If the USPS does not recognize your address, first double check that you have entered it correctly. Then, use the USPS Address Management System to find your nearest address management office and contact them to begin the validation process.
The USPS may request documentation like a utility bill to validate your address. This proves that you live at the address and gets it added to their database.
It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for the USPS to validate a new address and add it into their postal databases once documentation has been provided.
No, you cannot reliably receive mail, packages, or other postal deliveries at an address not registered in the USPS databases. That's why it's important to get unrecognized addresses added.
Common reasons are data entry errors, incomplete information (missing apartment numbers, etc.), brand new addresses, and improper formatting.
Once added to the postal database, your address will be valid for all mail and package deliveries. USPS mail carriers will be able to deliver to your address without issue.
Providing complete documentation upfront when you contact your address management office can help accelerate the process. But otherwise adding addresses relies on postal procedures.
