Post Office PO Box Application

You can apply for a PO Box either online through USPS.com or in person at your local post office. The application process to obtain PO Box service is not all the way approved until your identity and current permanent physical address where you currently reside or conduct business is verified. There is only 1 primary box holder for a PO Box. This primary box holder may permit others to also use their box:

  • Spouses would need to complete and sign the PS Form 1093, which is the application for post office box. The spouse must present 2 forms of acceptable identification. A parent or guardian may be allowed to receive delivery of a minor's mail by listing their name of each minor on the PS Form 193 application
  • Any other adult who received mail in the PO Box of an individual box customer must be listed on the application form and must present 2 forms of acceptable identification
  • Members or employees who receive mail in the PO Box of an organization who is a box customer must be listed on the application. Each person must have verifiable identification and up request, present this identification to the US Post Service

Please note, only the primary box holder may file a Change of Address (COA) request with the USPS to close mail either temporarily or permanently away from a PO Box. The exception is residential customers who are eligible for a Group E (no-fee) box. When any information required on the PS Form 1093 changes, the primary box holder is required to update the application file at their local post office location.

PO Box service can be provided to a minor (a person under 18 years of age) unless the parent or guardian of the minor submits in writing an objection to the appropriate postmaster. Minors are not allowed to apply for a PO Box online.

PO Box Sizes

The USPS offers PO Boxes in 5 different sizes. However, not all post office locations have every size. Be sure to select the right size for your mail volume and schedule. Their smallest box (Size 1) fits 10-15 letter-sized envelopes or up to two rolled magazines. Start with a Size 2 box if you receive more than 15 mailpieces a week. Size 3, 4, or 5 is recommended if you receive magazines and catalogs.

5 different PO Box sizes

Ways You Can Apply For a PO Box

One way to apply for a PO Box is in-person. To do this you first need to complete all required information on the PS Form 1093, which is the PO Box application form. If you apply online, this form is generated during the application process. The next step is to bring a copy of the completed form along with 2 forms of acceptable US identification for verification to a post office that provides window services.

The post office does not need to be the one where box service is desired. Please know that providing false information on the PO Box application or refusing to provide required information is considered a sufficient reason for denial of the application or the discontinuance of service.

To apply for a PO box online, go to https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm. On that page you need to search for an available PO Box by entering an address or a zip code under "Reserve a New PO Box". The next step is to choose an available PO Box size, indicating a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month payment preference and then click the "Continue" button. Once you do that, you then need to complete the PO Box online application form, PS 1093 Form. When on Step 2, you will need to reserve a new PO Box and agree to the Terms and Conditions to proceed to enter your payment information.

Then you will need to select your payment method and enter your card information. If you want to save your card for future use, click in the box to the left of "Save Credit Card To My Account". From there you need to read the refund policy and accept the refund policy. Make sure to review the application and payment review page for accuracy. Once the PO Box application has been submitted, customers can view a confirmation page with a summary of their order details along with detailed instructions how to activate their PO Box.

Customers have 30 days to bring their printed PS Form 1093 and two forms of acceptable US identification to their local post office location where they have reserved their box online to receive their keys and box combination. Customers that are eligible for a Free Group E PO Box should not apply for a PO Box online. These customers should visit their local post office to complete their application.

Apply For a PO Box In Another Zip Code

If you want to, you can apply for a PO Box at a post office that is most convenient to your home or business.

Age Requirement To Apply For a PO box Online

You have to be 18 years of age or older to apply online for a PO Box. If you are under 18 years old and want to get a PO box, you would need to visit a local post office and apply in person. As a business customer, you would need to apply for a PO Box like any other customer. The ID requirements are the same as those for both residential and business customers.

  • Acceptable US Photo IDs
  • Valid driver's license or state non-driver's identification card
  • Armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card
  • Passport, alien registration card, or certificate of naturalization
  • Acceptable US Non-Photo IDs
  • Current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
  • Voter or vehicle registration card
  • Home or vehicle insurance policy
Do I Qualify For A Free PO Box?

You may qualify for free (Group E) PO Box service if your physical/business location meets all of the following criteria:

  • The location is within the geographic delivery boundaries administered by a post office
  • The location constitutes a potential letter carrier delivery point of service
  • The US Postal Service chooses not to provide letter carrier delivery to the location
  • The customer does not receive letter carrier delivery via an out-of-bounds delivery receptacle

If you believe you meet all of these requirements, do not reserve a PO Box using the post office boxes Online application. In these instances, please contact your local post office.

Can I apply For a PO Box In a Different City or State?

If you are moving to another location, you may apply for a PO Box online or in person. In either case, to begin the verification process, you need to go to a post office where you currently live with a copy of your application and two acceptable forms of US ID. The Postal Service has 3 days to verify your information. Once your information has been verified, an employee at the post office will call you to continue the application process. After you move, you will need to complete the verification process at your new address.

What Are Acceptable Forms of Identification?

Whether you apply in person or online for a PO Box, you need to go to the post office where your box is located to pick up your keys (or combination) and present your PO Box Application PS Form 1093 and 2 acceptable forms of ID. One form of US ID must contain a photograph. Your ID must be current, contain sufficient information to confirm that you are who you claim to be, contain your current address, and be traceable to you. Social Security cards, credit or debit cards, and birth certificates are not acceptable IDs.

  • Acceptable US Photo IDs
  • Valid driver's license or state non-driver's identification card
  • Armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card
  • Passport, alien registration card, or certificate of naturalization
  • Acceptable US Non-Photo IDs
  • Current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
  • Voter or vehicle registration card
  • Home or vehicle insurance policy

Updating Your Information

The information on your PS Form 1093 must always be current. As soon as any information changes (such as your street address, telephone number, or email address), you are responsible for updating the information. Failure to update your information may result in termination of service. They keep the form on file at the post office where you use the service.

Accumulated Mail

They encourage you to empty your box regularly. You can make a special arrangement with the postmaster if you are not able to pick up your mail. Complete PS Form 8076, Authorization to Hold Mail, or create your request online at usps.com, and they will take care of it. Hold Mail orders are good for only 30 days. If the volume of your incoming mail repeatedly exceeds the capacity of the box you are using, they may require that you use Business Pickup (Caller) Service, change to a larger box (and pay the applicable fees), or apply for one or more additional boxes. Your service may also be suspended. You may also request premium Forwarding Service to have your mail shipped to you by Priority Mail service once a week for a small fee.

Change of Address

If you choose to discontinue your PO Box service, please complete a change of address form found in the Mover's Guide available by request from the USPS retail associates or on their website at www.usps.com/moversguide. If you use the change of address form, give it to a retail associate or your letter carrier. You may also mail the form to your post office. File change of address orders as follows:

No-Fee PO Boxes

The PO Box customer or any other person listed on the PS Form 1093 may file an individual change of address order. Only the box customer may file a change of address order for an entire family.

All Other PO Boxes

Only the box customer who signs the PS Form 1093 may file change of address orders. Forwarding of mail for other persons receiving mail at the box is the responsibility of the box customer.

PO Box Renewal Payments

Renewal payments are due the last day of the month your service period ends. If your payment is late, you will not be able to access the mail in your box. After 10 days of nonpayment, they remove the mail, treat it as undeliverable, and close your box. You may also incur a late payment fee. Note that closed PO Boxes are available for new customers immediately, so late payment can lead to loss of your PO Box address. You may renew your PO Box online, at a post office, by mail, or at an Automated Postal Center. It is your responsibility to pay your renewal fee on time.

PO Box Keys

Two keys are issued for key-type PO Boxes. An access code is provided for combination lock-type PO Boxes. At most locations, a refundable deposit is required for each key. If needed, you can obtain additional keys (and pay the applicable fee and deposit). Whenever your box service terminates, return all keys to the Postal Service for a refund of the deposit. Customers must not duplicate PO Box keys.

PO Box Refunds

Once you have begun using your PO Box, you may request a refund at the post office where your box is located. Fees are refunded as follows:

  • 3-Month Payments (automatic renewal required)
  • No refunds
  • 6-Month Payments
  • Within the first 3 months - 1/2 the fee paid
  • After 3 months - no refunds
  • 12-Month Payments
  • Within the first 3 months - 3/4 the fee paid
  • Within the first 6 months - 1/2 the fee paid
  • Within the first 9 months - 1/4 the fee paid
  • After 9 months - no refunds

Box Service Address

They deliver to your PO Box address as printed on your mail, so be sure to provide correct and current address information to your correspondents. Your PO Box number should appear on a separate line, followed by the post office's city, state, and ZIP+4. When they assign your box number, they will provide the corresponding ZIP+4 code.