
To mail a package to a PO Box, you'll need to use the correct street address format. This format is specific to the United States Postal Service (USPS) and is required for all mail sent to a PO Box.
The USPS requires that the PO Box number be preceded by "PO Box" and a space, as in "PO Box 123". This is a standard format that is widely accepted by the USPS and is essential for accurate delivery.
In some cases, a PO Box address may include additional information, such as the city and state. However, this is not always necessary, and the address "PO Box 123" is sufficient for mail delivery.
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USPS Mail Delivery
You can send mail to a PO Box or street address, but the format is different. The USPS prefers to deliver directly to PO Boxes, so list the PO Box at the top of the envelope.
To ensure delivery to a physical address over a PO Box, write the desired address on the first line and the secondary or alternate address on the second line.
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The USPS offers a cost-efficient delivery service for PO Boxes, which saves time and money. PO Boxes are a convenient way to receive mail, especially for those who want to keep their physical address private.
If you need to send mail to a PO Box instead of a physical address, simply switch the address lines on your envelope and list the PO Box at the top. This way, the USPS mail carrier can guarantee that your postal mail will be delivered to the correct address.
Here are the differences in address formats:
To get UPS or FedEx to deliver to a PO Box, use a different address format, such as listing the street address and number without the PO reference. For example, "505 Main Street #123" instead of "PO Box 123".
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Correct PO Box Street Address Format
A PO Box street address format is a bit tricky to get right, but don't worry, I've got you covered. To be valid, the format should start with the words "PO Box" followed by the box number, usually a 2-5 digit number, without punctuation.
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The correct way to use your PO Box address is to ensure the P.O. Box is situated on Line 1 of the address line, right below the name of the person or company that this item being mailed to. This is especially important when sending mail to a PO Box address instead of a physical address.
Here are the detailed formatting tips to help you format a PO Box address correctly:
- Use the Correct Terminology: Always write "PO Box" followed by the box number. Avoid using abbreviations like "P.O. Box" or "Box."
- Include the Recipient's Name: The recipient's name should be written on the first line of the address.
- City, State, and Zip Code: Ensure that the city, state, and zip code are accurately written on the last line of the address.
- No Punctuation: Do not use punctuation in the PO Box address.
In some cases, especially when dealing with private carriers that do not deliver to PO Boxes, you can use the street address of the post office followed by the PO Box number, known as the Street Addressing option. This format is accepted by the USPS.
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Sending Mail
Sending mail to a P.O. box or street address can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The key is to know the correct format to use.
If you're sending mail to a P.O. box, list the P.O. box number first, followed by the street address. This way, the post office employees will know that the item goes to the P.O. box, but they'll also have the street address as a backup in case something goes wrong.

The correct format for a P.O. box address is: Recipient's name, P.O. box number, street address, city, state.
Here are the correct formats for both P.O. box and street address:
By following these formats, you can ensure that your mail gets to the right place.
Writing and Formatting
Writing and formatting a PO Box street address can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The key is to use the correct terminology, which is "PO Box" followed by the box number.
To ensure that your mail is delivered promptly and without any issues, it's essential to include the recipient's name on the first line of the address. This is a standard requirement for PO Box addresses.
The city, state, and zip code should be written on the last line of the address, and make sure to include them accurately, as this is crucial for the USPS to identify the correct post office and deliver the mail efficiently.

One of the most important things to remember is to avoid using punctuation in the PO Box address. For example, write "PO Box 1234" instead of "P.O. Box 1234." This may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in ensuring that your mail is delivered correctly.
If you need to include both a PO Box and a physical address on the same envelope, you can use the Street Addressing option. This format is accepted by the USPS and can be written as the street address of the post office followed by the PO Box number.
Here are the key formatting tips to keep in mind:
- Use the correct terminology: "PO Box" followed by the box number
- Include the recipient's name on the first line of the address
- Write the city, state, and zip code on the last line of the address
- Avoid using punctuation in the PO Box address
- Consider using the Street Addressing option if you need to include both a PO Box and a physical address
Understanding PO Box
A PO Box, short for Post Office Box, is a unique address assigned to a mailbox at a post office or mail facility.
You can use a PO Box as your mailing address, and it's often used by people who don't have a fixed home address or want to keep their physical address private.
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The format of a PO Box address typically includes the PO Box number, the post office name, and the city, state, and ZIP code.
For example, a PO Box address might look like this: PO Box 123, Main Post Office, Anytown, CA 12345.
A PO Box can be rented from a post office or mail facility, and the renter receives mail and packages sent to the PO Box number.
The post office will hold mail and packages at the PO Box for a certain period, usually 30 days, before returning it to the sender.
You can have mail and packages forwarded to your PO Box from another location, making it a convenient option for people who travel frequently or have multiple addresses.
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Sources
- https://classroom.synonym.com/proper-way-to-include-both-po-box-street-address-on-mail-12080021.html
- https://www.wikihow.com/Address-to-a-PO-Box
- https://www.woosmap.com/blog/po-box-address-example
- https://www.postalytics.com/blog/po-box-vs-street-address/
- https://addressguard.io/po-box-vs-street-address-delivering-postal-mail-via-usps/
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