Check if Zip Code or postal code is real

Question

After some searching, I haven't been able to find a definite answer.

If I am given a zip code like 11111, it is technically a valid zip code but it doesn't exist. Is there a way to check this? The same goes for a postal code like a1a a1a (valid but not real).

Check out the jQuery Validation library: stackoverflow.com/questions/19011993/… — jlewkovich
– jlewkovich, Commented Nov 24, 2014 at 21:29
You should probably include which country you're talking about or if this is regarding any countries specifics — Bowdzone
– Bowdzone, Commented Nov 24, 2014 at 21:29
The USPS has an API (usable for a fee) for validating actual ZIP codes. As ZIP codes can be added as needed, they would be the only reliable source for validity. — Ken White
– Ken White, Commented Nov 24, 2014 at 21:31
"The same goes for a postal code like a1a a1a (valid but not real)." What country is this valid in? It looks almost like a UK postcode, but the second part always starts with a digit, so it wouldn't be valid here. "A1A 1AA" is technically a valid form, I think. — IMSoP
– IMSoP, Commented Nov 24, 2014 at 21:49
That was a Canadian one. Looks like the only solution is to compare it against a dataset. I was just foolish in thinking there would be a way to check using a few rules XD. — Siva
– Siva, Commented Nov 24, 2014 at 22:23

Cody Caughlan · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-24 21:30:40Z

6

For United States zipcodes:

You can purchase / download databases of zip codes, which you can use in your local app.

Google for

us zip code database

Here is one that you can use for free for non-commercial purposes (for commercial purposes you can purchase a cheap license):

http://www.unitedstateszipcodes.org/zip-code-database/

There are some providers which allow you to perform remote HTTP calls, search around

answered Nov 24, 2014 at 21:30

Cody Caughlan

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Robert Muil · Accepted Answer · 2021-02-12 18:19:14Z

1

For any who stumble onto this and are using Python, this exists: https://github.com/Brobin/usps-api

It doesn't cover all the API functionality, but it makes the standard stuff much easier than constructing XML by hand.

answered Feb 12, 2021 at 18:19

Robert Muil

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