
To apply for a USPS PO box, you'll need to fill out the official application form, which can be downloaded from the USPS website or picked up at a local post office.
The application form is free, and it's available in both English and Spanish.
You'll need to provide your name, address, and contact information, as well as the type of service you're applying for, such as a standard PO box or a larger box for storing packages.
To qualify for a PO box, you'll need to have a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
Related reading: Usps Com Redelivery En Espanol
Applying for a PO Box
To apply for a PO Box, you can use the online application at the USPS official website. The first payment is made with a credit or debit card.
You'll need to complete the application online, but be aware that online registration is not available for Business Mail Pickup (Caller) Service or Qualifying No-Fee box customers.

To complete the application, you'll need two valid forms of identification, which must be presented at a post office. One item must contain a photograph and one must be traceable to the bearer.
Here are some acceptable forms of ID:
- The valid driver's license or state nondriver's identification card;
- The armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card;
- The passport, the passport card, the alien registration card, or the certificate of naturalization.
If you're unable to apply online, you can also apply in person at your local post office. This is the only way to apply for a free PO Box, as USPS doesn't allow people to apply for free PO Boxes online.
Here's an interesting read: Po Box Washington
Understanding the Application Process
To apply for a free PO Box, you'll need to visit your local post office in person. Unfortunately, USPS doesn't allow online applications, so you'll have to stop by and fill out the PS Form 1093.
The PS Form 1093 is used to get a Post Office Box at a post office. There are three main reasons to fill out this form: security, privacy, and accessibility.

You'll need to bring two different types of ID, such as a driver's license and birth certificate, when applying for a PO Box. A USPS employee will help you go over your information and get your PO Box set up.
If you're applying for a PO Box in the UK, you can use the UK PostBox service, which offers a free PO Box based in Dorset. This service also provides digital services to help you access and read your mail from anywhere.
The latest version of the PS Form 1093 was released by the USPS on August 1, 2019, and an up-to-date fillable version is available for download on the USPS official website.
For more insights, see: Po Box Canada
Eligibility and Fees
To be eligible for a free PO Box, you need to live or work within the zip code parameters of a USPS office. This means you have to live in an area that's serviced by a local branch.
To determine if your area is eligible, check if you live or work from a spot that isn't on a USPS delivery route. If you live in an apartment or home that gets mail delivered via cluster mailboxes, you don't qualify. This also applies to people who get their mail delivered via mailrooms or other collective delivery systems.
You'll also need to live or work from a place that's legally accessible by USPS. This means the USPS can't deliver to certain locations due to low-quality roads, private neighborhoods, secure communities, specific ordinances, and dangerous circumstances. If any of these factors prevent you from being on a USPS delivery route, you don't qualify for a free PO Box.
Here are the key eligibility requirements in a nutshell:
Qualifications for Free PO Box
To qualify for a free PO Box, you need to live or work within the zip code parameters of a USPS office. This means you'll need to check if your area is serviced by a local branch.

The USPS has specific delivery routes, and if you live in an apartment or home that gets mail delivered via cluster mailboxes, you unfortunately don't qualify for a free PO Box.
You also need to live or work from a place that's legally accessible by USPS. This can be affected by factors like low-quality roads, private neighborhoods, and specific ordinances.
Additionally, you must live or work out of a permanent address. This means no hotel rooms, college dorms, or transient trailer parks.
Here are the key qualifications for a free PO Box:
- Live or work within the zip code parameters of a USPS office.
- Live or work from a spot that isn’t on a USPS delivery route.
- Live or work from a place that’s legally accessible by USPS.
- Live or work out of a permanent address.
Fee-Free Post Office Boxes
You can get a free PO Box in the US by applying in person at your local post office. Bring a filled-out 1093 application form and two different types of ID, like a driver's license and birth certificate.
In the UK, you can also get a free PO Box through UK PostBox, which offers a free PO Box based in Dorset.
How to Apply Online
Applying for a PO Box online is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. You can start by visiting the USPS official website.
The first payment for your PO Box is made with a credit or debit card. This payment is required as part of the online application process.
To complete the online application, you'll need to provide two valid forms of identification when you obtain your keys or combination at the post office. These IDs must be presented at a post office.
One of the identification items must contain a photograph, while the other must be traceable to the bearer and prove your physical address. Both IDs must be current.
Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver's license or state nondriver's identification card, an armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card, a passport, passport card, alien registration card, or certificate of naturalization.
Here are the acceptable photo ID options:
- The valid driver's license or state nondriver's identification card;
- The armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card;
- The passport, the passport card, the alien registration card, or the certificate of naturalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a PO Box for free near me?
Visit your local post office in person to apply for a free PO Box. No online applications are accepted
What forms of ID do you need for a PO Box?
To rent a PO Box, you'll need a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or state ID, or a recognized corporate ID. Acceptable IDs include those issued by the armed forces, government, or a university.
Sources
- https://www.printfriendly.com/document/how-apply-po-box-usps-instructions
- https://www.signnow.com/fill-and-sign-pdf-form/1049-ps-form-1093-2012-2018
- https://www.templateroller.com/group/15207/ps-form-1093-application-for-post-office-box-service.html
- https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/no-fee-post-office-boxes
- https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Free-Po-Box
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