Am I Legally Required to Have a Mail Box?
Requirements to obtain a mailbox depend on what services, if any, you want from the United States Postal Service (USPS). USPS requirements vary depending on the delivery location, services and type of facility. No law requires a person to receive mail.
Other People Are Reading
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House
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USPS regulations apply to mail home delivery. Some houses get mail delivered to a mailbox or an approved door slot, according to the USPS. No requirements for an individual mailbox exist during temporary approval for a group mail receptacle for new housing developments.
Apartments
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Apartments often own and maintain group mailboxes. Apartment dwellers typically use group boxes. No laws exist requiring your use of the box assigned to your apartment. Some apartment contracts stipulate a mailing address or use of the box assigned for notifications and legal correspondence.
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Businesses
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Not all businesses require mailboxes. Options include delivery to a mailbox, door slot or by hand to an employee at an open business, according to the USPS.
Options
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A post office box service or requesting delivery to another person's address provides ways to receive mail. Another option includes a written request for special delivery by customers with physical hardships.
Post Office
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News agents, publisher's representatives or persons or businesses that generally receive at least 50 pieces of mail daily may obtain permission to pick up mail directly from the post office, according to the USPS. General delivery provides a temporary way for people to obtain mail directly at the post office; however, a post office retains the right to limit the length of time or quantity of mail delivered.
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- Photo Credit mail box image by Joelyn Pullano from Fotolia.com wall of mailboxes image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
