Do addresses have a unique identifier?
The "fast lane" answer
Unique identifiers are now available with SmartyKey, available through any Smarty product. While many people will use the Delivery Point Barcode (DPBC), which is unique for most addresses, it’s problematic because it’s unstable and often changes over time. ZIP Codes are subject to change whenever needed by the US Postal Service, which alters the DPBC. Your best bet is SmartyKey; even with the largest address files, Smarty’s address keys improve continuity, consistency, confidence, and trust in your data.
The "scenic route" answer
Many people need to identify address duplicates in their databases. This process can be sped up when using SmartyKey. The other option is a little more hands-on and time-consuming. Take a look at these example addresses:
(a) 360 N Bedford Suite 204 Beverly Hills CA 90210-5124
(b) 360 North Bedford Dr # 204 Beverly Hills CA 90210-5124Because of the different formatting, they're hard to catch as duplicates.
However, you'll notice that the delivery point barcode (DPBC) is the same for both. This is because they’re actually the same address.
On average, 4% of ZIP Codes change each month. Boundaries are realigned as delivery routes change. Remember, the USPS owns the ZIP Codes, and they change them anytime it’s convenient for them. Since the DPBC is based on the ZIP Code, if the ZIP Code changes, the DPBC would change. Thus, today 902105124547 could represent one specific address, but tomorrow it could be represented by a different DPBC due to a ZIP Code change.
What usually doesn't change is the address of the house. The standardized version of the address, 360 N Bedford Dr Ste 204, Beverly Hills, CA, will likely remain the address for the building and apartment for a long time to come.
That's much more stable than including the ZIP Code, which can change without notice.
Cities, on the other hand, rarely change their name.
States very rarely change their names, and the state abbreviation can't be shorter than 2 characters.
To change the primary number from 360 to 380, the building would need to be moved.
So, outside of Smarty's persistent unique identifiers (PUIDs), a better unique identifier might be the standardized address, minus the ZIP Code, as a string: 360+N+Bedford+Dr+Ste+204+Beverly+Hills+CA.
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