Current and permanent addresses
These should remain separate checks. A candidate can have different evidence, tenure, contacts, and verification outcomes for each location.
Choose a method deliberately
Physical, remote, documentary, or other approved methods offer different evidence. The method should match the client scope and location feasibility.
Record the limits
A result should identify the address assessed, source or method used, date, evidence, and any limitation that affected confirmation.
Define the address and residence period
An address check should identify the exact address, whether it is current or permanent and the period the candidate says they lived there. A hometown, mailing address and worksite are not automatically the same residence.
Capture house or flat details, street or locality, landmark where useful, city, district, state and postal code in structured fields. This reduces routing errors and makes the assessed address clear in the report.
Select an appropriate verification method
Documentary, remote and physical methods produce different evidence. The employer should know which method is included, what candidate participation is required and what happens when a location cannot be reached.
Method selection can depend on the purpose, location coverage, available evidence and agreed package. One method should not silently replace another merely to close the check.
| Method | Useful for | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Documentary review | Comparing an address claim with an accepted document | Shows only what the document and its date support |
| Remote verification | A controlled digital or assisted confirmation process | Depends on candidate participation and approved evidence |
| Physical verification | A field visit within confirmed coverage | Access, safety, timing and local conditions can affect completion |
Handle incomplete or changed addresses
Candidates may move within the same building, use an informal locality name or lack a conventional street number. Ask for precise clarification and residence dates instead of editing the original claim without an audit trail.
If a visit or remote confirmation cannot establish the address, record the attempted location, method and limitation. An inaccessible address is not automatically a false address.
Limit unnecessary household information
Collect only information required by the chosen method. Neighbour or household details should not become an uncontrolled source of unrelated personal information.
Evidence should be access-controlled and retained according to the engagement policy. The report can describe the method and outcome without exposing more personal detail than the employer needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is checked in address verification?
The check assesses the specified residence using the agreed documentary, remote, physical or other approved method and records the address, date, evidence and limitations.
Are current and permanent address checks the same?
No. They can cover different locations, residence periods, evidence and outcomes and should remain separate records.
Does an unsuccessful visit prove that an address is false?
Not by itself. Access restrictions, incomplete directions, candidate availability or local conditions may prevent confirmation. The result should explain what occurred.