How To Get A PO Box: A Complete Guide

Nick Leason

-Oct 11, 2025

Looking to secure a private mailing address? This guide explains how to get a PO Box, covering costs, sizes, alternatives, and everything you need to know. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Key Takeaways

PO Boxes provide a secure and private mailing address, ideal for individuals and businesses.
The USPS is the most common provider, but private companies like UPS and FedEx also offer similar services.
Costs vary based on box size, location, and rental duration.
You'll need to provide identification and complete an application to rent a PO Box.
Alternatives include virtual mailboxes and street addressing services.
Consider your needs and budget when choosing the best option.

Introduction

A PO Box, or Post Office Box, is a secure, rentable mailbox located at a postal facility. It provides a physical mailing address separate from your home or business, offering privacy and security for your mail. Whether you're a small business owner, frequent traveler, or simply seeking a more permanent address, a PO Box can be a convenient solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a PO Box.

What & Why Get a PO Box?

What is a PO Box?

A PO Box is a numbered mailbox located within a post office facility. It allows individuals and businesses to receive mail at a secure location without using their home or business address. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the primary provider of PO Boxes, but private companies like UPS and FedEx also offer similar services, often called private mailboxes.

Why Get a PO Box?

There are several compelling reasons to get a PO Box:

Privacy: A PO Box keeps your home address private, which is beneficial for security and personal reasons. This is especially useful for individuals who work from home, travel frequently, or simply prefer not to share their physical address.
Security: Mail theft is a growing concern. A PO Box provides a secure location for your mail, reducing the risk of it being stolen from your mailbox.
Convenience: If you move frequently, a PO Box provides a stable mailing address. It's also useful if you live in an area with unreliable mail delivery or if your home mailbox is not secure.
Business Use: Businesses often use PO Boxes to maintain a professional image and separate business mail from personal mail. It's a simple way to establish a business address without the need for a physical office space.
Travel: If you're a frequent traveler, a PO Box can ensure you receive your mail securely while you're away. You can arrange for mail forwarding or hold services, depending on your needs.

Potential Downsides

While PO Boxes offer numerous benefits, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Cost: Renting a PO Box involves recurring fees, which can vary depending on the size of the box and the rental period. These costs should be factored into your decision.
Size Limitations: PO Boxes come in various sizes, but they may not be suitable for receiving large packages. You might need to pick up larger items at the post office counter.
Physical Trip Required: Checking your PO Box requires a physical trip to the post office, which can be inconvenient for some individuals.
Address Restrictions: Some businesses or individuals may not accept PO Box addresses, especially for legal or official documents. In these cases, a physical street address might be necessary.

How to Get a PO Box: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a PO Box is a straightforward process. Here are the steps involved:

Determine Your Needs: Consider the size of the box you'll need based on the volume of mail you expect to receive. PO Boxes come in various sizes, from small to extra-large. Also, think about the rental duration – you can typically rent a PO Box for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Choose a Location: Select a post office location that is convenient for you. Consider factors like proximity to your home or business, operating hours, and parking availability.
Check Availability and Pricing: Visit the USPS website or your local post office to check the availability of PO Boxes at your chosen location and to inquire about pricing. Prices vary based on box size and rental period.
Complete an Application: You can apply for a PO Box online or in person at the post office. You'll need to provide personal information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. For business PO Boxes, you'll also need to provide business information, such as the business name and type.
Provide Identification: You'll need to provide two forms of identification to verify your identity. Acceptable forms of identification typically include a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID, as well as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Pay the Rental Fee: Once your application is approved, you'll need to pay the rental fee. The USPS accepts various forms of payment, including cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards.
Receive Your Keys and Box Number: After payment, you'll receive your PO Box keys and box number. You can then start receiving mail at your new address.

Examples & Use Cases

Small Business Owner: John runs a small online business from his home. He uses a PO Box to separate his business mail from his personal mail, providing a professional image for his company and keeping his home address private.
Frequent Traveler: Maria travels frequently for work. She uses a PO Box to ensure she receives her mail securely while she's away. She arranges for mail forwarding to her temporary locations or holds her mail until she returns home.
Privacy Advocate: David values his privacy and uses a PO Box to keep his home address off public records. This helps protect him from potential risks and unwanted solicitations.
Rural Resident: Sarah lives in a rural area with unreliable mail delivery to her home. She uses a PO Box at the local post office to ensure she receives her mail promptly and securely.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Choose the Right Size: Select a PO Box size that is appropriate for your needs. If you anticipate receiving a large volume of mail or packages, opt for a larger box.
Renew on Time: Be sure to renew your PO Box rental before it expires to avoid losing your box and having your mail returned to sender.
Check Your Box Regularly: Check your PO Box regularly to ensure you don't miss any important mail. The USPS typically holds mail for a limited time before returning it.
Inform Correspondents: Notify your contacts, including businesses and individuals, of your new PO Box address to ensure your mail is delivered correctly.
Use the Correct Format: When providing your PO Box address, use the correct format: [Your Name or Business Name], PO Box [Box Number], City, State, Zip Code.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to Renew: One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to renew the PO Box rental. Set a reminder to ensure you renew on time.
Choosing the Wrong Size: Selecting a box that is too small can lead to overflow and inconvenience. Assess your needs carefully before choosing a size.
Using an Incorrect Address Format: Using an incorrect address format can result in mail delivery issues. Always use the correct format provided by the USPS.
Not Checking the Box Regularly: Allowing mail to accumulate in your PO Box can lead to it being returned to sender. Make it a habit to check your box regularly.

FAQs

1. How much does a PO Box cost?

The cost of a PO Box varies depending on the size of the box, the location of the post office, and the rental period. Prices can range from a few dollars per month to several hundred dollars per year.

2. What sizes of PO Boxes are available?

PO Boxes come in various sizes, typically ranging from extra-small to extra-large. The specific sizes available may vary by location. Check with your local post office for details. — 24-Hour Stores Near Me: Your Late-Night Guide

3. What identification is required to get a PO Box?

You'll typically need to provide two forms of identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID, as well as a utility bill or lease agreement.

4. Can I use a PO Box for my business?

Yes, businesses can use PO Boxes to establish a professional mailing address. You'll need to provide business information when applying for a PO Box. — Honduras Vs. Costa Rica: Key Differences & Travel Guide

5. What happens if I receive a package that doesn't fit in my PO Box?

If you receive a package that is too large to fit in your PO Box, the postal service will typically leave a notice in your box, and you can pick up the package at the post office counter.

6. Are there alternatives to PO Boxes?

Yes, alternatives include private mailbox services offered by companies like UPS and FedEx, as well as virtual mailbox services that provide a digital interface for managing your mail. — USPS Walk-In Passport Service: Locations & How To Apply

Conclusion with CTA

A PO Box can be a valuable asset for individuals and businesses seeking a secure and private mailing address. By understanding the steps involved and considering your specific needs, you can choose the right PO Box solution for you. Ready to get started? Visit your local post office or the USPS website today to explore your options and secure your new PO Box.

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 14:45 UTC