Are you looking to find out how to get a PO box? Do you want to know how much a PO box costs?
There are many reasons why you might need a USPS PO box.
It will give you a consistent address through your home moving process or could be a way of increasing privacy.
Perhaps you could keep your mail more organized if you operate a business from home. Whatever your reason, there are some things you need to know before you commit to getting a PO box with the USPS.
In the past, I’ve discussed how to change your address when moving, along with forwarding your mail. Doing so is one of the most vital steps in the moving process. It might also make sense to rent a PO box as well.
Let’s examine what you need to know about PO boxes and how to get one.
What is a PO Box?
A PO box with USPS is a lockable box with an address at a post office. Usually, individuals or businesses will rent a post office box for three to twelve months.
When getting your mail to a physical address is challenging, a PO box can ensure everything is safe and secure. You will have worry free delivery of your most vital mail.
Suppose you operate a home-based business and desire to preserve your residential address discretely. In that case, it is possible to have all correspondence forwarded to your post office box and enter that as the location of operations.
You’ll be able to receive your letters, magazines, and other pieces of mail, all while having security,
How Do They Work?
A PO box is a secured mailbox in a post office lobby. Lobby access will be provided by the USPS. You will have a key or access code to collect your mail, which gives you a way to receive that mail even if you are in a difficult move.
Facts About U.S Postal Service Boxes
1. A postal box is a secure and convenient way to receive mail and packages.
2. To get one, visit your local post office or the official postal service website.
3. You must fill out an application form with personal information such as your name, address, and identification proof.
4. Different sizes of PO boxes are available, so choose one that suits your needs and budget.
5. An annual fee is usually associated with renting one.
6. You will be assigned a unique PO box number once your application is approved.
7. Customers get a key or combination code to access your box.
8. You can use your PO box address for personal and business purposes.
9. You must check your box regularly, as the postal service does not deliver mail to residential addresses if you have a PO box.
10. If you move or no longer require the account, inform the post office and cancel the rental agreement.
11. You will choose your required rental duration and renewal plans for your needs.
How Much is One to Rent?
One of the most important questions you probably wonder is how much PO boxes cost. Prices for PO boxes vary in cost. A few factors will decide your price for a PO Box. Let’s take a look.
Your location has a significant effect on the costs of a PO Box. If you need a PO Box where there is a lot of demand, perhaps in a busy area of a large city, you can expect to pay more.
The size of the box you need will also influence the cost. Typically, PO Boxes are offered in 5 sizes. These range from extra small to extra large:
- XS 3″ x 5.5″
- S 5″ x 5.5″
- M 5.5″ x 11″
- L 11″ x 11″
- XL 12″ x 22.5″
You will generally need to pay for your USPS box in advance, and your pay period will affect your costs. If you pay for a year in advance, it will work out cheaper than renting for three months at a time. This will depend on how long you need the box and if you are sure of the period required in advance.
Additional fees could also be due, so you must determine the total costs before renting a box. You may be charged for extra keys, and you can expect to pay if you lose the key or code to access the box.
You may find that renting a PO box in one location costs as little as 40 dollars, while other more expensive areas could cost upwards of $300.00 for the year.
It will be essential to check locally to determine what a PO box will cost.
The Average PO Box USPS Costs
- Small box – $17-87 for three months. $28-150 for six months.
- Medium box – $26-144 for three months. $42-250 for six months.
- Large box -$37-230 for three months, $62-400 for six months.
- Extra large box – $64-360 for three months. $109-625 for six months.
Remember, these are average PO box costs and can vary greatly depending on location. Check with the post office to be specific.
How to Get a PO Box
You can get a PO Box online or in person. Let’s look at your options.
If you go to the USPS site, you can apply for a box in your local area. They allow you to reserve a box, but you must provide some information to confirm the reservation.
You have 30 days to give them information that confirms your identity. This requires two forms of identification, which can be presented at your post office.
You must choose the box size and the best payment period during the reservation process.
Do you need the box for 3, 6, 12 months, or more? The application process is simple, with only the need to provide identification as a potential issue.
You can also get a PO Box at your local post office. You must fill out form 1093, which is found in the post office or printed on their website.
How to Get a Postal Box For Free?
Believe it or not, you can get a free PO box if you qualify. You must be homeless without a physical address to get a free PO box.
To get a PO box for free, you must fill out PS form 1093 at your local post office. The form must be taken to the post office so you can provide your ID.
You must provide two valid forms of ID. One must have a photo. Both forms of identification need to be current.
You will also be required to provide proof of your homeless status. Verifiable contact points include a shelter, social services office, or charitable institution.
What Do You Need to Get One?
You must bring two ID forms to apply at your local post office.
Even if you don’t want a PO box at your local post office, you can present the form and ID there.
Can I Get a PO Box Online?
Yes, you can get a PO box online. You can get the application at the USPS online. Here are the post office boxes online where you can get what’s needed.
How Long Does it Take to Get A Postal Box?
Once your information has been verified with USPS, you can expect to get your post office box in under a week.
What Are The Extra Services When Renting
There are a few extra or premium services that are offered. These include a non-PO Box address so that it appears to be an actual street location.
Though there will still be an indication that you are using a PO Box, it will look more like an office address if needed. This can open up more delivery options from other carriers beyond the USPS.
They also keep your signature on file, meaning you don’t have to stand in line to sign for delivered items. If you pay for their premium services, you’ll save the cost of a key deposit, benefiting from an extra month for free and extended hours where applicable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
There are many advantages to having your PO Box at USPS. Let’s look at the benefits.
You can receive your mail securely. If you have had problems receiving your mail or packages before now, this shouldn’t be an issue if you use a PO Box.
It is a good solution if you need a different address for your business or another reason. It will ensure you still get your mail even if you don’t want to reveal your address.
Some post offices will let you access your mailbox around the clock. If it is located in the post office lobby, they may provide access whenever you need it.
Check what your most convenient location offers before you commit to having your box at that location.
If you have a box, you can expect to get your mail faster than you otherwise would. As your address is in the post office, you will get mail more quickly, though you must pick it up. This might give you a more reliable delivery time without waiting for the USPS delivery van.
PO boxes are also great for expanding your business into another city.
They might make a lot of sense if you are between buying and selling a home. If you are in short-term housing, you may not want to send your mail to an address you will be changing around shortly.
You’ll have enough to worry about, including finding boxes or getting the best moving company.
Cons
Not everything is positive when you get a PO box. There are some limitations you should know. They don’t accept every type of package unless the USPS delivers it. You may be out of luck if you hope to have your online deliveries sent to your PO box.
For example, UPS and companies like them will not deliver to a PO box; it must be a physical address. Items that will not fit into a PO box will be returned to the sender or the carrier’s facility.
Any mail that requires a signature also will not be delivered to a PO box.
Additional downsides include having only so many boxes available. Your local post office might not have the availability you want, meaning you won’t get a mailbox or may have to rent a size you don’t want. This could leave you having to take longer to collect mail than expected.
Video Getting a US Postal Service PO Box Online
Watch this helpful video on how to get your PO box.
What to Know About USPS Refunds
If you get a PO Box with USPS, only to find you don’t need it before the contract is over, you may be able to get a refund.
They offer a 50% refund on 6-month contracts if you find you don’t need it in the first three months. And a 75% refund on boxes ordered for 12 months when canceling in the first three months or 50% in the first six months.
Full refunds are offered if you cancel in the first month.
How to Find a PO Box Near Me?
If you are looking to locate a PO box with USPS near your location, you can do a Google search for a PO box near me. You will see the closest post office boxes available nearby.
FAQs
When it comes to rentals, you probably have lots of questions. The USPS website offers a fantastic resource that will answer the most popular FAQ about renting a PO box. Take a look, and I am sure you’ll find the answers you want! Here are some others as well.
Are There Restrictions on What Can Be Received?
Yes, there are certain restrictions on what can be received. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has guidelines in place to ensure the safety and security of mail recipients. Generally, items that are prohibited from being received include hazardous materials, perishable items, and live animals.
Additionally, any item that exceeds the size or weight limitations set by USPS may also be restricted. It is always advisable to check with your local post office or refer to the USPS website for specific details on what can and cannot be received.
What is The Duration of a Rental?
The duration of renting can vary depending on the specific policies of the postal service or private company offering the service. In most cases, individuals have the option to rent a PO box for either a short-term or long-term period.
Short-term rentals typically range from one month to six months, while long-term rentals can be anywhere from six months to several years. Some providers may also offer flexible rental options, allowing individuals to choose their desired duration within certain parameters.
It is recommended to contact your local post office or postal box provider for more information on specific rental durations available in your area.
What Happens if Mail is Sent to an Old or Expired Box?
If mail is sent to an old or expired PO box, it undergoes a process called “mail forwarding.” The postal service has advanced systems in place that automatically detect if a PO box is no longer active.
Once identified, the system redirects the mail to the recipient’s updated address on file. This ensures that important correspondence and packages are not lost or delayed. Additionally, the postal service sends a notification to the sender, informing them of the updated address so they can update their records for future mailings.
So rest assured, even if you accidentally send mail to an old or expired postal box, it will still reach its intended recipient in a timely manner.
What Are Post Office Box Alternatives?
Are there other options besides getting a PO box at the post office? Yes, there sure are other alternatives!
A few PO box alternatives offer superior advantages, including accepting packages of any size and from any carrier.
Some of these companies also provide registered agent services. This service allows them to receive legal documents and other items that require a signature.
Here are some other methods you may want to consider:
UPS
While UPS is best known for shipping packages, it provides several other helpful services to businesses and consumers.
UPS is an excellent alternative to PO boxes if you need to receive mail at a physical address.
Some of the best features include an actual street address, not a P.O.box number, 24-hour access to your mail, packages accepted from all carriers, package and mail notification, mail holding and forwarding, and call-in mail check.
Mailboxforwarding
Another terrific P.O.box alternative is Mailboxforwarding. The company provides mailbox scanning services, so you don’t have to check it yourself.
Members are provided with a street address to which all types of mail can be delivered.
Your mail will be sent to one of three locations: Los Angeles, California, Pompano Beach, Florida, or Grandville, Michigan. When mail comes in, the outside of the package or envelope is scanned. The company then sends that image to you on the Mailboxforwarding site.
You log in to see what you’ve received. They will then follow your instructions, whether forwarding it to your physical address, opening it for you, or getting rid of it. All scanning is performed in a secure environment.
MyMailForwarder
Another popular digital mailbox provider is MyMailForwarder. Their moniker is “the most trusted mail forwarder.” The company can receive mail from all carriers, including those that need a signature.
Members rent a mailbox with a dedicated street address. Whenever you get mail, you’ll get an email alert. The service is ideal for anyone living overseas, including international students.
Many companies will not deliver overseas – MyMailForwarder does. The company uses reputable delivery carriers like FedEx, UPS, or DHL.
Traveling Mailbox
The last of our featured post office box alternatives is the Traveling mailbox. The company offers world-class mail scanning solutions that allow individuals and small businesses to view their postal mail online anywhere in the world.
They provide an actual physical street address that is unique to you. When your mail arrives, they scan the outside of the envelope, and then you tell them to either forward the item, scan the contents, return it, hold it, or shred it.
How to Get One Without a Home Address
Some people want to know if you can have a PO box without a physical address, and the answer is yes.
If you lack a mailing address or find it inconvenient to disclose one, several options are available for receiving mail and parcels.
You can use service centers like USPS customer center, Amazon Locker, UPS General Delivery, or FedEx Ground Service Center to use as a mailing address to receive parcels.
The only drawback is they do not offer any privacy or convenience you would receive by having a personal PO box at USPS.
Noteworthy Statistics
1. Over 2.3 million individuals in the United States obtain a PO box each year.
2. Approximately 78% of businesses opt for one as their mailing address.
3. The average waiting time to secure a new postal box is 19 days.
4. Around 85% are rented by residents living in urban areas.
5. More than 30% of people who get one find it increases their mail security and privacy.
6. On average, a small town in America has 1.7 post office locations that offer them.
7. Roughly 12% of individuals who get a mailing box end up upgrading to a larger size within six months.
9. Out of all industries, the highest percentage (42%) of companies using the boxes are in the legal sector.
10. In recent years, there has been an overall increase of 24% in applications for digital forwarding services for PO boxes.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to handling your mail, there are many options. Renting a PO box at USPS may or may not be your best option.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed this review of what you can do with your mail when you don’t want it sent to your current physical address.
You should now know exactly how to get a PO box and the approximate cost of renting one.
Other Valuable Moving Resources
Get more moving advice in these comprehensive Maximum Real Estate Exposure articles.
- Who to let know your address changed – see a comprehensive list of all the businesses and entities you should know that you have moved. These folks should be made aware you are moving.
- What to know about renting a moving truck – have you decided not to hire a professional moving service and make a move yourself instead? If so, you’ll probably want to hire one of the reputable moving truck companies. See what you should know about getting your moving truck.
- How much of a gratuity should a mover get – when you are moving, you’ll quickly discover what hard work it is, even for professionals. You will be expected to tip the moving company like other service industries. In the article, get some sound advice on how much you should tip a mover.
About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided the above real estate information on how to get a PO box. He is an expert in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 38+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
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