Address Verification

It is important to know the whereabouts of a person in order to have full confidence in his/her credentials. Address verification can be of two types: Permanent and Temporary address.

Permanent address is the legal address of an individual where s/he is a registered resident with his/her name. Permanent address appears in government documents like voter id card, ration card, driving license, and passport. Many people, who stay away from home, use their parents’ house as their permanent address. Therefore, permanent address is also defined as an address where the applicant receives official documents and correspondence.

Temporary address is a temporary correspondence location. It can be the address where an individual is residing with a friend or a relative, or where s/he has rented an accommodation or is a paying guest, or can also be a post office box where s/he has rented a postal box where any correspondence to him/her is delivered.

As temporary address is not considered a reliable piece of information as far as security is concerned, permanent address verification holds more value. Address checks are also cross-confirmed from online databases and directories.

Why is Address verification necessary?

• For carrying out correspondence with the employees in pre-hiring and post-termination phases. This could cover sending out offer letters, application forms, or final settlement documents and dues. In certain cases, it may be useful for sending out legal notices.
• As a first point for querying in case of absenteeism, disciplinary issues, or any violations. There have been cases reported of employees who go missing after defaulting with customer accounts. Address verification will not only prevent such misgivings but also be useful in tracking down such defaulters.
• Helping law enforcement authorities in case of any criminal acts by employees. A verified address supports the police in moving ahead with investigations.

Address verification is conducted through a field officer’s visit to the mentioned address. The field officer verifies the address details, the tenure of stay, the ownership status and details of other members residing there. If in case the door is found locked , the officer goes ahead and verifies the details from people residing in the neighborhood.

The cost of such a check will typically depend upon the remoteness and accessibility of the location. This check may not be feasible in certain disturbed areas or may cost extremely high.