Address Verification and Validation - What is the Difference?

Whether it's a typo when entering an address into a website or a customer moving to a new home, inaccurate addresses can cost businesses money and create an inconsistent UX. By implementing address verification and validation tools, companies can cleanse their databases of bad data.

But, what is the difference between address verification and validation? Address verification is a process of checking the accuracy of an individual's address while validation is the ability to take structured data and make it usable. There are several ways to validate an address, including standardizing formats, correcting misspellings, updating outdated addresses, and tying that address to physical locations such as zip codes or towns.

There are many industries that benefit from a reliable address validation tool, including e-commerce, travel, third-party logistics companies, vacation rental services, and background check firms. By implementing an address verification system, these companies can reduce the amount of returned mail and increase their business operations efficiency by having accurate customer address data.

In addition, businesses that offer a service to customers at their homes or places of business can also use an address validation solution to ensure that their crews are going to the right location for each appointment. This can help minimize wasted gas and time, and create a better overall customer experience. In addition, businesses that sell products online can validate addresses on checkout forms to fight fraud and improve the accuracy of their sales and marketing efforts.