Validation Rules

What validation rules do

Validation rules check address fields immediately against conditions you define. They can prompt a customer to correct a known format or business-rule issue without using a paid external address verification request.

Create a rule

1. Open Apps > Order Editing > Address Validation.
2. Open the validation rules area and select Create rule.
3. On Create Address Validation Rule, enter a clear internal name.
4. Choose the address field and matching operator.
5. Enter the value the condition should compare.
6. Add more conditions and choose whether all or any must match.
7. Under Where this rule applies, select Checkout, Thank-you page, Order status page, or the supported combination you need.
8. Write the customer-facing validation message and the required correction.
9. Review the summary, resolve validation errors, and save the rule.

Use the narrowest condition that describes the invalid address. Broad text matches can block legitimate addresses.

Plan the customer message

Tell the customer what is wrong and what they need to change. Avoid internal terminology or a message that only says the address is invalid.

For example: Enter the apartment or unit number on Address line 2.

Choose the pages deliberately

Select at least one page. A rule on an after-purchase page does not block a checkout that already completed. Checkout blocking needs a supported error rule and the Shopify app-block permission to block checkout; checkout app blocks require Shopify Plus.

Rule page selection is separate from where a paid verifier runs. Check both when you use rules and external verification together.

Test the rule

1. Use the address-validation preview or a controlled checkout address.
2. Enter an address that should match the rule.
3. Confirm the correct message appears at the expected field.
4. Correct the value and confirm the message clears.
5. Enter a valid address that should not match.

Validation rules are separate from external address verification and its usage charges. Use them for deterministic checks you can express through the rule conditions.