Reviewing address formats
When purchasing a label through Shopify Shipping, each shipping carrier has different expectations for the shipping address format.
Address recognition
When you enter a shipping address for a shipping label, the address is checked against the shipping carrier's database. If there is a match, then the address is guaranteed to be recognized by the shipping carrier. If there isn't a match, then there is no guarantee that the address will be recognized, which can lead to errors or delays in shipping.
Recognized addresses
If an address is in a valid format and has a match in the carrier's database, then it is guaranteed to be recognized. This means that the carrier will accept the label and there won't be any delays because of errors reading the label.
Yellow banner error
If you see a shipping address error message in a yellow banner, then the address is in a valid format but has no match in the carrier's database. This usually means that there is an error in how the address was entered. You can use the carrier's shipping address checker to find the address that the shipping carrier uses.
Addresses that aren't recognized can still be used and might not affect the delivery. If you are confident that an address is correct, then you can use the unrecognized address on your label.
If you need help with your shipping addresses, then contact Shopify Support.
Red banner error
If you see a shipping address error message in a red banner, then the address is in an incorrect format and you can't purchase a label for it. You can use the carrier's shipping address checker to find the format that the shipping carrier uses.
If you need help with your shipping addresses, then contact Shopify Support.
Shipping address checkers
Use the following tools to validate your addresses.
| Carrier | Tool |
|---|---|
| USPS | USPS address checker |
| UPS | USP address checker |
| Canada Post | Canada Post address checker |
| DHL | DHL address checker |