How to Apply for and Rent a Post Office Box

Quick answer

• Determine your needs: decide if a PO Box is right for you and what size you might need.
• Gather required identification: typically two forms of government-issued ID are necessary.
• Visit your local Post Office: you’ll need to apply in person.
• Fill out the application form: Form PS 1583 is standard for this process.
• Pay the rental fee: fees vary by box size and location, and are usually paid annually or semi-annually.
• Receive your PO Box number and key: once approved, you’ll get your new address and access.

Who this is for

• Individuals who want a secure, private mailing address separate from their home.
• Small business owners needing a professional mailing presence without a physical storefront.
• Frequent travelers or those who receive a high volume of mail and want to avoid missed deliveries.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Mailing Needs

Consider if a Post Office Box truly meets your requirements. Do you need to receive packages? Post Office Boxes have size limitations, and while some Post Offices offer package holding services, it’s not universal. If you anticipate frequent large package deliveries, a PO Box might not be the most convenient option.

Local Post Office Availability

Not all Post Offices offer PO Boxes, and demand can be high, leading to waiting lists. Check with your local Post Office or their website to confirm if they have PO Boxes available and what the current wait times might be.

Required Identification

You will need to present specific identification to rent a PO Box. This typically includes one valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or state ID) and one valid secondary ID (like a social security card, credit card, or utility bill with your name and current address). Check the official USPS website or your local Post Office for the most current and specific list of acceptable documents.

Fees and Payment Options

PO Box rental fees vary based on the size of the box and the Post Office location. Fees are usually paid in six-month or annual increments. Understand the total cost upfront and the accepted payment methods.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Assess Your Needs:

• What to do: Decide if a PO Box is necessary and what size you might need based on the volume and type of mail you receive.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of whether a PO Box is the right solution for your mail management.
• Common mistake: Assuming a PO Box is suitable for all package deliveries.
• How to avoid it: Inquire about package acceptance policies at your local Post Office before applying.

2. Locate a Post Office with PO Boxes:

• What to do: Use the USPS website or call your local Post Office to confirm they offer PO Box rentals and have availability.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve identified a Post Office that meets your needs and has available boxes.
• Common mistake: Traveling to a Post Office only to find they don’t offer PO Boxes or have no availability.
• How to avoid it: Always verify availability and services online or by phone beforehand.

3. Gather Required Identification:

• What to do: Collect two forms of valid, government-issued identification. This typically includes one photo ID and one secondary ID showing your current residential address.
• What “good” looks like: You have the exact documents required by USPS, ready to present.
• Common mistake: Bringing outdated or incorrect forms of ID.
• How to avoid it: Review the official USPS list of acceptable identification documents for PO Box applications.

4. Visit the Post Office in Person:

• What to do: Go to the Post Office during their business hours to speak with a postal clerk about renting a PO Box.
• What “good” looks like: You are at the Post Office, ready to initiate the application process.
• Common mistake: Trying to apply online or over the phone, as in-person applications are generally required.
• How to avoid it: Understand that this is an in-person process and plan your visit accordingly.

5. Complete Form PS 1583:

• What to do: Fill out the official USPS Application for Post Office Box service (Form PS 1583) accurately and completely. This form requires your residential address, even though you’ll be using the PO Box for mail delivery.
• What “good” looks like: The form is filled out without errors, providing all necessary information.
• Common mistake: Leaving sections blank or providing incomplete information, which can delay or prevent approval.
• How to avoid it: Read each section carefully and ask the postal clerk if you have any questions.

6. Provide Proof of Address:

• What to do: Present your secondary ID and any other required documents to verify your current residential address as listed on the application.
• What “good” looks like: Your address is successfully verified according to USPS requirements.
• Common mistake: Not having a document that clearly links your name to your current residential address.
• How to avoid it: Ensure your secondary ID or a utility bill clearly shows your name and current home address.

7. Pay the Rental Fee:

• What to do: Pay the required rental fee for the PO Box, which is typically for a six-month or annual term.
• What “good” looks like: You have successfully paid the fee and received a receipt.
• Common mistake: Not having the correct payment method or being unaware of the fee amount.
• How to avoid it: Inquire about the fee and accepted payment methods when you first visit the Post Office.

8. Receive Your PO Box Key and Number:

• What to do: Once your application is approved and payment is processed, you will be assigned a PO Box number and given a key to access it.
• What “good” looks like: You have your PO Box number and the physical key to your new mailbox.
• Common mistake: Losing the key shortly after receiving it.
• How to avoid it: Keep your key in a safe, designated place immediately after receiving it.

9. Update Your Address:

• What to do: Begin using your new PO Box address for all your mail and package deliveries. Inform important contacts, banks, and government agencies of your new mailing address.
• What “good” looks like: All your mail is now directed to your PO Box, and important entities are aware of the change.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to update your address with all relevant parties, leading to missed important communications.
• How to avoid it: Create a checklist of all places you need to update your address and work through it systematically.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not verifying PO Box availability first	Wasted trip to the Post Office, potential disappointment if no boxes are available.	Check USPS website or call your local Post Office for availability before visiting.
Bringing incorrect or expired identification	Application will be rejected, delaying the process.	Review USPS official requirements for acceptable identification documents before your visit.
Failing to provide proof of residential address	Application cannot be processed as USPS needs to verify your primary residence.	Ensure you have a valid secondary ID or utility bill that clearly lists your name and current home address.
Not understanding package delivery policies	Packages may be returned to sender or you may have to pick them up at the counter, defeating the purpose.	Ask about package acceptance and holding policies at your specific Post Office before renting.
Forgetting to update your address with key contacts	Critical mail (bills, statements, legal notices) may be missed or delivered to your old address.	Create a comprehensive list of all entities (banks, employers, government agencies) that need your new address and update them promptly.
Losing your PO Box key	Inconvenience, potential security risk, and cost to replace the key.	Keep your key in a secure, memorable location immediately after receiving it.
Not knowing the rental fee and payment terms	You might not have the correct payment method or enough funds available, causing delays.	Inquire about the rental cost, payment schedule (e.g., semi-annual, annual), and accepted payment methods upfront.
Using the PO Box for official legal notices	While often acceptable, some legal documents require delivery to a physical residential address.	Check with the issuing authority or legal counsel if there are specific delivery requirements for sensitive legal documents.
Not checking for mail regularly	Mail can accumulate, leading to missed important items or the box becoming full, potentially incurring fees.	Establish a routine for checking your PO Box, especially if you expect frequent mail.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need a professional business address separate from your home, then rent a PO Box because it provides a distinct mailing identity.
• If you receive a high volume of mail and are concerned about missing deliveries at your home, then rent a PO Box because it offers a secure, centralized location for your mail.
• If you are a frequent traveler and want to avoid mail piling up at your residence, then rent a PO Box because it keeps your mail secure while you are away.
• If you anticipate receiving many large packages regularly, then do NOT rely solely on a PO Box because many PO Boxes have size limitations and package acceptance policies vary.
• If you do not have two forms of valid, government-issued identification, then you cannot rent a PO Box because it is a strict USPS requirement.
• If your local Post Office does not offer PO Boxes, then you must find a Post Office in a different location that does.
• If you are applying for a PO Box, then you must complete Form PS 1583 because it is the official application document.
• If you do not have a verifiable residential address, then you cannot rent a PO Box because USPS requires it for application purposes.
• If you are unsure about package delivery at a PO Box, then ask your local Post Office about their specific policies before renting.
• If you need to update your address for official government documents, then ensure you follow the specific procedures for each agency, which may or may not accept a PO Box as a primary address.

FAQ

What identification is needed to rent a Post Office Box?

You typically need two forms of valid, government-issued identification. This usually includes one photo ID (like a driver’s license) and one secondary ID (like a utility bill or social security card) that shows your current residential address. Always check with your local Post Office for the most current requirements.

Can I apply for a Post Office Box online?

No, you generally cannot apply for a Post Office Box entirely online. The application process requires an in-person visit to your local Post Office to present your identification and complete the necessary paperwork.

How much does a Post Office Box cost?

The cost varies depending on the size of the box and the Post Office location. Fees are usually paid in six-month or annual increments. You can find specific pricing details on the USPS website or by asking at your local Post Office.

What if I receive a package that is too large for my PO Box?

Policies vary by Post Office. Some offer package holding services where larger packages can be picked up at the retail counter. Others may return oversized packages to the sender. It’s essential to clarify this with your local Post Office before renting.

Can I use my PO Box address for official purposes, like my driver’s license or bank account?

While you can use your PO Box for general mail, some official institutions, like the DMV or certain banks, may require a physical residential address for identification and verification purposes. Always check the specific requirements of the institution.

What happens if I lose my PO Box key?

If you lose your key, you will need to contact the Post Office immediately. There will be a fee to re-key the lock and provide you with a new key.

How long is the rental period for a Post Office Box?

PO Boxes are typically rented for six-month or one-year terms. You will need to renew your rental agreement and pay the fee to continue using the box.

Can someone else pick up my mail from the PO Box?

Yes, but they will need to be officially listed as an authorized user on your PO Box application or have a valid Power of Attorney. They will also need to present proper identification.

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

• Specific pricing for PO Box rentals in your exact zip code.
• Detailed regulations on using a PO Box for specific legal or business registrations.
• Alternatives to PO Boxes for package delivery, such as private mailboxes or commercial lockers.
• The process for forwarding mail from a previous address to your new PO Box.