If you're not comfortable giving out your home address, a post box can be a great solution for you. Your letter can be sent to a private box at your local post office for a monthly fee. The security and confidentiality provided by a P. O box like this is what you may need.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Applying for a Mailbox
Step 1. Fill in the application form
You can apply online at usps.com, or print the form and take it to your local post office. Before you begin, consider these questions:
- Where would you like to rent your post box? Are there two post office branches near your home? Do you prefer one branch over the other? Or is there only one post office worth renting?
- What size do you want? Post boxes are offered in five sizes. The smallest measures 7.5 cm X 14 cm; the largest measuring 57 cm X 30.5 cm. Costs are based on size, so try to choose the smallest box for your needs.
- Write down who is entitled to receive mail in your post box. You can write the names of the recipients on the application form.
Step 2. Prepare two types of identity
Whether you apply online or in person at the post office, you must submit two types of identification to the U. S. Postal Service (USPS-United States post office). Here's what you need:
- ID card with photo. For this type of identity, you can use a driver's license, ID card, passport, registration card for foreigners, or any form of identity card that includes a photo issued by the government, military, recognized educational institution, or company ID card.
- Proof of identity without photo. This second type of identity should be something that states your physical address where you live. Acceptable types of identity include your current leasing or mortgage card, your voter card, vehicle registration, or your home or vehicle insurance policy.
- Be aware that birth certificates, Social Security cards, and credit cards cannot be used to apply.
Step 3. Pay the fee in advance
You can order for 3, 6 or 12 months.
Note that the cost of a postal box may vary depending on the location. Not all branches will charge the same fee
Method 2 of 4: Making Settings
Step 1. Take your post box key
You will receive two keys for each box. You can pay a security deposit for each key, which will be refunded when you return the key and close your post box.
Some post boxes can be opened with an access code, like lockers in public schools. Write down your passcode combination in a safe place, or just memorize the code
Step 2. Try to pick up your mail in a timely manner
Given that space in your postal box is limited, mail stacking is a potential problem. If you allow your mail to pile up in the mailbox, the Postal Service may suspend your mailbox rental.
- If you are going out of town or are unable to pick up your mail for a long period of time, make special arrangements with the post office. As long as you've done this before, you shouldn't have any problems.
- Make sure the size of your postal box can accommodate the volume of your mail. If you frequently receive large packages or a lot of mail, consider renting a larger box.
Method 3 of 4: Keeping Your Postbox
Step 1. Update your information immediately
If any of the information you entered in the form is no longer valid (for example, you changed address), be sure to update it as soon as possible. You can update it online, or visit your local post office.
Step 2. Learn about how refunds work
In some cases, you can get a refund for your postal box if you decide to terminate your mailbox lease. Here is the general schedule:
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3 months rental:
No refund
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6 months rent:
- In the first 3 months – half of the fee paid
- After 3 months – no refund
-
12 months lease:
- In the first 3 months – three quarters of the fee paid
- In the first 6 months – half of the fee paid
- In the first 9 months – a quarter of the fee paid
- After 9 months – No refund.
Method 4 of 4: Renting in the United Kingdom (UK)
Step 1. Consider renting a Royal Mail post box
If you are over the age of 16 and have a permanent address in the United Kingdom, you can apply for a variety of mailboxes at Royal Mail.
- Note that you must have a permanent address. If your address is still overlapping (c/o) with someone else's address, you cannot apply to rent a mailbox.
- Be aware that you can't choose which post office you want to use. The post office that usually delivers your mail is the post office you can use to rent a post box.
Step 2. Select the type of post box you want
Royal Mail provides three options:
- PO Box Collect: This is a traditional post box. You have to go to your local post office branch and pick up your mail yourself.
- PO Box Delivery: Items addressed to your postal box will be delivered to your home or business address.
- PO Box® with Transfer of Normal Address Mail: This service places all mail sent to your name into your post box, which you will physically pick up yourself.
Step 3. Select the time period
Royal Mail post boxes can be rented for 6 or 12 months. Payment must be made in advance.
Step 4. Download the app and fill it out
See Resources and Excerpts (below) for a link to the app. Your application must contain:
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Proof of address. You can submit any of the following items as proof of address. The items you attach must be original, and not older than 3 months:
- Bank or building society statement (within the last 3 months)
- Home phone payment receipt
- Utilities payment receipt (gas, electricity or water in the last 3 months)
- Council tax payment receipt
- Royal Mail Account Number if you have used this service
- Payment for your postal box; You can pay by direct debit/cheque or postal money order.
Step 5. Submit your application and wait for the response
Your postbox will be ready to use in two weeks or less. Royal Mail will notify you when your address has been verified and your mailbox is ready. Send your application to:
PO Box Application Team
PO Box 740
Barnsley
S73 0ZJ
Tips
- If this mailbox is for receiving only certain letters, make sure you let them know that it's not a substitute for an address.
- Your letter is private. Keep the key! Lost keys will be charged.
- If you rent a mailbox in a location you don't live in, it can sometimes take a few days to verify who you are.
- If you stop renting a mailbox from a private company you cannot file a standard change of address with the USPS. You must notify the sender of your new address. If the box is at the post office, you can apply for a standard change of address to forward your mail.
- If you plan to change your residence to a remote location, look for a place that has quick access to the highway.
