How to Set-Up a P.O. Box
With a Post Office box you can have your mail delivered directly to your post office rather than your home; mail delivery to the Post Office is typically faster than home delivery. Some box holders feel the Post Office box is more secure than getting mail at their home. Boxes come in a variety of sizes and rental terms. You can rent a box online or you can go to your local Post Office and rent one in person.
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Instructions
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In Person
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Go to your local Post Office to rent a box. The Post Office hours may vary yet many are open Monday to Friday during the business day and on half-day on Saturdays. Check before you go.
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Tell a postal employee at the customer counter you want to rent a box. Select the size and rental term you want. You will need to show a picture ID and non-photo ID showing your home address. These include a voter card or vehicle registration, home or vehicle insurance policy or a home mortgage statement, lease or deed of trust. Social Security cards, birth certificates and credit cards are not acceptable.
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Pay for your box using cash, check or credit card. Rental fees are determined by the length of your rental and the size of your box. You can choose six or 12 months.
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Take your key and begin using your Post Office box to receive your mail. Ask when mail is posted to your box Monday through Saturday.
Online
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Create an account online with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Click on the "Sign In" link on the USPS homepage and click the "Sign Up" link under the "New Users" section.
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Provide your name, address, email address and phone number. Create a username and password and submit your registration. Return to the homepage.
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Click on the "Receiving Mail" link to open a drop down menu and click on the "Find or Renew PO Box" link. Click the "Go" link in the "Find PO Box" section and click "Get Started Now" on the next page.
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Enter your address and ZIP code and click "Search". Select your Post Office location from the list of offices near your address. From here you need to choose a box size and the length of time you want to rent your box.
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Enter your credit card number, expiration date and security code to pay for your box. Provide your name and address and submit your rental agreement. Print your rental confirmation and take it to your Post Office to pick up your Post Office box key. You will need to show a picture ID and non-photo ID showing your home address. These include a voter card or vehicle registration, home or vehicle insurance policy or a home mortgage statement, lease or deed of trust. Social Security cards, birth certificates and credit cards are not acceptable.
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References
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