If you‘re looking for a secure and private way to receive mail, a Post Office (PO) box from the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a smart solution. With a PO box, you get a physical street address to use for your mail without having to give out your real home or business address to senders.
As a savvy consumer, the first question you probably have is, "How much does a PO box cost?" The answer is that USPS PO box prices vary widely depending on the location and size of the box as well as the length of the rental term.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down all the factors that determine USPS PO box pricing so you‘ll know exactly what to expect to pay. We‘ll also provide some insider tips to help you get the best deal and value on your PO box rental. Finally, we‘ll walk through the process of renting a box step-by-step, both online and in-person.
Why Choose a USPS PO Box?
Before we dive into pricing specifics, let‘s discuss why you might want a USPS PO box in the first place. There are a few key reasons why nearly 16 million Americans rent a PO box today:
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Privacy: A PO box keeps your real address confidential. You can give out your box number without worrying about your home/work location becoming public.
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Security: Packages and mail are held securely at the post office until you pick them up. This prevents theft and keeps valuable deliveries safe.
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Convenience: Many PO box locations allow 24/7 access and are in central retail areas that may be easier to get to than your home.
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Reliability: Using a PO box for important mail ensures you‘ll still get it even if you move since you won‘t have to update your address with senders.
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Business use: Many small businesses and independent professionals use a PO box to keep work and personal mail separate and to present a permanent business address to customers.
A PO box provides these benefits for a relatively low cost compared to alternatives like private mailbox rental stores. However, the exact cost of a USPS PO box depends on a few key factors.
Factors That Determine USPS PO Box Rental Prices
The price to rent a PO box from USPS is based on a combination of the following:
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Location: Post offices are designated as either "competitive" or "market dominant." Competitive locations, usually in urban areas with higher demand, charge higher PO box fees than market dominant locations in more rural areas.
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Box Size: PO boxes come in 5 sizes, from extra small to extra large. Larger boxes that can accept packages and large envelopes cost more than small boxes for just letters.
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Rental Period: The longer your rental term (3 months, 6 months, or 12 months), the lower the monthly fee. Paying for a year upfront gives you the best rate.
Let‘s take a closer look at each of these price factors to help you estimate your costs.
PO Box Location Fees
As mentioned, USPS categorizes its post office locations as either market dominant (lower rent) or competitive (higher rent). According to the USPS, over 40% of its 31,000 post offices are competitive locations.
Competitive PO box locations are typically found in urban centers or densely populated areas with higher average incomes. Rent at these post offices may be double or triple the prices at more rural market dominant locations. The USPS says competitive locations have more flexibility to set prices "based on local market conditions."
However, many competitive locations do provide additional benefits and services you won‘t find at all market dominant spots, such as:
- Extended hours and weekend access
- Electronic notification of new mail via text/email
- Signature on file for some deliveries
- Physical street addressing (so your PO box can accept some deliveries from non-USPS shippers)
So while you‘ll definitely pay more for a PO box at a competitive location, the perks may be worth the premium if you want these advanced features. To find out if a post office near you is competitive or market dominant, you can use the USPS PO Box search tool.
PO Box Sizes and Prices
The next major component in your USPS PO box price is the size of the box you rent. There are five box sizes available ranging from extra small to extra large:
| Box Size | Dimensions (inches) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | 3 x 5.5 | 15 letter-sized envelopes |
| Small | 5 x 5.5 | 15 letters plus 5 rolled magazines |
| Medium | 5.5 x 11 | Large envelopes and magazines stacked flat |
| Large | 11 x 11 | 2 shoeboxes and 15 letters |
| Extra Large | 12 x 22.5 | Multiple packages and Flat Rate boxes |
Prices increase as box sizes go up. For example, here are some representative sample rates for 6-month rentals:
| Box Size | Market Dominant Price (6 mo) | Competitive Price (6 mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | $21 – $36 | $42 – $75 |
| Small | $28 – $52 | $60 – $150 |
| Medium | $42 – $90 | $100 – $250 |
| Large | $62 – $144 | $168 – $400 |
| Extra Large | $109 – $180 | $330 – $625 |
As you can see, the jump in price from an extra small to an extra large box is significant, especially at competitive locations. To keep your PO box fees as low as possible, choose the smallest box that will meet your needs.
If you only plan to receive ordinary letter mail and the occasional magazine, an extra small or small box should suffice. To hold large envelopes, go with a medium box. Large and extra large boxes are best if you receive lots of packages or parcels.
PO Box Rental Period Pricing
The final piece of the pricing puzzle is how many months you pay for upfront. USPS offers payment periods of 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months (not available at all locations).
Basically, the longer the rental term you pay for, the bigger the discount on your monthly fee. For instance, let‘s compare the costs for a medium-sized box at a competitive location:
- 3-month term: $170 total or about $57 per month
- 6-month term: $250 total or about $42 per month
- 12-month term: $425 total or about $35 per month
By paying for a year upfront, you save over $20 per month compared to going month-to-month. Of course, this assumes you‘ll need the box for a full year. If you‘re not sure how long you‘ll need the service, it may be better to start with a 3-month rental and re-evaluate.
Real-World USPS PO Box Price Ranges
To give you a general idea of how much you can expect to pay for a USPS PO box, here are some real-world pricing examples for 6-month rentals:
Market Dominant Post Office in a Small Town:
- Extra Small Box: $21
- Small Box: $33
- Medium Box: $60
- Large Box: $102
- Extra Large Box: $174
Competitive Post Office in a Major City:
- Extra Small Box: $70
- Small Box: $125
- Medium Box: $200
- Large Box: $350
- Extra Large Box: $500
Remember, these are just samples – your actual prices may be higher or lower. You can look up PO box availability and pricing at post offices near you with the USPS PO Box Locator.
How to Rent a USPS PO Box
Once you‘ve chosen a PO box location and size that fits your needs and budget, the final step is signing up to rent the box. There are two ways to do it: online or in-person. Here‘s how each option works:
Renting a PO Box Online
To apply for a PO box online, follow these steps:
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Go to the USPS PO Box Online Application page. Search for a post office location by address, city, or zip code.
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Choose an available box in the size you want and select "Reserve Now." You‘ll see the rental fee for the payment period (3 months, 6 months, or 12 months).
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Create a personal or business USPS account and fill in the online version of Form 1093 with your contact and billing info.
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Submit your application and payment. Print a copy of your completed form.
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Within 30 days, go to the post office location with your printed form and two valid forms of ID. Acceptable identification includes:
- Valid state driver‘s license or ID card
- Passport or passport card
- Military ID
- US certificate of naturalization
Show your ID and form at the post office to pick up your PO box keys. Your box will be active and ready to accept mail as soon as you have the keys.
Renting a PO Box In-Person
If you prefer to sign up in-person, just follow these simple steps:
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Go to any post office location that offers PO box rentals.
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Ask to fill out Form 1093. You‘ll need to know what size box you want to rent and how many months you want to prepay.
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Complete the form with your contact and signature. Bring two forms of valid ID (from the list above) to verify your identity.
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Submit your completed form and pay the rental fee for your chosen payment period. Acceptable payment methods include cash, credit card, check, and money order.
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Receive your PO box number and combination or pick up your keys. Your box is ready to use immediately.
That‘s it! Whether you apply online or in-person, setting up USPS PO box service is a quick and easy process.
Other Common Questions About USPS PO Boxes
Let‘s wrap up with answers to a few more frequently asked questions about renting and using a PO box with USPS.
Can I use a PO box as my permanent address?
Technically, no. You must provide a physical address to USPS as your place of residence. The PO box is an additional mailing address, not a replacement for your real address.
How many people/businesses can be associated with a single PO box?
Up to three individuals or one business can be listed on a PO box and have access to pick up mail. All users must be co-applicants on Form 1093 and show valid ID.
What should I do if I lose the keys to my PO box?
Let the post office know immediately. For a fee (usually around $20), they‘ll change the lock on your box and issue a new key. You may need to show ID as the box owner.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a USPS PO box?
Other shipping companies like FedEx and UPS offer PO boxes, but their rates are usually higher than USPS. Private mailbox stores are also an option and may provide additional services like package acceptance from all carriers. However, they‘re usually more expensive and not as widely available as USPS.
The Bottom Line
The cost of a USPS PO box depends on a combination of location, box size, and payment term. To lock in the lowest possible monthly rate:
- Choose a market dominant post office location if available
- Get the smallest box size that meets your needs
- Pay for the longest rental term upfront (6 or 12 months)
With a little comparison shopping, you can find an affordable PO box that keeps your mail private and secure. Whether you apply online or in-person, setting up your box is easy. Just remember to bring two forms of valid ID when you pick up your keys.
As a savvy consumer, do your research and weigh your options carefully before committing to a PO box. But for many individuals and small businesses, a USPS PO box is a smart investment in convenience and peace of mind.
