When verifying address accuracy, we can’t rely on the data listed in TryRating, map applications or even the official website to always be correct. However, we can use the Royal Mail address finder at https://www.royalmail.com/find- a-postcode to verify that the sub-locality, locality and postal code components are correct. Unit number, street number and street name components do not need to match Royal Mail and those listed on the official sources can normally be used, but for sub-locality, locality and postal code, Royal Mail should be considered as the ‘final authority’.
Example 1 – Incorrect Postal Code
Name: Primark
Address: 109-111 High Street, Watford, United Kingdom, WD17 2TA, England
Official URL: https://stores.primark.com/united-kingdom/watford/109-111-high-street
The official Primark store locator page lists the Postal Code as WD17 2TA. However, copying the street number, name and locality into the Royal Mail address finder, we find that the Postal Code is incorrect and should be WD17 2DQ. Therefore, the Address Accuracy for this address should be rated Incorrect with the Postal Code checkbox ticked.
Example 2 – Incorrect Locality
Name: McDonald’s
Address: 291B Oxford Street, Westminster, W1C 2DT, England
Official URL: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/location/westminster/291-oxford-st/291b-oxford- street/8260352.html
The official McDonald’s store locator lists the locality as Westminster. However, copying the street number and name into the Royal Mail address finder shows us that the correct Locality is in fact London. Westminster is a London borough and is not used as part of the official Royal Mail address. Therefore, Address Accuracy for this address should be rated Incorrect with the Locality checkbox ticked.
Example 3 – Missing Sub-locality 
Name: B&Q
Address: Solihull Retail Park, Marshall Lake Road, Solihull, B90 4RB, England
Official URL: https://www.diy.com/store/1047
The official B&Q store locator lists the Locality as Solihull. However, copying the Postal Code into the Royal Mail address finder shows us that although the locality Solihull is correct, the address is missing the Sub-locality Shirley (the sub-locality will be shown in-between the street name and the locality in Royal Mail address results). Therefore, Address Accuracy for this address should be rated Incorrect with the Country Specific Issue checkbox ticked as sub-localities are listed as Country Specific address components in the Country Specific Guidelines, section 2. Also note the official website includes the County West Midlands, but this is not a required address component and should not be included.
Example 4 – Missing Locality 
Name: ALDI
Address: Unit 1, 144 Watling Street, Bletchley, MK1 1EY
Official URL: https://www.aldi.co.uk/store/s-uk-E1102
The official ALDI store locator lists the Locality as Bletchley. However, copying the Postal Code into the Royal Mail address finder shows us that this is in fact the Sub-locality (as it’s shown in-between the street name and locality), and the correct Locality of Milton Keynes is missing. Therefore, Address Accuracy for this address should be rated Incorrect with the Locality checkbox ticked.