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 | UPS address checker |
| Canada Post | Canada Post address checker |
| DHL | DHL address checker |
| Sendle | Sendle suburb reference guide |
US military shipping addresses
Military mailing addresses in the US have a unique format that must be input in a specific way. If the address is entered incorrectly, then the order might not arrive to the intended recipient. There are 3 different types of US military address:
- Army/Air Post Office (APO)
- Fleet Post Office (FPO)
- Diplomatic Post Office (DPO)
If you receive an order with a US military shipping address, then make sure that the address has been entered correctly before you ship the order. If the shipping address hasn't been entered correctly by the customer, then edit the customer address using the following guidelines:
- The recipients name must be entered into the Name fields, but their rank is optional.
- The PSC and BOX numbers for AP addresses, or the UNIT and BOX numbers for FPO and DPO addresses, must both be in the Address field.
- The City field must contain only APO, FPO, or DPO. Don't enter the name of the city.
- United States must be selected in the Country/Region field.
- Armed Forces Americas, Armed Forces Europe, or Armed Forces Pacific must be selected in the State field. These location might be entered in abbreviated form by your customer as Armed Forces America (AA), Armed Forces Europe (AE), or Armed Forces Pacific (AP).
If you're unsure of some of the address information, then contact the customer that placed the order for further clarification.