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Why do we change postcodes?

There are times when we have to make large-scale changes to postal addresses.  This may be when new building developments such as housing estates or business parks in an already densely populated area leave us no free Postcodes left to allocate.  Due to the geographical nature of the Postcode system we then consider the wider area and allocate new Postcode sectors and Postcodes.  This may also apply in the cases of demolished buildings.   Although we would like new addresses to be used straight away, we realise that this is not always possible and therefore allow a changeover period of 12 months.

6-monthly Postcode changes

We know it can be a pain if we allocate your address or customer's address a new Postcode, but having up-to-date information on major Postcode and address re-allocations every six months gives you enough time to renew your data and stay ahead of the game.  This 6-monthly summary is known as a 'Postcode Update' and can help minimise the inconvenience and make sure your records are accurately addressed.  The summary of the most recent changes is in the Document Library below to download.

There are many other changes happening to addresses and Postcodes on a daily basis.  These aren’t included in Postcode Update but are incorporated along with large-scale changes into the Postcode Address File (PAF®).  Why not visit our PAF Quality page to find out more?

Key features

• Latest major Postcode and address changes across the UK.
• FREE to download below.

Latest Postcode Update

The latest Postcode Update (No 54) summarises changes from September 2011 to March 2012.  There was limited activity: 4 new PO Box sectors and 7 minor locality changes and corrections.
There are no major recodes planned for the next Postcode Update, No. 55,  in 6 months' time.

Historic Postcode Updates

In the Document Library below you'll find summaries of the last three Postcode Updates and a Historical information document.  We only supply address details for the last two years, because addresses older than this can cause sorting problems in our operation.

Some information is held as .txt files, and we've provided a  file specification explaining the layout of these .txt files in the General section of the Document Library. 

• Postcode Update 52  summarises changes made between September 2010 & March 2011, with no major Postcode and address changes. 
• Postcode Update 53  summarises changes made between March 2011 & September 2011, with no major Postcode and address changes.
• Postcode Update 54 summarises changes made between September 2011 & March 2012, with no major Postcode and address changes.

For more information

You can download our PAF® Code of Practice from the Document Library below, which gives more information about why we change Postcodes and addresses, and what to do if you want to change part of your address. This Code was produced in conjuction with Consumer Focus, the independent consumer council for postal services (used to be called 'Postwatch').

Opening a ZIP file

• To open the Zip file you need to have unzipping software on your PC
• Alternatively you may email address.management@royalmail.com and ask us to send you an unzipped version

Document Library

Download product information, from application forms to user guides.

All the documents are available to download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. If you don't already have it you can download the free Acrobat Reader.