How to Rent a Post Office Box

A post office box provides you with a fixed, private address.

There are many reasons you may want to have your own post office box -- convenience, security and privacy among them. There is also the permanence of having a fixed address if you move around. Businesses often choose PO boxes due to the earlier times their mail is available. You can begin the reservation process online or take care of all of the steps in person at your local post office. Even if you do rent online, the U.S. Postal Service requires you to go to the post office branch to complete the process of opening your PO box.

Things You'll Need

• PO box rental form
• Two forms of Identification
• Fee payment

Instructions

Renting Online

1. Go to USPS.com. Click on the "Manage Your Mail" tab in the menu across the top of the page. Select "Reserve or Renew a PO Box" from the menu.

2. Click on the "Reserve a PO Box" button in the middle of the page, and fill out the required address information to find a post office location near you. Click "Search" to advance to the listings page.

3. Select your preferred location, box size and rental term out of the options available. Click "Continue," and follow the steps to set up a USPS.com account.

4. Complete the online PO box application form. Enter your credit card information, review the fees and application details and then click "Submit."

5. Print the Online PO Box Application (PS Form 1093). Take it with two forms of identification to the post office location you selected to get your box number and pick up your keys.

Renting in Person

1. Go to the post office location that is convenient for you. Pick up the PO Box Application (PS Form 1093) one of the desk clerks. You may also find it in the lobby of the post office where other forms are kept.

2. Fill out the form completely. For a personal box, use your name. For business use, use the official name of your organization, as it appears on most mailings you receive.

3. Take the form to the desk clerk along with two forms of identification.

4. Pay your rental fee based on the size of your box and the term of the rental. You also will need to pay a $3 refundable key deposit.

Tips & Warnings

• Acceptable forms of ID to rent a PO box include a state driver's license; a military, government, university or recognized corporate ID; your government-issued passport, alien registration card or certificate of naturalization; your lease, mortgage or deed of trust; a voter or vehicle registration card; and a home or vehicle insurance policy. At least one of them must include your photo.

References

• United States Postal Service: Reserve or Renew a PO Box