What is the Postal Address File (PAF)?

The Postal Address File (PAF) is one of the most comprehensive address reference databases in Australia.  The PAF is an extract from Australia Post's core addressing database, and has been developed for the purpose of supporting Post's mail processing and delivery operations through AMAS-approved barcoding and address matching software.

What does the PAF contain?

The PAF contains Australian addresses in a correct address format, along with their corresponding DPIDs (Delivery Point Identifiers).  Each DPID is a randomly generated, unique 8-digit number, which is associated with an address. 

DPIDs can be processed through conversion software to produce the corresponding barcode on the associated mail piece. 

What is the availability of the PAF?

The PAF is only made commercially available through the AMAS Program.

• AMAS-approved software - find AMAS-approved software
• AMAS Program participation - AMAS Program Handbook for software developers

 How often is the PAF updated?

The PAF is released quarterly according to the table below.

A condition of the PreSort Letters Service is that the DPIDs contained within the barcodes are current against the current version of the PAF. 

Note #1: The following naming convention is used. "V" stands for Version, "YYYY" refers to the cycle year number.  The PAF is released quarterly.
Note #2: PAF Issue Date - Date by which End Users must have received the PAF Version from their AMAS supplier.  It is permissible for End Users to commence using the PAF as soon as it is received.
Note #3: The PAF is issued to the AMAS Developers 4 weeks prior to the PAF Issue Date
Note #4: PAF Expiry Date - the expiry date of the PAF for appending DPIDs.  Any DPIDs used in mail lodgements must be current against the latest version of the PAF.
Note #5: PAF YYYY.5 is a contingency version of the PAF which allows customers additional time for integration of new cycle software.  It is only made available to approved customers upon written request.

 PAF News

The PAF News is supplied to AMAS developers with each quarterly release of the PAF.  It contains PAF data statistics, hints and tips, quirky facts and figures, and other information.  Download the current version below:

• PAF News 2009.1 (pdf, 156.3kb)

Archived editions are stored in the Barcoding Library.

 PAF Postcode File

The PAF Postcode File is provided for anyone who wishes to validate the suburb and postcode of an address record prior to matching against the PAF.  This file is available from AMAS software suppliers or may be downloaded below. 

• PAF Postcode File - PAF 2009.1 release (zipped, 118 Kb)

   

  The above file is based on the same file structure as the full postcode file available at: http://www1.auspost.com.au/postcodes/.  However it only contains Localities contained in the latest version of the PAF. 

While the full postcode file is updated monthly online, the PAF Postcode File is based on the latest version of the PAF, which is updated quarterly and released through AMAS approved software.

 Standard Address Abbreviations

Using incorrect abbreviations is a common error in databases, and can result in either no match, or the incorrect assignment of DPID when fed through AMAS software.

• Download Standard Address Component Abbreviations file (zipped, xls format, version 1.1, updated October 2003)

The above file contains the standard address component abbreviations used in the PAF.  This can be used in address verification processes to ensure you are not being denied a DPID through poorly formatted addresses.

  Hints & Tips to Improve your Match Rate

The Barcoding Hints & Tips booklet (pdf, 358kb) can assist you to format your address data correctly, and identify ways to improve your barcoding match rate.

 Recent Additions to the PAF

• Download address additions (formatted) (1.21MB zipped, csv format). Contains addresses newly added to the source database throughout July to November 2008.  Address list is provided with address components formatted into address fields.

• Download address additions (unformatted)  (1.45MB zipped, csv format).  Contains addresses newly added to the source database throughout July to November 2008.  Address list is provided with each address component in separate fields.

 Why New Address Data is Made Available in Between PAF Releases

The PAF is released every three months, and as a result there can be a delay in accessing addresses that have been added between the quarterly releases.  These additions can be a result of new properties being established, or the discovery of addresses that had been missing from the PAF.

These address additions are provided on a monthly basis as a means to assist in address verification, pending the arrival of the latest PAF update from your AMAS software supplier.

It is anticipated the addresses in these lists will appear in the next quarterly release of the PAF, although there may be rare circumstances where a new address addition may not appear in the PAF.  Please refer to the table above for the next available release.

The lists do not include the DPID (Delivery Point Identifier), as DPIDs may only be obtained through approved AMAS software.

Important Disclaimer

In compiling this address data, Australia Post has used its best endeavours to ensure that the information is correct and current at the time of publication, but takes no responsibility for any error or defect therein.

Australia Post shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance placed on, any information provided by it.

® AMAS is a registered trade mark of the Australian Postal Corporation

® PAF and DPID are registered trade marks of the Australian Postal Corporation.