Abstract: A method to verify the validity of an address to be used in the generation of an indicium by an IBIP open metering system includes entering an address into the metering system; verifying that an address record corresponding to the address exists in an address record database for the metering system; determining from information stored in the address record that the address record is valid; and generating indicium using at least some of said information form the address record and printing said indicium. In determining the freshness of the address record, the method verifies that a postal code exists, that the last cleansing of the address record was later than the last modification of the address record; the validity of a validation field in the address record; and that the time of the last cleansing of the address record is fresh.