How do I Interpret CASS and NCOA Data Files?

Getting Started

When using LetterStream's CASS or NCOA Address Cleanup tools, your address list is validated against the USPS database. This article explains how to interpret the results file—especially the key "DPV" column that helps determine if your addresses are valid.

In This Article

• How the Address Validation Works
• Accessing the Results File
• Understanding the DPV Column
• DPV Field Descriptions

How the Address Validation Works

When you upload a .CSV address list to LetterStream for CASS or NCOA processing:

• The system compares your addresses with the USPS database.
• It attempts to validate whether the listed addresses are accurate and deliverable.

Accessing the Results File

After the validation is complete, results will be emailed to you or:

1. Login to your LetterStream account.
2. Click on the Job Name or Job ID.
3. A new Excel (.CSV) file will be available for download.
   • This file includes detailed information about each address, along with any suggested changes.
4. On the same page, we will provide an explanation for interpreting the results.

Understanding the DPV Column

• Look for the column labeled DPV—usually located around column S in Excel.
• This field tells you whether an address is confirmed by the USPS as valid.
• The first character in this field can be used to determine the status.

DPV Field Descriptions

Here’s what each possible first character means:

• Y – The address is fully confirmed (both primary and secondary numbers are valid).
• D – Only the primary number is confirmed; secondary number is missing.
• S – Only the primary number is confirmed; secondary number is present but unconfirmed.
• N – Neither the primary nor secondary number is confirmed.
• Blank – The address was not processed by the USPS hash table.