
If you're looking to rent a mailbox or PO box, you're in the right place. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a convenient and secure way to receive mail and packages.
The USPS PO box rental process is straightforward and can be completed online through their website, usps.com. You can choose from a variety of sizes and locations to suit your needs.
To rent a PO box, you'll need to provide some basic information, including your name and address. The USPS will then guide you through the rental process and provide you with a unique PO box number.
Additional reading: Usps Post Office Box Street Address
Pobox vs. UPS & FedEx
Pobox offers a unique service that sets it apart from UPS and FedEx. It's a free service that allows you to receive mail and packages at a virtual address.
You can use Pobox to receive mail and packages at a virtual address, which can be a big plus for people who live in apartments or have limited street access. Pobox also offers a range of features that make it easy to manage your mail and packages.
One key difference between Pobox and UPS and FedEx is that Pobox doesn't charge extra for forwarding packages to a physical address. This can save you money on shipping costs.
Suggestion: Usps Priority Mail vs Ups Ground
Pobox Features
USPS offers a convenient way to manage your PO Box online, making it easy to pay fees, renew, or close your box. You can search for a new box by address or ZIP code, select the specific box size and payment terms, and pay with a credit card online.
To start using your new PO Box, you'll need to go to the Post Office with two pieces of valid ID to pick up keys (or combination) and obtain your box number. This is a simple process that can be completed quickly and easily.
You can also manage your PO Box at Automated Postal Centers (APCs), which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are over 2400 APCs nationwide, making it easy to access your PO Box whenever you need to.
Some of the benefits of managing your PO Box online or at the APC include:
- Quick and easy access from any computer with Internet access
- Email reminders of payments and online status of mailbox availability
- Acceptance of credit and debit cards for PO Box fees
Once you've reserved your box, you'll get 2 keys for your box, and you can request more for an additional fee. Most PO Box locations allow 24/7 access to your PO Box, but hours may vary by Post Office location.
Does Deliver?

Yes, the United States Postal Service delivers all types of mail and many packages directly to post office boxes located inside USPS post offices.
USPS has direct access to all PO boxes since they are physically within post office locations.
You can assign your post office box address as your designated delivery location for certain mail and packages when you rent a PO box.
The postal carrier will deliver letters, flats, magazines, small boxes, and most other mail items safely into PO boxes.
USPS never returns a package just because it doesn't fit in your physical PO box slot.
For more insights, see: Usps Post Master General
Flexibility
Flexibility is key when it comes to renting a PO box. You can get your mail on your schedule, your way, with a range of PO Box sizes and rental terms of 3-, 6-, and 12-months.
You can choose the rental term that best fits your needs. Whether you're a student, a freelancer, or a small business owner, there's a PO box rental term that's right for you.
PO Box locations allow 24/7 access to your PO Box, but hours vary by Post Office location. Be sure to check the hours for the facility where your PO Box is located.
You can even add or manage the credit card you use for payment, edit your User Profile, view your online payment history, open a new PO Box, or add an existing PO Box to your online account.
Here are the services you can manage online:
- Open a new PO Box
- Add an existing PO Box to your online account
- Add or manage the credit card you use for payment
- Edit your User Profile
- View your online payment history
Size Options
When choosing a PO Box, it's essential to consider the size of your mail and packages. Most Post Offices have 5 PO Box sizes, depending on availability.
You can choose from extra small (XS – Size 1) to extra large (XL – Size 5) sizes. The type of mail you receive, whether it's letter-sized mail or packages, will determine the best size for you.
If you only receive letter-sized mail, a smaller size like XS or S might be sufficient. However, if you receive packages, you'll want to opt for a larger size like M or L to accommodate your mail and packages.
Recommended read: Us Mail Certified Mail
Benefits and Requirements

Getting a PO Box through USPS can be a convenient and secure way to manage your mail and packages. You can access your PO Box 24/7 at most Post Offices.
One of the benefits of renting a PO Box is that you can get a delivery address for packages from other carriers, including Amazon, DHL, FedEx, and UPS, subject to availability and restrictions.
You can also keep your signature on file, so you don't need to wait in line to sign for a package. This is especially useful for small businesses that want to maintain a professional-looking address and keep their personal and business lives separate.
To open a USPS PO Box, you'll need to show two valid IDs, one with a photo and one without. Accepted forms of identification include a valid driver's license or state ID card, military or government ID, and a passport.
Here are some examples of accepted forms of identification:
- Valid driver’s license or state ID card
- Military, government, university, or recognized corporate ID
- Passport, alien registration card, or certificate of naturalization
- Current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
- Voter or vehicle registration card
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
Benefits of Renting

Renting a PO Box offers a range of benefits that can enhance your daily life and business operations.
You can access your PO Box 24/7 at most Post Offices, making it convenient for you to pick up packages at your own pace.
Having a street address for packages from carriers like Amazon, DHL, FedEx, and UPS is a significant advantage, subject to availability and restrictions.
This means you can receive packages from various carriers at your PO Box, without needing to provide a personal address.
Renting a PO Box also allows you to keep your signature on file, so you don't need to wait in line to sign for a package.
If your signature is on file, the Post Office will place mail in your PO Box or in a secure parcel locker for pickup at your convenience.
Renting a PO Box is particularly beneficial for small businesses, as it provides a professional-looking address and helps keep your personal and business lives separate.
You can use your PO Box as a storefront or a base for your side hustle, making it easier to manage your business operations.
Expand your knowledge: Usps Business Reply Mail
Requirements to Open

To open a USPS PO box, you'll need to show two valid IDs, one with a photo and one without. These IDs must be current and contain enough information to confirm your identity.
USPS accepts a variety of documents as proof of identity, including a valid driver's license or state ID card. A military, government, university, or recognized corporate ID is also acceptable.
You'll also need to complete PS Form 1093, Application for Post Office Box. This form allows you to add your spouse, children, or business partner to the list of people who can access the box.
All applicants listed on Form 1093 must also present two forms of identification. This includes minors, who will need to meet the same ID requirements as adults.
Here are the specific documents that USPS accepts as proof of identity:
- Valid driver’s license or state ID card
- Military, government, university, or recognized corporate ID
- Passport, alien registration card, or certificate of naturalization
- Current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
- Voter or vehicle registration card
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
Getting Started
To use a P.O. Box, you'll need to create an account on the USPS website, which can be done in just a few minutes.

The cost of a P.O. Box varies depending on the location and the type of service you choose, with prices ranging from $1 to $200 per year.
You can choose from a variety of P.O. Box sizes, ranging from a small 5-inch box to a large 24-inch box, to fit your needs.
To access your P.O. Box, you'll need to use a key or a combination lock, depending on the type of box you rent.
You can pay for your P.O. Box online or in person at your local post office, and you can also pay by mail or by phone.
The USPS offers a variety of services for P.O. Box holders, including mail forwarding and package tracking.
Pobox Locations and Services
Poboxes are available at over 28,000 post offices and other locations across the United States.
You can find a Pobox near you by using the USPS website's "Find a Location" tool.
Pobox services include mail and package delivery, as well as mail forwarding and storage.
Some Pobox locations also offer additional services like printing and shipping supplies.
How Much Is It?

The cost of a USPS PO box can vary depending on several factors. The size of the box is one of the main factors that impacts price.
Smaller boxes cost less than larger boxes. The five different sizes of USPS PO boxes are extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.
Here's a breakdown of the dimensions of each box size:
- Extra-small (3″ x 5.5″): Holds 10-15 letters or two rolled magazines.
- Small (5″ x 5.5″): Holds 10-15 letters or five rolled magazines.
- Medium (5.5″ x 11″): Holds a stack of large envelopes and magazines.
- Large (11″ x 11″): Holds 10-15 letters and two shoebox-sized parcels.
- Extra-large (12″ x 22.5″): Holds multiple parcels and flat rate boxes.
The rental term also affects the price of a USPS PO box. Per-month rental fees are lower for boxes rented on an annual or semi-annual basis.
PO box location is another factor that impacts the rental price. USPS divides PO boxes into two groups, competitive and market-dominant, based on their location.
Boxes in competitive areas, like Boston, MA, are more expensive than boxes in market-dominant locations, like Salisbury, NC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my USPS PO Box online?
To renew your USPS PO Box online, go to the PO Boxes Online application and click "Renew" to make a one-time payment 30 days before your next payment is due. Simply follow the prompts to complete the renewal process.
How to get a PO Box for free?
To qualify for a free PO box, you must not receive any form of carrier delivery and apply in person with identification. Apply in person at a post office with required identification to get started.
How much does a PO Box cost at USPS?
A USPS PO Box costs between $4.67 and $23.67 per month, with prices varying depending on the location and services chosen. Check the USPS website for more information on pricing and additional fees.
What are the disadvantages of a PO Box?
PO Boxes have limitations on size and may have restricted access due to post office hours, which can impact delivery and pickup
What happens when my PO Box expires?
When your PO Box expires, it's placed into a closed status and made available for rent by a new customer. To continue using your box, simply renew it by prepaying for an additional term.
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