US Post Office Specifications for Mailboxes

Mailbox sizes and locations are regulated by the USPS.

With the volume of mail the United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers each day, it is no wonder they require size and location specifications for mailboxes. Different sizes and locations of mailboxes would almost certainly make the process of delivery more time consuming, and possibly frustrating, for carriers. Having to bend and shape letters and other deliveries to fit into virtually limitless sizes of receptacles would add a great deal of time to what is now a fairly systematic process.

Curbside Mailbox

Add names to a mailbox using letters no smaller than 1 inch in height, ensuring easy recognition. Also, the bottom of mailboxes needs to be at least 41 inches, up to 45 inches, up from the road. The maintenance for the posts used is up to the home owner. Also, boxes need to be on the right side of the road, and between 6 to 8 inches back from the curb for easy access from the mail vehicle.

Newspaper Receptacles and Lockable Mailboxes

Select a lockable mailbox that has already been approved by the Postmaster General. The USPS does not sell mailboxes, but those that do should meet the USPS mailbox specifications and that includes both lockable and non-lockable boxes. While attaching a newspaper receptacle to the mailbox is allowed (advertising is not), there are a few restrictions: the newspaper container cannot touch the mailbox in any way or get in the way of mail delivery, including sticking out further than the mailbox (with the mailbox door closed).

Door Slot Mailboxes

Replace a door slot with one that is a minimum of 1.5 inches wide and 7 inches long at the opening (not including the edges), and the bottom of the slot at least 2.5 feet off the ground. Also, the door slot needs to have a cover, or flap, that is hinged. The hinge must be on top for horizontal slots; for door slots that are straight up and down, the hinge of the mail receptacle should face away from the front door hinges. Some door slots have a piece called a hood that is located on the inside of the door and provides additional privacy. For these, the hoods cannot extend beyond the edges of the door slot, and have to be placed at least 2 1/16 inches from the inside of the house door.

Additional Specifications

Mount a homemade mailbox only after the local postmaster has approved it. The local postmaster must also be consulted if you want to move the physical location of the mailbox. Before installing a new mailbox and post (if applicable), contact the local post office for construction specifications. Or if that is not feasible, you can request the specs by writing: Customer SVCS Equipment, Engineering, U.S. Postal Service, 8403 Lee Highway, Merrifield, VA 22082-8108.

References

• United States Postal Service: Residential Mailbox Standards
• Mahvelous Mailboxes & More: Customer Mail Receptacles

Resources

• Security Mailbox: Mailboxes