How Much Does a PO Box Cost and How to Rent One
Gain clarity on PO Box costs and learn the straightforward process to rent your personal mailing address.
A Post Office Box (PO Box) offers a secure and private alternative to home mail delivery, providing a locked mailbox within a Post Office facility. This service allows individuals and businesses to receive mail at a separate, designated address. While PO Box costs vary, understanding the factors that influence pricing and the application process can help in securing the right option.
Factors Affecting PO Box Rental Costs
The cost of renting a PO Box is not uniform across all locations or for all types of boxes; it is influenced by several variables. The size of the box is a primary determinant, with larger boxes naturally costing more due to increased capacity. The United States Postal Service (USPS) typically offers five sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large, to accommodate different mail volumes and package needs.
The rental period also plays a significant role in the overall cost. PO Boxes can generally be rented for 3, 6, or 12 months, with longer rental periods often providing a more cost-effective per-month rate. For instance, a 12-month rental can offer a discount compared to shorter terms. Geographical location significantly impacts pricing, as demand and operational costs vary between urban and rural areas. Post Offices in busy cities, often designated as “competitive” locations, typically have higher rental fees. As of May 2025, annual fees for the smallest boxes in rural areas could start around $58, while extra-large boxes in high-demand urban areas might cost up to $1,512 annually.
Preparing to Rent a PO Box
Before applying for a PO Box, gathering specific information and necessary documentation is important. The USPS website provides a PO Box locator tool to determine the precise cost for a desired location and box size. This online resource allows prospective renters to search by ZIP Code, select the preferred box size and rental duration, and view the exact pricing for available boxes.
The application for a PO Box, PS Form 1093, requires specific personal details and identification. Applicants must provide their name, current physical street address, contact information, and the intended use of the PO Box. A PO Box cannot serve as a physical address for official documents like a driver’s license or for business registration in most jurisdictions. The USPS requires two forms of valid identification: one photo ID and one non-photo ID that can be traced to the applicant’s physical address.
Acceptable photo IDs include:
A valid driver’s license
State ID card
Passport
Military ID
Non-photo IDs may include:
A current lease
Mortgage statement
Deed of trust
Voter registration card
Vehicle insurance policy
Social Security cards, credit cards, and birth certificates are not accepted as forms of identification. PS Form 1093 can be obtained and completed online through the USPS website or in person at a Post Office. Ensure all names of individuals authorized to receive mail at the box are listed.
Submitting Your PO Box Application
After completing PS Form 1093 and gathering the required identification, the application must be submitted. While online reservation and payment are possible, the final step always requires an in-person visit to the Post Office where the PO Box is located. During this visit, applicants must present their completed PS Form 1093 and the two forms of valid identification for verification.
Payment for the PO Box rental is made at the time of submission. The USPS accepts various payment methods, including cash, check, credit card, or debit card. After successful identity verification and payment, the Post Office retail associate will provide the PO Box number and two keys for access. The PO Box is then ready for use.