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Provisional addresses (US)
Submit missing new-build (provisional) addresses to Smarty, and we’ll verify them against authoritative sources, adding approved records to our U.S. data so they start appearing in your US Address Verification results—at no extra cost, with no integration changes.
Faster onboarding
Fewer "address not found" dead ends for customers who live in brand-new neighborhoods.
Fewer false rejects
Reduce form abandonment and support tickets caused by valid-but-not-yet-listed addresses.
Stronger coverage over time
Even if you never submit a list, you still benefit, as approved records from others’ submissions improve overall database completeness.
Breaking down provisional addresses
What is a provisional address?
A provisional address is a real customer address (often a new build) that isn’t in USPS data or Smarty’s address verification dataset yet—so it may fail validation today even though it’s legitimate.
Why it matters
When a valid address doesn’t show up, it can gum up the whole machine: onboarding, provisioning, service activation, shipping, and downstream analytics. Provisional addresses close those gaps without strain on your ops team.How provisional addresses work
For customers with US Address Verification, you can submit a small batch of "missing" addresses, as shown below.
Smarty verifies each record using authoritative sources, then adds approved records to Smarty’s U.S. data so they appear in API results, typically within 30–60 days.
Approved records are returned as "non-postal" in your metadata, and this won’t break your existing integration.
Smarty verifies each record using authoritative sources, then adds approved records to Smarty’s U.S. data so they appear in API results, typically within 30–60 days.
Approved records are returned as "non-postal" in your metadata, and this won’t break your existing integration.
Benefits of provisional addresses
Keep revenue moving
- Fewer lost sales due to declines from "address not found"
- Faster provisioning and onboarding for faster revenue capture
- Fewer false "invalid address" errors, which means less form abandonment and fewer support tickets
Reduce operational drag
- New addresses go directly to Smarty without waiting for the USPS to catch up
- Smarty takes the work and stress of verifying new or missing addresses off your plate
- Better delivery and service outcomes for happier customers
- No action required from you if you have no provisional addresses, but you want to benefit from those submitted by others
- You get the fastest access to the most complete address verification list available
Improve downstream decisioning
- Cleaner analytics and segmentation
- Better eligibility decisions and territory planning
Common use cases
Telecom & utilities: activate service for new subdivisions even before USPS fully catches up.
Insurance & financial services: prevent application drop-off when a real address isn’t recognized yet.
Ecommerce & logistics / last-mile delivery: reduce "address not found" friction for new-construction customers.
Local government: fill gaps for addresses missing from a jurisdiction.
Property & field services: schedule installs/visits while address data catches up.
Insurance & financial services: prevent application drop-off when a real address isn’t recognized yet.
Ecommerce & logistics / last-mile delivery: reduce "address not found" friction for new-construction customers.
Local government: fill gaps for addresses missing from a jurisdiction.
Property & field services: schedule installs/visits while address data catches up.
How to get started
- Let Sales know you’re ready to submit addresses.
- Accept the terms of service that sales will send you.
- Send Support or your Customer Success Manager a CSV or Excel file containing the addresses you want reviewed.
- Smarty verifies, approves what’s legitimate, and adds records to Smarty’s U.S. data so they appear in API results.
What not to submit: your full, unmatched list (this service is meant for provisional address lists only).
FAQ
Do provisional addresses cost extra?
No. Provisional addresses are included in your US Address Verification subscription at no additional cost.
Will this break my existing integration?
No. Approved records are returned as non-postal, and this won’t break existing US Address Verification integrations.
Can I avoid or remove provisional addresses from my results?
Yes. To avoid provisional addresses, set your match parameter to strict—provisional addresses are returned as non-USPS (non-postal), and strict matching excludes non-USPS results. If you prefer enhanced matching, you can still use it, then filter out any addresses flagged as non-postal (non-USPS) in the response before you save or display them.
How do I submit addresses?
After accepting the terms you receive from Sales, send Support or your CSM a CSV or Excel list of the addresses you want researched.
How are provisional addresses verified?
Smarty cross-checks submitted records using multiple authoritative sources.
More FAQs
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