Because Royal Mail maintains the Postcode Address File, commercial use is governed by a licence. Understanding your options helps you stay compliant without unnecessary cost or contractual overhead.
Two routes to compliant access
- Direct Royal Mail licence — full control, but contracts, fees and compliance to manage
- Provider licence (AutoPostcode) — compliant access bundled into simple pricing
- Solution-based vs end-user licensing depending on how data is used
- A free trial so you can build and test before committing
Keeping it simple
AutoPostcode holds the underlying licensing so you integrate via API or plugin and stay compliant. See PAF data access and our pricing.
Related
Read the Royal Mail PAF licence overview or return to the PAF guide hub.
Frequently asked questions
How does PAF licensing work?
Royal Mail licenses the Postcode Address File for commercial use. You can license directly or, more commonly, use a provider like AutoPostcode that holds the licensing and includes compliant usage in its service.
Who needs a PAF licence?
Any organisation using PAF data commercially needs to be covered by a licence — either their own or their provider's.
What does a PAF licence cost?
Direct licensing involves setup and ongoing fees that depend on usage and solution type. Using a provider bundles this into simple per-lookup or subscription pricing with a free trial to start.
Ready to get started?
Add Royal Mail PAF-verified UK address lookup to your site in minutes — start free, no card required.