USPS Address Validation Feature

Overview

Cornerstone provides a lookup to the United States Postal Service (USPS) to validate mailing addresses and add Zip +4. This ensures addresses are correct and that invoices can be successfully mailed to the location or bill-to address.

How Address Validation Works

Automatic Validation

Address validation automatically occurs when you:

• Insert a new customer or prospect
• Add a bill-to address to an account
• Click OK to save the information

The system will check the address against the USPS database and provide validation results.

Manual Validation

To validate an existing site or bill-to address, click the validation icon at any time.

Understanding Validation Results

Common USPS Errors

The system will return errors from the USPS database, such as:

"Address Not Found"

• The address does not exist in the USPS database
• Review your entry for typos or incorrect information

"The address you entered was found but more information is needed"

• Additional details required (apartment, suite, or box number)
• Add the missing information to match a specific address

Special Character Restrictions

Important: USPS does not recognize special characters such as:

• Double quotes (")
• Ampersand (&)

If your address contains these characters, review your entry, make edits, and validate again.

What Address Validation Does

The validation feature will:

• Check spelling - Correct misspelled street names and cities
• Provide correct Zip +4 - Add the four-digit extension to the zip code
• Fill in city names - Enter the city when you provide a zip code
• Verify street addresses - Confirm the address exists in USPS records

Using Validated Addresses

Reviewing Validation Results

After validation completes, review the suggested corrections:

1. Check the corrected address information
2. Verify the Zip +4 code
3. Ensure city and state are correct

Updating Your Record

Select Update to use the validated address in Cornerstone.

Important: Make sure the Address 1 line has a street address or PO Box before validating.

Benefits of Address Validation

• Improved data accuracy - Reduce address errors in your database
• Better mail delivery - Ensure invoices reach customers
• Complete zip codes - Zip +4 improves USPS processing
• Reduced returned mail - Fewer undeliverable invoices
• Time savings - Automatic validation catches errors immediately

Need Help?

Still have questions? Contact Cornerstone Holding Co. 847-405-9517 or email us customer.success@alarmbills.com