Delivery and Retail

Customer Change-of-Address Move Validation Letter Procedures

The move validation letter (MVL) was implemented in 1996 to help validate change-of-address orders (COAs) and to provide increased protection for customers filing COAs. MVLs are sent as First-Class Mail® items and should always be delivered as addressed based on the “Or Current Resident” endorsement.

MVLs must be delivered as addressed, even though the person (or family) named on the MVL has moved, and even if the address appears to be vacant. Only if the piece is refused, the address is not valid, or the address no longer exists should the piece be returned.

Returned MVLs should be directed to the Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to be processed on Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) equipment. Mail should be individually endorsed to show the reason for nondelivery (refused, no such address, etc.), or separated by reason for nondelivery, bundled with the top piece endorsed and placed in the throwback case.

The MVL has also been revised to show information on the outside envelope for the addressee, the new (current) resident(s) at the address, and the carrier.

Area vice presidents and district managers are asked to be sure that all MVLs received in Post Offices™ under their area and district are delivered to the address on the piece, and that all carriers delivering to street addresses and employees delivering P.O. box mail are aware of these requirements. When reviewing operations at Post Offices under a jurisdiction, also review the handling of MVLs for compliance with these requirements.