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Address lookup

When to use​

Use an address lookup when you’re asking users for an address within the Bristol City Council (BCC) area. It asks users to enter the postcode and choose from a list of street addresses.

When not to use​

As this address lookup only works for Bristol City Council area addresses, use a manual option such as text inputs or a textarea when you're collecting other UK or international addresses.

Step one​

This is the default state.

Find your postcode on royalmail.com

You should allow users to enter their postcode:

  • in upper or lower case
  • without spaces or with additional spaces at the beginning, middle or end

This is better for the user than rejecting the input and telling them they have entered an invalid postcode.

Step two​

A postcode has been entered. Now the user can select an address.

Find your postcode on royalmail.com
Tell us your address isn't listed

Step three​

An address has been selected and a panel is displayed.

Find your postcode on royalmail.com
Tell us your address isn't listed

Your selected address

2 Baldwin Street Bristol BS1 1SA

This step includes a link for users to tell BCC that an address is not listed.

Error messages​

Display an error when there's a problem.

Make sure:

  • The form control has the aria-describedby attribute and references an associated error message
  • The associated error message has a unique ID

Standard error messages​

There are 3 standard error messages which should be used on all address lookups:

Service not available​

If the postcode service is not available:

Find your postcode on royalmail.com
Service not available. Please try again later.

User enters an invalid postcode​

If a user enters an invalid postcode. For example, 20B 2PH:

Find your postcode on royalmail.com
This must be a valid postcode. Check you've entered it correctly.

User enters a postcode outside the BCC area​

If a user enters a postcode that's outside the BCC area:

Find your postcode on royalmail.com
We couldn't find that postcode in the Bristol City Council area

Check which local authority you're in (GOV.UK)
Tell us your postcode isn't listed