Updating your mailing address is one of many changes you have to make when you’re planning for a move. If you can’t yet forward your mail to your new permanent address, or want to keep your street address private, you can rent a Post Office Box. A PO Box is private, secure, and allows you to get mail more quickly than you would at a physical address. Read the guide below to learn how to get a PO Box, how much one costs, and the pros and cons of getting one.

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What Is a PO Box?

A PO Box is a lockable box that you can rent at your local post office. A PO Box provides a stable mailing address that’s separate from a physical residence. Below are some reasons you might consider getting a PO Box:

• Consistency: It provides a fixed address during transitions from one home to another.
• Business purposes: It 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.

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Types of PO Boxes Available

USPS offers various PO Box options that suit different needs and budgets. You can rent in 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month increments.

Standard PO Box Sizes

USPS provides five standard PO Box sizes:

1. Extra Small (XS): 3 inches x 5.5 inches
2. Small (S): 5 inches x 5.5 inches
3. Medium (M): 5.5 inches x 11 inches
4. Large (L): 11 inches x 11 inches
5. Extra Large (XL): 12 inches x 22.5 inches

Premium PO Box Services

Post offices also offer premium PO Box services, including those below.

• 24/7 access to your box
• Email or text notifications when you receive mail
• Signature on file for certain package deliveries
• Street addressing, which allows you to use the post office’s street address with your box number

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How To Apply for a PO Box

You can apply for a PO Box either online or in person at your local post office.

Applying Online

To apply online, follow the steps below. You will need to print a form and visit the appropriate post office during business hours.

1. Visit the USPS website and enter your location in the “Find a PO Box Near You” box.
2. Select the size you want and the rental period you need.
3. Create a USPS account or sign in to your existing account.
4. Complete the application form by confirming your details and selecting any extra services you want.
5. Pay the rental fee with a credit or debit card.
6. Print your completed PS Form 1093.
7. Visit the post office within 30 days with your form and two acceptable forms of ID.

Applying in Person

Follow the steps below to apply in person:

1. Visit your local post office and ask about PO Box availability.
2. Fill out PS Form 1093.
3. Present two forms of valid ID, including one photo ID.
4. Pay the rental fee with cash, check, debit, or credit card.
5. Receive your PO Box number and keys or combination.

PO Box Waitlists

If the box size you want is unavailable at the location you select, the office may place you on a waitlist. This will happen automatically if you apply online.

When a box becomes available, the post office will contact you by phone or email so that you can claim your new PO Box. If you applied online, you will receive an email a two-day window during which you can pay rental fees. You will also get a 30-day window during which you can show up in person with your ID and PS Form 1093.

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Costs and Fees Associated With PO Boxes

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.

Rental Fees

PO Box rental fees are based on the box’s size and the post office’s location. You’ll get a better monthly rate if you reserve the box for a longer period of time. A PO Box in Scranton, Pennsylvania can cost as little as $26 for three months, for example, or as much as $125 for three months.

*Cost data in this article sourced from the USPS website using ZIP code 18503

Additional Charges To Consider

Be aware of potential extra fees:

• Key deposit
• Key replacement charges
• Late payment fees
• Lock changes

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Setting Up Your PO Box

Once USPS has approved your application, you can complete the steps below.

Required Documentation

To finalize your PO Box rental, you’ll need a completed PS Form 1093 and two valid forms of ID. You can show two of the ID types below:

• Driver’s license
• Other form of government-issued photo ID
• Passport
• Permanent resident card
• Tribal identification card
• Uniformed service ID card

Alternatively, you can show just one of the ID types below.

• Deed of trust Home or vehicle insurance policy
• Lease agreement
• Mortgage
• Utility bill
• Vehicle registration
• Voter registration card

Birth certificates, social security cards, and credit cards are not acceptable forms of ID.

Picking Up Your Keys or Combination

The post office will provide you with your PO Box number and information about additional services after it verifies your information. You’ll also receive two keys, but can request more for an additional fee. Some older post offices may give you a combination for your box instead of a key.

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Using Your PO Box After Moving

Once you’ve set up your PO Box, you can start managing your mail by following the steps below.

Mail Forwarding To Your New PO Box

Follow the steps below to make sure you receive all of your mail at your new PO Box:

1. File a change of address form with USPS. List your PO Box as the new address.
2. Update your address with important contacts and service providers.
3. Consider using USPS Informed Delivery to digitally preview your incoming mail.

Updating Your Address With Important Contacts

Notify the parties below of your new PO Box address:

• Employers and schools
• Government agencies (DMV, IRS, Social Security Administration)
• Friends and family
• Financial institutions and credit card companies
• Subscription services and online retailers

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Alternatives To Traditional PO Boxes

Below are alternatives to USPS PO Boxes in the event a PO Box is not right for you:

Private Mailbox Services

Companies such as UPS and FedEx offer private mailbox services with benefits such as the following:

• A street address instead of a PO Box number
• Extended access hours
• Mail and package forwarding services
• Package acceptance from all carriers

Virtual Mailboxes

Virtual mailbox services such as PostScan Mail and Anytime Mailbox provide digital solutions for mail management. These can be useful if any of the variables below apply.

• You want to forward, shred, or recycle mail.
• You want to view your mail online.
• You’re a frequent traveler or live abroad.

These alternatives are more flexible than PO Boxes, but they’re also more expensive.

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Special Considerations for Different Situations

You may have to get a PO Box in a different way if any of the variables below apply to you.

Getting a PO Box in Another State

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. First, you’ll need to verify your identity at the post office in your current city or town using IDs that reflect your old address. Once you have moved, you’ll need to complete the process again using IDs that feature your new address.

PO Boxes for Military Personnel

Active-duty military members can choose standard PO Boxes at their home stations or nearest post offices. Military members that are stationed overseas also have access to Military Post Office boxes.

Free PO Boxes

You may qualify for a free PO Box if you live at a residential address that USPS doesn’t serve. People who meet certain hardship criteria may also qualify, and will have to apply in person. Visit your local post office and inquire about “Group E” box eligibility.

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FAQ About Getting a PO Box

What is the difference between a PO Box and a physical address?

A PO Box is a secure and private mailbox that’s at the post office. A physical address is the location of your home or business. Many private package carriers won’t deliver to a PO Box.

How do I get a PO Box address if I’m in the military?

If you’re in the military, you can get a PO Box address by applying online or in person. When you are deployed, however, you will have either an Army/Air Force Post Office orFleet Post Office address through which you can receive mail.

Can I change my physical address to a PO Box?

You cannot change your physical address to a PO Box, but the post office offers a street addressing service. This allows you to use the street address of the post office, followed by your PO Box number, in place of your physical address. This is helpful for package deliveries.

Who has the best rates for a PO Box?

PO Box rates vary by location and box size. You can compare rates at different locations near you using the USPS website. You can also compare USPS rates to the rates that other providers offer.

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