Forum OpenACS Q&A: Re: gps to zipcode query: postgres or postgresql + postgis or how?

You do have to pay for the latest zip code information. I am not sure why.

The US Census made available a 1999 version of the zip code information. I am using it for a couple of things as it is close enough for my needs still.

http://www.census.gov/geo/www/tiger/zip1999.html