
Getting a PO box for your business can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to understand the requirements first. You can apply for a PO box online, by phone, or in person at your local post office.
The post office will require your business's name and address, as well as a valid government-issued ID. You'll also need to provide proof of your business's existence, such as a business license or tax ID number.
In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of your business's articles of incorporation or a letter from your accountant. The post office will let you know what's required.
The cost of a PO box varies depending on the location and size, but you can expect to pay between $10 and $50 per month.
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What is a PO Box?
A PO Box is a lockbox housed at a local post office, and it's a great alternative to a traditional mailbox.
P.O. boxes are available in a range of sizes to fit your needs, and you can rent one at your local post office.
Access to your P.O. box is convenient, with some post office locations offering 24/7 access.
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What is a Box?

A PO Box is essentially a lockable box that you can rent at your local post office. It provides a stable mailing address that’s separate from a physical residence.
One of the biggest advantages of a PO Box is that it gives you consistency, especially during transitions from one home to another. This is because you can keep your PO Box address the same even if you move to a different location.
You can also use a PO Box for business purposes, which can leave a professional impression for those with home-based businesses. This is especially important if you're running a business from your home and want to keep your personal and professional lives separate.
A PO Box is also great for receiving mail more quickly than you would with home delivery. This is because you can collect your mail at the post office at any time, rather than waiting for it to be delivered to your home.
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One of the most significant benefits of a PO Box is that it keeps your home address confidential. This can be especially important if you're concerned about your personal safety or security.
Here are some of the key benefits of a PO Box:
- Consistency: A PO Box provides a fixed address during transitions from one home to another.
- Business purposes: A PO Box leaves a professional impression for those with home-based businesses.
- Early mail access: You can receive mail more quickly than you would with home delivery.
- Privacy: A PO Box keeps your home address confidential.
- Security: Your mail and packages are safe until you collect them.
What Is a?
A P.O. box is essentially a lockbox housed at a local post office. It's a great alternative to traditional mailboxes.
U.S. Postal Service P.O. boxes are probably the most common alternative to traditional mailboxes. Individuals or businesses can use them.
P.O. boxes typically come in a range of sizes. This means you can choose the size that suits your needs best.
Types and Sizes
PO Box sizes vary depending on your needs. You can choose from five standard sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
The depth of most PO Boxes is 14.75 inches, and all sizes are not available in all locations.
Here are the standard PO Box sizes:
Types of Available

When renting a PO Box, you have options to choose from. USPS offers various PO Box options that suit different needs and budgets.
You can rent in 3-month increments, which is great for short-term needs. The 6-month option is also available, ideal for those who need a PO Box for a bit longer.
The 12-month option is perfect for those who plan to use their PO Box for an extended period.
Standard Sizes
Standard Sizes are a crucial consideration when renting a PO Box. There are five standard sizes to choose from.
The Extra Small (XS) size measures 3 inches x 5.5 inches, which is perfect for minimal mail needs.
A Small (S) size measures 5 inches x 5.5 inches, which is a good option for those who only receive a few letters.
The Medium (M) size measures 5.5 inches x 11 inches, which can fit large envelopes and magazines.
The Large (L) size measures 11 inches x 11 inches, which can fit two shoe boxes with room to spare for letters.
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The Extra Large (XL) size measures 12 inches x 22.5 inches, which is ideal for those who receive large packages or parcels.
Here are the standard PO Box sizes with their dimensions:
Is a Box Suitable for Me?
A P.O. Box can be a great alternative to a traditional mailbox, offering enhanced security for your postal mail.
They can be very convenient in terms of proximity, depending on your location and needs.
However, they're not the best choice for everyone, especially if you plan to receive packages frequently.
You'll have to wait until you can visit your mailbox to act on your postal mail, which might not be ideal.
A virtual mailbox provider like Earth Class Mail can offer the same security benefits as a P.O. Box, but without some of the limitations.
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Setting Up
Once you've been approved by USPS, you can start setting up your PO box. The approval process is the final step before you can begin using your PO box.
After approval, you can complete the steps to set up your PO box, which typically involves a few simple tasks.
Setting Up Your

Once you've set up your PO box, you can start receiving mail and packages at the address.
USPS will notify you once your application has been approved, and then you can complete the next steps.
You'll need to follow the instructions provided by USPS to complete the setup process.
After you've completed the setup process, you can start using your PO box to receive mail and packages.
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Required Documentation
To finalize your PO Box rental, you'll need to provide some essential documents. A completed PS Form 1093 is a must-have.
You'll also need to show two valid forms of ID, which can be any two of the following: driver's license, other government-issued photo ID, passport, permanent resident card, tribal identification card, or uniformed service ID card.
To prove your address, you can provide a deed of trust, home or vehicle insurance policy, lease agreement, mortgage, utility bill, or vehicle registration. Birth certificates, social security cards, and credit cards are not acceptable forms of ID.
Here are the acceptable forms of ID:
- Driver’s license
- Other form of government-issued photo ID
- Passport
- Permanent resident card
- Tribal identification card
- Uniformed service ID card
And here are the acceptable documents to prove your address:
- Deed of trust
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
- Lease agreement
- Mortgage
- Utility bill
- Vehicle registration
Updating Contact Information
Updating your contact information is a crucial step in setting up your new life. You'll need to notify various parties of your new PO Box address.
First, let's start with your employers and schools, as they'll need to update their records with your new address. This includes any universities or colleges you're attending.
You'll also need to notify government agencies, such as the DMV, IRS, and Social Security Administration, to ensure they're sending any important documents to the right place.
Friends and family are also important to update, so make sure to let them know about your new address.
Financial institutions and credit card companies will need to update their records as well, to prevent any issues with your accounts.
Subscription services and online retailers will also need to be notified, to ensure you continue to receive packages and updates.
Here's a list of the key parties to notify:
- Employers and schools
- Government agencies (DMV, IRS, Social Security Administration)
- Friends and family
- Financial institutions and credit card companies
- Subscription services and online retailers
Required Documents
To finalize your PO Box rental, you'll need a completed PS Form 1093. This is the first step in the process.
You'll also need to provide two valid forms of ID. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, other government-issued photo ID, passport, permanent resident card, tribal identification card, or uniformed service ID card.
Here are some examples of acceptable forms of ID:
- Driver’s license
- Other form of government-issued photo ID
- Passport
- Permanent resident card
- Tribal identification card
- Uniformed service ID card
Additionally, you'll need to provide proof of residency. Acceptable documents for this include a deed of trust, home or vehicle insurance policy, lease agreement, mortgage, utility bill, or vehicle registration.
Costs and Fees
The cost of a PO Box varies depending on the size of the box you want, your location, and how long you need the box.
You'll get a better monthly rate if you reserve the box for a longer period of time. For example, a PO Box in Scranton, Pennsylvania can cost as little as $26 for three months.
Prices range anywhere from $16 to $625 per rental period. It's usually more cost-effective to rent for a longer period of time than to rent for multiple short periods.
Costs and Fees

The cost of a PO Box varies depending on the size of the box you want, your location, and how long you need the box.
Renting a PO Box for a longer period of time can get you a better monthly rate. For example, a PO Box in Scranton, Pennsylvania can cost as little as $26 for three months.
The cost of a P.O. box depends on the location, size, and the length of the rental period that you choose.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $16 to $625 per rental period, which includes a nominal cost for keys. The first two keys cost $3, and additional keys cost $6 each.
Renting for a longer period of time, such as 12 months, is usually more cost-effective than renting for multiple short periods.
Free
You can get a free PO Box if you live at a residential address that USPS doesn't serve.
People who live in these areas may qualify for a free PO Box, but you'll need to visit your local post office in person to inquire about eligibility.
A free PO Box can be a great option for those who meet certain hardship criteria, but you'll need to apply in person and check if you qualify for a "Group E" box.
Mail Forwarding and Addressing
To get your mail forwarded to your new PO Box, start by filing a change of address form with USPS, listing your PO Box as the new address. This is a crucial step to ensure your mail gets delivered to the right place.
You'll also need to update your address with important contacts and service providers, such as banks, credit card companies, and online retailers. This will prevent any disruptions to your services and accounts.
To digitally preview your incoming mail, consider using USPS Informed Delivery. This service allows you to see a digital version of your mail before it arrives, giving you a heads up on what to expect.
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Mail Forwarding
To forward mail to your P.O. box, you'll need to file a change of address form with USPS, listing your PO Box as the new address. This is a straightforward process that can be done online, over the phone, or in person at your local post office.
You can also update your address with important contacts and service providers, such as your bank, credit card company, and online shopping accounts. This ensures that you receive any important documents or communications at your new address.
If you only want some mail to be directed to your P.O. box, you won't be able to do a standard change of address. Instead, you'll need to notify senders of your new address manually.
To make the process easier, consider using USPS Informed Delivery to digitally preview your incoming mail. This way, you can stay on top of your mail and respond to any important documents or packages.
Here's a step-by-step guide to mail forwarding:
- File a change of address form with USPS.
- Update your address with important contacts and service providers.
- Consider using USPS Informed Delivery.
Writing an Address
Writing an address is a straightforward process. You simply put the P.O. Box number where you typically put the street address.
To properly address a letter, write the recipient's name in the first line, then a company name if applicable. The P.O. Box number comes next, followed by the city, state, and finally, the ZIP code. This format ensures non-problematic delivery.
Make sure the format of the address meets the USPS guidelines. This will help ensure your mail gets to its destination efficiently.
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Getting a PO Box

You can set up a PO Box in another state by applying online or in person. If you apply for a box near your new home before moving to another state, you will need to complete the verification process twice.
To apply for a PO Box, search for Post Office locations near you using the search bar under "Reserve a New PO Box." Choose a Post Office location and make selections on your desired PO Box size and payment period.
You'll need to complete the application process in person at the Post Office branch of interest, and bring a copy of your completed application form along with 2 forms of ID.
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Getting a
You can set up a PO Box in another state by applying online or in person. You'll need to complete the verification process twice, first using IDs with your old address and then again with IDs featuring your new address.
To reserve a new PO Box, search for one at any Post Office location and reserve it with your existing account or new USPS.com account. You can also reserve one online by visiting USPS.com.
Applying for a PO Box is a straightforward process. First, search for Post Office locations near you using the search bar under "Reserve a New PO Box." Then, choose a location and make selections on your desired PO Box size and payment period. Next, enter your contact and billing information to reserve your PO Box.
Linking a PO Box to your USPS.com account is easy. Once you reserve a PO Box at the Post Office, link it to your account and you can easily manage it online.
Get a P.O. Without Address?
If you're a nomadic person without a traditional, permanent residence, getting a P.O. Box from the USPS can be a challenge because you must provide a permanent, physical address to be eligible.
One option to consider is private P.O. Box services offered by companies instead of the USPS. You can sign up for these services without needing a permanent address.
However, be aware that with private P.O. Box services, you may not be able to open or act on your postal mail remotely.
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Military Personnel
If you're a military member, you're in luck because you have access to special PO Box options. Active-duty military members can choose standard PO Boxes at their home stations or nearest post offices.
Military members stationed overseas can also use Military Post Office boxes, which is a convenient option for those serving abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a PO Box for free?
To get a free PO Box, apply in person with identification to a Postal Service employee. No-fee PO Box service is available to customers who don't receive carrier delivery.
Are there free PO Boxes?
Yes, the Postal Service offers no-fee post office (PO) box service to customers who don't receive carrier delivery. To qualify, customers must apply and provide identification to a Postal Service employee.
Can I use a PO box as a legal address?
Yes, a PO box can serve as a legal address, allowing you to receive personal and business mail. However, specific requirements may apply, so review the relevant regulations for more information.
Can I get a PO Box at any Post Office?
You can get a PO Box at any Post Office location, but you'll need to pick up your keys or combination in person at the specific office where your box is located.
What is needed to set up a PO Box?
To set up a PO Box, you'll need to provide two valid IDs: a photo ID and a non-photo ID, both of which must be current and verifiable.
Sources
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/moving/how-to-get-a-po-box
- https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/how-to-get-a-po-box-without-a-street-address
- https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-get-a-p-o-box-and-other-p-o-box-basics/
- http://skiesfreight.com/manage/po-boxes.html
- https://www.usglobalmail.com/blog/how-to-get-a-po-box/
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