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What Does a PO Box Cost?
You might have some questions if you are considering using a PO box.
How much does a PO box cost? Is there a PO box near me? What size PO boxes are available? Can I get a refund if I don’t need it anymore?
We’ll give you the answers to these questions and more to make renting a US post box a breeze. Getting a USPS post box is relatively straightforward.
When making a change of address, getting a PO box can sometimes be an excellent solution.
At times you don’t have an actual street address. This situation will be temporary most of the time, and until such time it changes, a postal box with the USPS is a helpful workaround.
You can read about the change of address form you will use in the helpful resource above.
Let’s dive deep into when you don’t have a home address, and a post office box becomes useful. You will learn how to get a PO box for personal or business use.
When you’re changing addresses, don’t forget that numerous people and businesses need to be notified.
What is a PO Box?
When you need a secure delivery address that isn’t your own home, a PO box is a good solution.
A USPS PO box is convenient whether you need it for business or personal mail.
Perhaps you need a secure new address during a move? If you travel a lot, they can also be a good choice for freelancers. The PO box USPS service caters to customers who need a secure mailbox for whatever reason.
PO boxes are typically located in the lobby area of a Post Office store. This allows customers to easily access their secure mailbox without entering the main section of the Post Office location.
Locked mailboxes can usually be opened with a key or a code when you want to collect your mail.
How Much is a PO Box?
The cost of a PO box will depend on a few things. The factors that decide the cost of PO boxes include the size you need and your location. On top of that, there can be additional fees, and the amount of time you want the box for will also change the price you pay.
Let’s review these factors in closer detail:
Size of PO Boxes
How much a USPS PO box costs will be determined by the size.
Usually, you can expect a choice of 5 different sizes from your Post Office location. The choice of PO box size will be among the most significant factors impacting the price.
Most of the boxes will be just under 15 inches deep, and your choices will likely include the following:
Extra Small
If you don’t expect to receive that much mail, the extra small option should comfortably hold at least ten letters or a couple of rolled magazines.
Small
The small PO box is 5 inches by 5.5 inches and can store 15 letters or five rolled-up magazines. Small boxes are also okay if you don’t get significant mail.
Medium
If you expect to receive many magazines in the mail, this box measuring 5.5 by 11 inches might be just the right size. If you receive large envelopes, a medium-size postal box will be the smallest you can go.
Large
Measuring 11 inches by 11 inches, the large PO boxes have enough room for small parcels and plenty of letters.
Extra Large
The most significant post office box option will measure around 12 by 22.5 inches. It will be a good option if you expect to receive parcels or a large amount of mail.
It can be difficult to decide which mailbox sizes suit you, and you don’t want to spend more money than you need to, mainly if you are on a tight budget. As mentioned previously, the size of the box factors into the cost significantly.
It would be best to think about how much mail you expect to receive and how frequently you will check and empty your mailbox. The large post office box will be the best choice if you get a ton of mail.
Location Plays a Role in PO Box Costs
Different Post Office locations charge different amounts for their mailboxes. Some areas will have more demand for USPS PO boxes; consequently, you can expect to pay more for your mailbox.
PO box prices could be higher than you are accustomed to paying.
However, these competitive Post Office locations might offer other services when charging more.
This could mean you get a notification when mail is received, or they could provide more hours to access your box. Different post offices have differing policies.
Possible Additional PO Box Fees
In Post Office locations considered competitive areas, you won’t have to pay for your first two keys. But if they classify the Post Office location in a market-dominant area, there will be a deposit of $4 per key.
If you need additional keys, they charge $8.
Should you lose your keys or forget the code to access the box, expect to pay $23 for the lock to be replaced.
Longer Rental Period Gets Better PO Box Rates
You will likely get a better monthly rate if you want your PO box for longer. Typically, they offer 3, 6, or, in some locations, 12-month rentals.
You will likely get a better deal when choosing a longer time, like either six or 12-month rentals. Sometimes, the location might offer an extra month for free when renting a box for 12 months.
The Cost of PO Boxes
How much is a PO box at the post office?
When looking at how much a PO box costs, it will depend on the size and location. See all the various expenses of PO boxes below.
3-Months in a Competitive Location
Extra Small; $13-$44
Small; $17-$87
Medium; $26-$144
Large; $37-$230
Extra Large; $64-$360
3-Months in a Market Dominant Location
Extra Small; $13-$34
Small; $17-$50
Medium; $26-$87
Large; $37-$159
Extra Large; $64-$249
6-Months in a Competitive Location
Extra Small; $21-$75
Small; $28-$150
Medium; $42-$250
Large; $62-$400
Extra Large; $109-$625
6-Months in a Market Dominant Location
Extra Small; $21-$57
Small; $28-$84
Medium; $42-$145
Large; $62-$265
Extra Large; $109-$416
As you can see, there is quite a range of prices depending on your location. You can check whether you are in a competitive or market-dominant place on their website or at your local Post Office.
This should tell you the fee group your Post Office location is in to give you the exact costs of renting a PO box there.
The final cost of renting a PO Box will be highly dependant on the size and where you are located.Click To Tweet
Getting The Cheapest PO Box
Trying to get a cheap PO box is probably not worth the effort and loss of convenience. To get the cheapest PO box, you would need to travel a greater distance to get your mail.
PO boxes are more expensive in and around the city. You would need to find a PO box location that would be acceptable in a more remote place from where you live or work.
USPS PO box prices vary by location, so you must research multiple postal locations for the best rate.
How to Get a PO Box For Free?
Many people do not realize getting a free PO box is possible. If you are homeless, you could likely miss out on vital mail when you cannot receive it.
For this reason, USPS provides an option to get a free PO box.
If you want to get one, go to the nearest USPS and inquire about the free PO box program. You can also call the toll-free number that the USPS provides at 1-800-275-8777.
You will fill out PS form 1093, which is the standard application. The form will have you provide basic information such as your name and where you would like to receive your mail.
The key to getting a free post office box is having valid identification. You can either use your driver’s license or a passport. If you don’t have acceptable identification, the only way to be approved for a free box is if the postmaster knows you personally.
A free PO box for the homeless is worth taking advantage of.
What Happens If I Receive More Mail Than Will Fit in My PO Box?
If you receive more mail to your PO box than you expect or cannot empty it as frequently as expected, what happens if it overflows?
Your box will overflow if you exceed your mailbox capacity for 12 out of 20 consecutive days, not including weekends or holidays.
If you find yourself in a situation where your volume of mail is too high, you will need to move to a larger PO box or take extra boxes to resolve the problem. This will naturally increase your costs, so you may find increasing your PO box visits better than avoiding this situation.
If you already use the extra-large box, you might need to switch to the USPS Caller Service. The Caller Service will be the same price as the extra-large PO box cost, and you will pick up your mail from the call window or loading dock at your designated Post Office.
However, there may be a restriction on when you can collect your mail, usually when the Post Office is less busy.
What Are The Benefits of Renting a PO Box?
There are some excellent reasons to choose the PO box USPS service. Let’s review its advantages:
Privacy
This is an option if you don’t want to give your mailing address when running a business from home.
It will allow you to keep your physical address out of the public eye while still giving you a way to receive mail.
A PO box at USPS also keeps your business mail separate from your mail.
Security
If you have had issues with mail going missing, the security offered by a PO box will prevent further problems.
They can allow your packages to be stored somewhere secure for you to collect without them being left outside your home all day.
It is a locked mailbox as opposed to an open mail container at your home,
Access
Depending on the Post Office location you will use, they might offer around-the-clock access to your PO box.
Other places could offer extended hours or only allow you to get your mail during Post Office opening hours.
Speed
Since the mail doesn’t have to travel as far to be delivered, it should be available in your PO box faster. This can allow you to get mail sooner, without waiting for delivery to your home.
How to Reserve a PO Box
Reserving your PO box isn’t a difficult job. It can be done online or by visiting a Post Office location. The way you do this is a little different based on the method:
Reserving Your PO Box Online
If you go to the USPS website and their PO boxes page, you can enter your ZIP Code to see what options are available nearby. This will reveal PO boxes near you, giving you available sizes, directions to the post office, and their opening hours.
You can choose the size you want and reserve or add your name to a waiting list if there aren’t any currently available. If you put yourself on a waiting list, they will contact you by email or phone, and you have two days to act before they pass it to the next person on the list.
If you can reserve a PO box of the size you want, you need to select how long you want to rent the box. Choose between 3, 6, or possibly 12 months. Complete your application and submit it.
There is a form (PS Form 1093) you need to print out and complete to take to the Post Office. You will then have 30 days to pick up the keys and provide them with two forms of valid ID.
One must be a photo ID.
Getting One At the Post Office
When you reserve a PO box in the Post Office, you still need to fill out the same form (PS Form 1093) though you can find this when you are there.
While the Post Office you visit to do this doesn’t have to be where your mailbox is located, it needs to offer window service.
USPS PO Box Renewal
You can renew your PO box with USPS for annual and semi-annual payments at any of their Automated Postal Center kiosk. You can also sign up for automatic renewals online.
USPS PO box payment is easy with all the options they give you, including automatic renewal or making a one-time payment by credit card.
PO Box Near Me
When you are new to an area and are not sure of the location of the closest post office, you do an online search. Head to Google and use either PO box near me or PO box rental near me.You should see the closest post office that offers postal box rentals.
Acceptable Types of ID to Rent a PO Box
You must bring two types of ID to begin using your mailbox. Both need to be current and valid, and one must show your address to prove it is where you live.
You need one photo ID and one non-photo ID. The following are considered valid forms of identification:
Photo ID
- US driver’s license
- State ID card
- US military, government, education, or corporate ID
- Passport, passport card, certificate of naturalization, or alien registration card
- NEXUS or Matricular Consular ID
Non-Photo ID
- Mortgage, deed of trust, or lease documentation
- Voter card
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle or home insurance policy
What is a Virtual PO Box?
Have you heard of a virtual postal box and wondered what they are?
A virtual PO box gives you an actual street address. You can get a PO box with a mailing address and access your mail online.
Postscan mail provides a PO box with a street address for business and personal use.
Postscan mail offers a physical address in several cities. Their virtual mailbox service delivers mail to your email in soft copy format.
You receive a scan of the envelope showing who sent the mail. Let the post office open the mail and scan the contents for you.
It is also possible to forward mail to another address of your choosing. In some locations, you can also pick up your mail as well.
A virtual PO box with a mailing address can also receive packages. You have an actual address but access mail virtually.
The USPS Premium PO Box Services
The Post Office might offer free premium services to make your life easier if you are in a competitive area. This could include phone alerts when mail is in your box, extra access, or dealing with larger packages.
Check if they are available at the USPS office you will be using. Package acceptance could be a service you need.
Along with these services, they might offer some other useful options:
Using a Street Address
Using a street address instead of a PO box number can be helpful. You can use the street address of the Post Office, followed by a pound sign (#) and your box number.
This should make receiving deliveries easier or make a business address look more professional. It will help if you read the small print before doing this, as there are some rules you must follow.
Using a street address is referred to as having a private mailbox. You are assigned a location different from a standard PO box in the post office.
They are often used when you need to convey a professional image.
No Key Deposit
If your Post Office provides premium services, you won’t have to pay $8 for two keys. However, there will still be a charge if you need more keys than this.
Keeping Your Signature
Some deliveries need to be signed for, but they can keep your signature on file if your Post Office offers premium services. This will reduce your hassles with less waiting in line to sign your name.
Longer Hours
As part of the premium services, your location might provide more extended opening hours to make it easier to pick up your mail. If traveling to the Post Office during their regular opening hours will be an issue, this could make a big difference to you.
Why Shouldn’t You Get a PO Box?
While there are many advantages to using a USPS PO box, there are disadvantages too.
Rental Costs
Since you will have to keep paying for your PO box to receive your mail this way, it might be another expense you could do without.
Particularly for larger boxes, the costs are pretty high if you are in a competitive location.
USPS Only
While you might want to use your PO box for your Amazon deliveries, this won’t be possible if your Post Office isn’t offering premium services.
Only USPS carriers can put packages in your PO box if that is the case.
Limited Locations
You might find that there isn’t the availability you need near to you.
This will mean you must travel further to collect your mail, which will be an added hassle and cost.
How Do I Get a Refund For My PO Box?
If you reserve a box for six months or a year and later find you don’t need it for that long, you can get a refund.
You can get a refund for inactive boxes when you didn’t collect the keys and provide your ID.
You can do this online or take a trip to the Post Office. To do it online, go to the USPS website and log in. Click on the “Manage Your Account” link to see an option to close your account and request a refund.
To do this at your Post Office, go to a service window and request a refund on your PO box. You must bring your keys to ensure you get your deposit back.
Getting a Refund for a PO Box You Haven’t Used
If your PO box is inactive and you didn’t collect the keys, you should get an automatic refund after 30 days. You should request a full refund and get your money back sooner.
How Much Money Will the USPS Refund for Your PO Box?
If you picked up the keys, your PO box was active, and your refund will be lower because you have used their service.
However, if you had a 3-month rental, they aren’t going to give you any money back. Even if you only needed it for a month, you won’t be eligible for a refund.
With a 6-month rental, they offer a 50% refund if you cancel within the first three months of the contract. They won’t give you anything back if you don’t close your PO box before the halfway point. So if you realize you don’t need it for the entire rental period early on, cancel in time.
The 12-month rental contract is more complicated. Request a refund in the first three months, and you will get back 75% of the price.
They will give you a 50% refund if you cancel before six months. If you claim your refund within nine months of reserving your box, they will refund you 25% of the cost. But if you end the contract with the USPS once you are in month 10, don’t expect to see anything refunded.
Hopefully, we have clearly shown how much a PO box is and answered all your questions about the service. This should help you decide if a PO box suits your needs and make reserving one at your nearest Post Office easy.
Get a UPS Mail Box Instead
One often-asked question is how to get a PO box without a street address. UPS is a solution to this problem.
Are there alternatives to a traditional PO box offered by the United States Postal Service? Yes, there is!
You may want to consider a UPS Store PO box. At a local UPS store, you can get an actual street address. With their mailbox services, you get a secure location for storing your mail and packages.
The UPS mailbox services will send you a text when the mail arrives. They offer numerous locations with 24-hour access to your mail.
How Much is a UPS Mail Box?
A small mailbox at the UPS store runs between $10-$30 per month. A medium-sized box costs between $20-40 per month.
You will pay approximately $30-$50 monthly for a large UPS mailbox. Prices can vary somewhat depending on location.
Frequently Asked Questions About PO Boxes
1. What Happens if a Package Does Not Fit Into a PO box?
If a package does not fit into your PO box, you will be notified by the post office. You will have 15 days to pick up your parcel. You also have the option of renting an overflow box.
2. Will Amazon or FedEx ship to a PO box?
No, they will not. Only the USPS will deliver to a PO box.
3. How Long Will The USPS Hold a Package With a Postal Box?
A mail hold with a PO box is unnecessary with USPS, as mail can accumulate for 30 days.
4. What is a Ghost Sddress?
A ghost address is somewhere other than your actual home address. PO Boxes and UPS boxes are used as ghost addresses.
5. What Are USPS Flat Rate Boxes?
A USPS flat rate box allows you to send a package or envelope to an address of your choice. The maximum weight of your shipment can be up to 70 pounds.
Priority mail is a 1-3 day shipping service at a flat rate.
Final Thoughts on How Much For a PO Box
You should better understand what you need to know about PO boxes, including how much they cost. PO boxes can be helpful under several circ*mstances, especially when moving.
USPS postal boxes are an excellent option when you have interim moving requirements.
Other Helpful Moving Resources
Use these additional helpful articles to make the best moving decisions.
- Things to know about shipping cars – will you relocate out of state? Do you have vehicles that need to be shipped? See some tips for moving a vehicle, including the best car shipping companies.
- Who are the best moving companies – when you are moving, one of the most critical tasks will be finding a top-notch mover. See a detailed review of some of the most respected moving companies for long-distance moves.
- What to know about 1-800-Got-Junk – one of the essential tasks before selling a home is to make your home picture-perfect. One of the best ways to do that is by hiring a junk removal service that can eliminate things you no longer need. 1-800-Got-Junk is one of the best junk removal companies worth speaking with.
- Furniture donation pick up – sometimes, you may have things of value that you don’t want to give to a junk removal company. There are, in fact, many charities that will come to your home and pick up furniture, clothes, and other household items you no longer want.
About the author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provides the above Real Estate information about how much a PO box is. 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 37+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about Real Estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
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