How To Get a PO Box When You Move (2024 Guide)
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There’s a lot to keep track of when you move, including updating your mailing address. If can’t forward your mail to your new permanent address yet or you want to keep your street address private, you can rent a post office (PO) Box. A PO Box offers privacy and security, and you receive your mail faster than if it were delivered to your physical address. In this article, we’ll tell you how to get a PO Box, what it costs, and the pros and cons of a PO Box.
What is a PO Box?
A PO Box is lockable box that you rent at your local post office—and the name for these boxes is a registered trademark of the United States Postal Service (USPS). People choose to rent a PO Box because it’s a secure way to store mail and packages before they can collect them, and others enjoy the privacy it offers, as it conceals their home address. Many business owners use PO Boxes if they don’t have a physical address and want to keep their personal mail separate from their business mail.
How To Apply for a PO Box
The USPS can help you secure a PO Box either by computer or in person when you’re ready to move.
To apply for a PO Box online, go to the USPS website. Enter your physical address, city and state, or ZIP code to view a list of nearby facilities.
Click on the location that best meets your needs, then choose your PO Box size. The tool will show you how much it costs to rent a particular box for three months, six months, or 12 months. Select the rental period you want, then click “Reserve.”
The site will redirect you to the login screen, where you can either create a new USPS account or sign into an existing account. Proceed by confirming the details of your reservation, selecting additional services, editing your contact information, and adding other users. Mark the checkbox at the bottom of the page and click “Continue.”
The next page is a payment portal. You can pay for the PO Box rental fee using a credit card or debit card. Select your payment method, enter your card details, read the refund policy, and click the checkbox at the top of the page.
Review your application and payment information, then submit your application. A confirmation page will appear with a summary and instructions for how to activate your PO Box. You will have 30 days to bring your PS Form 1093 and two acceptable forms of ID to the post office where your box is located.
To apply in person, visit your local post office and ask about PO Box availability. The postal service staff will guide you through the application process, which involves completing PS Form 1093, Application for Post Office Box Service, and presenting two forms of U.S. identification.
Acceptable photo IDs include your driver’s license, passport, and permanent resident card. Secondary forms of identification include your voter registration card, vehicle registration card, home or vehicle insurance policy, lease, mortgage, and deed of trust. A second photo ID is also acceptable.
How much does a PO Box Cost?
You can rent a PO Box for as little as $4.83* per month, but PO Box prices vary by location, length of rental, and size. To learn how much your PO Box will cost, you can visit the USPS website, enter your ZIP code, and choose which size box you’d like to rent. From there, you can decide the length of your rental, and reserve your PO Box.
For example, an extra small PO Box in Downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania will cost you $53 for a 3-month rental while a large PO Box in the same location will cost $436 for a 12-month rental.
You can rent boxes for three, six, or 12 months, and below are the different sizes of PO Boxes the USPS offers:
- Size 1 (XS): 3″ x 5.5″
- Size 2 (S): 5″ x 5.5″
- Size 3 (M): 5.5″ x 11″
- Size 4 (L): 11″ x 11″
*Cost data in this article is from the USPS website using ZIP code 18503
What Is a PO Box Waitlist?
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. If you apply in person, you can request to be placed on a waitlist.
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 and be given a two-day window during which you can pay rental fees, followed by a 30-day window during which you can show up in person with your ID and PS Form 1093.
Where To Pick up Your Keys
You must pick up your keys at the post office at which the box is located. The office will only give you your PO Box number and keys once you have paid the rental fees, submitted Form 1093, and presented two forms of acceptable ID. It can take up to three business days for the post office to verify your information.
The office will give you either two keys or a combination to access your box. You can pay an additional fee for additional keys.
Can I Get a Free PO Box From USPS?
To qualify for a free (Group E) PO Box from the U.S. Postal Service, you must have a physical or business address that does not receive any form of mail delivery. If you believe you qualify for a free PO Box, it’s important to apply in person rather than online. If you don’t quality, the cost of this type of PO Box will depend on the size of the box, the duration of your rental, and the location.
How Do I Set Up 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 will verify your identity at the post office in your current city or town using IDs reflecting your old address. Once you have moved, you will complete the process again using IDs with your new address.
Pros and Cons of Getting a PO Box
Consider the following pros and cons when deciding whether to get a PO Box.
Our Conclusion
Obtaining a PO Box can be an effective way to manage your mail, particularly during the hectic moving process. The application process is simple, and many locations offer 24-hour access to your box. The decision ultimately hinges on your priorities and preferences.
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 located at the post office. A physical address is the location of your home or business.
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 following the standard process of applying online or in person. When you are deployed, however, you will have either an APO (Army/Air Force Post Office) or FPO (Fleet 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 those offered by other providers, such as UPS and other private mailbox services.
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