USPS Specifications for a Mailbox

Mailbox specifications are determined by the U.S. Postal Service.

Residential customers who desire mail delivery by the U.S. Postal Service must provide an approved mail receptacle or slot. Customers must purchase, install and maintain their own mailboxes. While the Postal Service neither manufactures nor sells mailboxes, it does mandate certain specifications regarding the design, location and use of receptacles that are used for U.S. mail delivery.

Function

According to USPS regulations, the only thing that can be placed inside a mailbox is stamped mail that has been sent through the Postal Service or properly stamped outgoing mail. A separate receptacle for newspaper deliver may be attached to the post of a roadside mailbox, provided it does not touch any part of the mailbox, display advertising, extend beyond the mailbox with the door closed or obstruct the mail flag.

Location

USPS regulations specify the location of mailboxes. Roadside mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road, determined by the direction the carrier will be traveling. The front of the mailbox must be set back from the edge of the road or curb by 6 to 8 inches. The bottom of the mailbox must be between 41 and 45 inches from the surface of the road.

Identification

Every curbside mailbox is required to display a box or house number. The numbers must be in a color that contrasts with the color of the mailbox. The numerals must be at least 1 inch high and should be affixed to the side of the mailbox but may be on the door of grouped mailboxes. The resident's name may be affixed to the mailbox but is not required.

Manufacture

Specifications for mailboxes are governed by USPS Standard 7, Mailboxes, City and Rural Curbside. Companies that want to manufacture mailboxes must first obtain approval from the USPS. Specifications for construction may be obtained by writing to:

Engineering
U.S. Postal Service
8403 Lee Highway
Merrifield, VA 22082-8101

Considerations

Residents who wish to use a custom-built mailbox may do so with the approval of the local postmaster. Custom mailboxes typically must meet the same specifications as standard mailboxes for construction quality, strength, size and flag. Locking mailboxes may be used provided the slot for mail delivery is large enough to accommodate normal mail delivery.

References

• U.S. Postal Service: Recipient Services

Resources

• U.S. Postal Service: Residential Mailbox Standards