How to Mail Packages to a Military (APO/FPO) Address

You can mail items to members of the military through the U.S. Postal Service.

There are thousands of military service men and women stationed around the country and overseas, and one thing that can help put a smile on their face is receiving packages from home. The process of mailing a package to a military address -- using an address to an Air/Army Post Office, or APO, and Fleet Post Office, or FPO -- and be painless if you follow a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Packaging
• Customs Slip (optional)

Instructions

1. Determine what restrictions there are for mailing items into the country of destination. The U.S. Postal Service website has up-to-date information.

2. Wrap carefully all items that you will be sending and pack them in a sturdy box. Note that there is a limit of 70 lbs. on any package sent to an APO/FPO address.

3. Address the box using the recipient's name and rank, the unit and APO/FPO address and the nine-digit ZIP code.

   Do not write the country of destination on the package. The APO address is enough to get your mail sent to the right place, even overseas.

4. Fill out the customs slip if you're sending your package outside the U.S. Be sure to list all items on the customs slip. Not listing the items could cause your package to be delayed.

5. Take the customs slip and package to your local USPS office for mailing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need assistance, ask at your local post office, call (800) ASK-USPS or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at [phone].

References

• U.S. Postal Service: APO/FPO/DPO Guidelines and Restrictions