Links

NCOAsourceReturn File Layout Specifications

NCOA Standard Append v3.20

NCOAsource
Return File Layout Specifications