How Much Does a PO Box Cost? Pricing Factors Explained

A Post Office Box, commonly known as a PO Box, offers a secure and private mailing address for individuals and businesses. These locked mailboxes are located within Post Office facilities, providing a reliable alternative to home or business mail delivery. Renting a PO Box ensures mail and packages are kept safe, accessible during facility hours, and separate from a physical street address. The cost of a PO Box varies, influenced by several factors that determine its overall price.

Key Factors Influencing PO Box Costs

The cost of renting a PO Box is not uniform across the United States; rather, it depends significantly on its geographical location. Urban areas typically have higher PO Box prices compared to rural areas due to increased demand and elevated operational costs. For instance, an extra-small PO Box in a major city could cost substantially more for a three-month term than the same size box in a rural setting. The United States Postal Service (USPS) categorizes locations into different fee groups, reflecting local market conditions and the cost of maintaining the facility space.

Demand levels within a specific ZIP code also influence pricing, with higher demand generally leading to increased costs. Even within a single state, prices can differ considerably between various cities or towns. While main post office branches and smaller contract postal units generally adhere to the same pricing principles, the specific fee group assigned to a ZIP code ultimately dictates the base price.

PO Box Sizes and Rental Durations

PO Boxes are available in five standard sizes, each designed to accommodate different mail volumes and types. These sizes typically range from extra-small (XS – Size 1) to extra-large (XL – Size 5). An extra-small box can hold about 10-15 letter-sized envelopes, while a small box can fit around 15 letters or several rolled magazines. Medium and large boxes are suitable for larger envelopes, magazines, and small packages, with the extra-large option designed for multiple flat rate boxes and parcels. The price of a PO Box directly correlates with its size, with larger boxes incurring higher rental fees.

Customers can choose from various rental periods, commonly including 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month terms. Opting for a longer rental duration, such as a 12-month period, often results in a lower effective monthly cost compared to shorter terms. Annual rentals are a more economical choice for those needing continuous service.

Renting a PO Box

To apply for a PO Box, individuals must gather specific identification documents and complete an application. Two forms of acceptable U.S. identification are required: one valid photo ID and one verifiable proof of current physical address. The official application form, PS Form 1093, can be obtained online or directly at a Post Office.

Required Identification

Acceptable photo identification includes a valid driver’s license or state ID, U.S. government ID, passport, or a university ID. For proof of address, documents such as a current lease, mortgage, deed of trust, voter registration card, or vehicle registration card are accepted. Social Security cards, credit cards, and birth certificates are not considered acceptable forms of identification.

Once documents are prepared and PS Form 1093 is completed, the application can be submitted either online or in person. If applying online, applicants select their desired Post Office location, box size, and rental period, then proceed to payment. After an online reservation, the applicant must visit the chosen Post Office location within 30 days to present identification and retrieve the keys or combination. For in-person applications, payment can be made using cash, check, credit card, or debit card directly at the Post Office. Upon successful verification of identity and payment, two keys or a combination will be provided, granting access to the new PO Box.