How to Obtain a Post Office Box Address

Quick answer

• Visit your local post office or use the USPS website to find available PO Boxes.
• You’ll need to provide proof of identity and a valid street address.
• Select a box size that fits your needs.
• Pay the rental fee, which varies by location and box size.
• You’ll receive a key and your new PO Box address.
• Set up mail forwarding if you’re moving.

Who this is for

• Individuals seeking a private mailing address separate from their home.
• Businesses needing a professional and secure mailing solution.
• People who travel frequently and need a reliable place for mail.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Mailing Needs and Timeline

Consider how much mail you typically receive and how often you’ll need to access it. Are you looking for a temporary solution or a long-term arrangement? Your timeline will influence the urgency of your search and the type of box you might need.

Current Mail Handling

Where does your mail go now? If you’re moving, you’ll need to think about mail forwarding. If you’re concerned about privacy, consider how your current mail is handled and if it meets your security standards.

Emergency Contact Information

While not directly related to obtaining a PO Box, ensure you have reliable contact information for emergencies. This is crucial for any official transaction, including setting up a PO Box.

Existing Debt and Interest Rates

This is less directly applicable to obtaining a PO Box, but it’s a good reminder to manage your overall financial health. High-interest debt can impact your ability to afford recurring fees, so ensure your finances are in order.

Credit Impact

Renting a PO Box generally does not directly impact your credit score. However, ensuring you can meet the payment obligations consistently is good financial practice.

Step-by-step: How to Get a PO Box Address

1. Locate a Post Office:

• What to do: Find a USPS post office that offers PO Box rentals. You can do this online through the USPS website or by visiting a local branch.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve identified a post office with available PO Boxes that meets your convenience needs.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming all post offices offer PO Boxes. Avoid this by checking the USPS website or calling ahead.

2. Check Availability and Box Sizes:

• What to do: Inquire about the availability of PO Boxes at your chosen location and the different sizes offered (e.g., small, medium, large).
• What “good” looks like: You know which box sizes are available and can choose one that suits your expected mail volume.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not considering your mail volume. Avoid this by estimating how much mail you receive monthly to select an appropriate size.

3. Gather Required Identification:

• What to do: Prepare two forms of valid identification. One must be a photo ID, and the other must show your current physical street address.
• What “good” looks like: You have the necessary documents ready to present. Accepted forms typically include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or utility bills.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Bringing insufficient or incorrect identification. Avoid this by checking the USPS website for a current list of acceptable documents.

4. Complete the Application Form:

• What to do: Fill out the USPS PO Box application form (PS Form 1583). This form requires your personal information, including your name, current street address, and contact details.
• What “good” looks like: The form is filled out accurately and completely, with no missing information.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Providing a P.O. Box number as your street address on the form. Avoid this by using your actual physical street address where you reside or operate your business.

5. Provide Proof of Address:

• What to do: Present your second form of identification that confirms your current physical street address.
• What “good” looks like: Your address is verified by the USPS representative.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using a P.O. Box as your primary address on this proof. Avoid this by using a utility bill, lease agreement, or other official document showing your physical street address.

6. Pay the Rental Fee:

• What to do: Pay the rental fee for your chosen PO Box. Fees vary based on location and box size. You may need to pay for a full year upfront, or options for shorter terms might be available.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve paid the required fee and received a receipt.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not clarifying the payment terms or renewal dates. Avoid this by asking about the rental period and when your next payment will be due.

7. Receive Your PO Box Key and Address:

• What to do: You will be issued a key to your PO Box and your official PO Box address.
• What “good” looks like: You have the physical key and understand your new mailing address format.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Losing the key immediately. Avoid this by keeping your key in a safe and memorable place.

8. Update Your Address with Contacts:

• What to do: Inform your banks, employers, subscription services, friends, and family of your new PO Box address.
• What “good” looks like: All important parties have your new address, ensuring you receive all your mail.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to update crucial contacts, leading to missed important mail. Avoid this by making a comprehensive list of everyone who needs to know your new address.

9. Set Up Mail Forwarding (If Moving):

• What to do: If you are moving and getting a PO Box as a new primary address, consider setting up mail forwarding from your old address to your new PO Box.
• What “good” looks like: Your mail from your previous address is successfully rerouted to your PO Box.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not setting up forwarding or setting it up incorrectly, resulting in lost mail. Avoid this by using the official USPS mail forwarding service and confirming it’s active.

10. Regularly Check Your PO Box:

• What to do: Visit your PO Box regularly to collect your mail.
• What “good” looks like: You are staying on top of your correspondence and preventing mail from accumulating.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Letting mail pile up, which can lead to the box becoming full or mail being returned. Avoid this by establishing a routine for checking your box, perhaps once every few days.

Common Mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using a PO Box as your street address on forms.	Inaccurate records, potential rejection of applications.	Always use your physical street address for official forms.
Not checking PO Box availability first.	Wasted trips to the post office, frustration.	Verify availability online or by phone before visiting.
Bringing the wrong identification.	Inability to complete the application process, delays.	Review USPS requirements for acceptable ID well in advance.
Underestimating mail volume for box size.	Mail may be returned to sender or the box may overflow.	Choose a larger box size than you think you need, especially if you expect high volume.
Forgetting to renew your PO Box rental.	Loss of your PO Box, mail returned to sender, potential forfeiture of box.	Note your renewal date and set reminders; consider annual payment for simplicity.
Not updating your address with all contacts.	Missed important bills, statements, legal notices, or personal correspondence.	Create a comprehensive list of contacts and systematically update them.
Failing to check your PO Box regularly.	Mail accumulation, potential for mail to be returned or your box to be overstuffed.	Establish a consistent schedule for checking your PO Box.
Losing your PO Box key.	Inconvenience, potential cost to re-key the lock.	Keep your key in a secure, easily accessible place; know the process for replacement.
Not understanding the rental period.	Unexpected charges or loss of the box if not renewed on time.	Clarify the rental term (e.g., 6 months, 1 year) and the exact renewal date with the post office.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need a private mailing address for your business, then rent a PO Box because it offers professionalism and security.
• If you travel frequently, then a PO Box is a good option because it ensures your mail is held securely until you can retrieve it.
• If you are moving and want to ensure you don’t miss mail, then set up USPS mail forwarding to your new PO Box because it’s an official service designed for this purpose.
• If you receive a very large volume of mail, then rent a larger PO Box because a smaller one will fill up quickly and cause mail to be returned.
• If you need a PO Box for less than a year, then check if shorter rental terms are available because not all locations offer them, and you may have to pay for a full year regardless.
• If you are concerned about privacy, then a PO Box is a good choice because it separates your mailing address from your physical location.
• If your primary goal is to receive packages, then a PO Box might not be ideal because some PO Boxes have size limitations and may not accept larger packages; consider a package receiving service instead.
• If you don’t have a valid street address for identification, then you may face challenges renting a PO Box because proof of a physical address is a standard requirement.
• If you are applying for a PO Box, then be prepared to pay the rental fee upfront because this is standard procedure.
• If you are unsure about the required identification, then check the USPS website or ask at the post office because requirements can vary slightly.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a PO Box as my permanent address for everything?

A: For many purposes, yes. However, some entities, like certain government agencies or financial institutions, may require a physical street address. Always check their specific requirements.

Q: How much does a PO Box cost?

A: The cost varies significantly based on the post office location and the size of the box. You’ll need to check with your local post office or the USPS website for current pricing.

Q: What happens if I don’t check my PO Box for a long time?

A: If your box becomes full, mail may be returned to the sender or held at the post office for pickup. Prolonged non-use could eventually lead to the forfeiture of your box.

Q: Can I get mail forwarded to my PO Box?

A: Yes, you can set up mail forwarding from another address to your PO Box through the USPS. This is common when moving.

Q: Is my mail secure in a PO Box?

A: Yes, PO Boxes are secured with a lock, and only you (or authorized individuals) with the key can access your mail. This is generally more secure than receiving mail at an unsecured home mailbox.

Q: What if I lose my PO Box key?

A: You will need to contact the post office immediately. There will likely be a fee to re-key the lock for your box.

Q: Can I receive packages at a PO Box?

A: Yes, but there are size limitations. If a package is too large for your PO Box, it will typically be held at the post office for you to pick up.

Q: Do I need to be a US citizen to rent a PO Box?

A: Generally, you need to be a resident of the United States. Specific requirements will be outlined by the USPS.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific pricing for PO Box rentals in your area (check your local post office or USPS.com).
• International mail forwarding services (research USPS international services).
• Private mailbox rental companies (e.g., UPS Store, FedEx Office) which offer different services and pricing structures.
• Setting up a virtual mailbox service, which offers more advanced features like mail scanning and package consolidation.