[DRAFT] Common components
Postcode lookup
- Last reviewed
- 7 September 2026
- Owner
- Head of Architecture
Postcode lookup
We’re helping service delivery teams make the right strategic choices for delivering postcode capabilities within their service by identifying a set of common postcode lookup solutions.
The solutions identified below provide functionality to search address details across the UK. They can return results ‘as you type’, meaning users can choose the correct address as they go. Using these solutions can help your service to:
Reduce inaccuracies from manual entry Avoid the chances of having duplicate data Improve user experience for data entry and retrieval
Postcode lookup components
These are the products and services in use and available across the department:
Ordnance Survey Data Hub Postcodes.io GetAddress.io Experian QAS Royal Mail ONS postcode directory They each bring a slightly different set of features and capabilities that fit different use cases. This table provides an overview:
Image of the DfE Postcode Capabilities
Here’s a link to an Excel version of the table.
If you’re considering your options and want more advice, get in touch with your Architecture Lead.