DPV Codes

Output port that confirms the validity of the Delivery Point Code (DPC) value for a United States address.

Delivery Point Validation (DPV) is a form of address validation designed by the USPS to ensure that an address can receive mail. USPS address reference data set includes DPV data.

A delivery point is a unique mailbox recognized by the postal system. The USPS assigns a two-digit DPC to every mailbox in a ZIP+4 Code area. If an address has a valid DPC for its ZIP+4 Code, then the USPS can confirm that the address identifies a deliverable mailbox.

A ZIP+4 Code defines a range of addresses, such as from 1 Main Street through 99 Main Street. However, the presence of a valid ZIP+4 Code in an address does not confirm that a mailbox exists for the address. The address "99 Main Street" may have a deliverable mailbox, but the address "98 Main Street" may not. DPV reference data identifies physical mailboxes in the ZIP+4 Code area.

An address with a valid ZIP+4 Code but without a valid DPC may identify a building that is unused, a building that does not exist, or a vacant lot.