How does the NCOA file actually get created and updated?
Every single night, the USPS Computerized Forwarding sites are queried by the USPS Customer Support Center in search of new change-of-address orders filed by relocating individuals and businesses. With every new change of address filed, a move validation letter is sent to the old address to confirm that the move is authentic. This validation letter typically arrives at the old address within 3-4 days to confirm the address change. The source NCOA file is then updated every week by way of an update file sent to each NCOA licensee.
