To open a PO Box, you will need to bring:
1. An acceptable form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
2. Proof of forwarding address, such as a lease agreement, utility bill, or official mail from a government agency.
3. Payment for the rental fee and/or deposits, if applicable.
4. Two completed and signed forms, if applicable. The forms may vary depending on the post office you are visiting, but typically include the Form 1093 Application for Post Office Box and the Post Office box agreement form.
5. A current and valid email address, if applicable (some post offices now require you to provide this information in order to open a PO Box).
6. A copy of the post office’s approved, signed copy of the box registration form.
7. A copy of the post office’s approved, signed copy of the box identification form.
Finally, once you have all of the requirements in hand, you will need to visit your local post office, complete the application process, and receive your PO Box key.
Table of Contents
How to open a PO Box without ID?
Opening a PO Box without ID is possible in certain cases, depending on the United States Postal Service (USPS). Generally, the USPS requires two forms of valid identification when opening a PO Box. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card.
However, in some cases, a PO Box can be opened without ID. These cases require customers to show proof of address or a copy of an approved lease agreement or ownership papers for a residence. In addition, two reference letters may be required, each from a source other than the permanent address.
The reference letters must include the signer’s name, address, and phone number.
The USPS also suggests that customers have a valid credit card ready when opening a PO Box without ID. The USPS may require a credit card charge of a year’s rental fee in advance in order to cover any potential late fees.
When opening a PO Box without ID, it is important to make sure that the address you provide is valid and up-to-date. The USPS will not accept a post office box as a valid address. Additionally, customers must be prepared to provide additional information to verify their identity.
For more questions regarding opening a PO Box without ID, customers can contact the USPS for specific inquiries.
How easy is it to set up a PO Box?
Setting up a PO Box is a relatively simple process. Once you have chosen the post office box size you’d like and have gathered the necessary documents and fees, you can start the application process.
To begin, go to your local post office and fill out a form that has your name, address, desired PO Box size, and payment for the associated fees. You will need to provide one of the following documents to prove your identity: a valid driver’s license, a current passport, a state ID card, or an armed forces ID card.
After the documents have been verified and the payment has been accepted, you will be issued a key for the PO Box and your mail will begin to arrive. You will be able to access your PO Box at the post office, and you will be responsible for picking up mail from the post office during their normal business hours.
Can someone else open a PO Box for me?
No, according to the United States Postal Service (USPS), the person who is listed as the boxholder on the application must be the one who completes the paperwork and pays the fees associated with the Post Office Box.
In addition, the boxholder must show a valid government-issued form of identification such as a driver’s license, military ID, or state-issued ID card. The boxholder must also be at least 18 years of age.
The USPS also requires the boxholder to provide a current address and phone number on the application. This address will be used for all correspondence related to the Post Office Box, including any notices of fees due and key replacements.
Are PO boxes free?
No, post office boxes are not free. Depending on the size of PO box and the location of the post office, you may be required to pay a small yearly fee or a large one-time fee. Generally, the cost of a PO box can range from less than $20 to over $100 per year, depending on the size and location.
Additionally, there may be a fee for a key deposit, which is usually refundable when you return the key. For more information about fees for PO boxes, it is best to inquire at your local post office.
Can Amazon deliver to a PO Box?
Yes, Amazon can deliver to a PO Box. In most cases, you can add a PO Box address as the delivery destination when you order an item and select the carrier as USPS. However, some items such as oversized items, products marked as requiring freight delivery and some other items, do not qualify for shipment to a PO Box.
In such cases, you may need to provide a street address for the item to be delivered. If the item qualifies for PO Box delivery, you’ll be prompted to enter valid PO Box address details when you check out.
Do you need ID to open a post office account?
Yes, customers will need some form of valid identification in order to open a post office account. This may include any form of acceptable government-issued ID, such as a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or a military ID card.
The customer’s ID must be verifiable, must be current (not expired), and must show the correct name, date of birth, address, and photograph in order to open a post office account. Additionally, customers may also be asked to show additional valid documents to verify their identity and address, such as an utility bill or a bank statement.
Can you pick up mail from the post office without ID?
It depends on the post office and the type of mail you are picking up. For example, if you are picking up a certified letter, you will most likely need proper identification to pick up the mail. At the same time, if you are picking up a package that was sent to you, you may not need identification.
Most post offices will require some form of ID if you do not have the tracking information for the package. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and have an ID on you when you go to pick up mail from the post office to avoid any issues.
Can you get a PO Box without your parents knowing?
It is possible to get a PO Box without your parents knowing, depending on your age and the requirements of the post office where you are looking to set up the box. Generally, if you are under 18 years old, a guardian must be present to sign off on setting up the box, so unless you can find a post office that will waive this requirement, you will likely need assistance from someone older.
In many locations you do not need a physical address to obtain a PO Box, so you can bypass having to provide your home address and avoid raising suspicions with your parents. However, you may be required to show two forms of identification, one of which must be a government issued form such as a driver’s license or state identification card.
Additionally, you may be expected to show proof of residency or proof of a secondary address. You can usually do this by providing a current utility bill for any address where you are currently staying.
You may also want to research post offices in different counties or even different states that may not have the same requirements for setting up a PO Box. It may be possible to find one that does not require a guardian signature or proof of address.
Ultimately, if you cannot get a PO Box without your parents knowing, then the best option is to be honest and explain why you are requesting a PO Box and the purpose you need it for.
Is it worth having a PO Box?
Overall, having a PO Box can be a very worthwhile investment if you value privacy, convenience, or if you operate a business. The cost of renting a PO Box is often minimal.
When it comes to keeping your identity and home address private, having a PO Box can be invaluable. By using a PO Box instead of a home address, you don’t have to worry about your personal information, such as your name and address, falling into the wrong hands.
Additionally, having a PO Box is often more convenient than giving out your home address. You can simply provide people with your PO Box address and your mail will be sent to that location. Depending on the size of your PO Box, you may even be able to receive packages from services like FedEx and UPS.
Finally, if you operate a business, having a PO Box is a great way to make sure you receive important documents and payments quickly. You’ll also be able to keep your personal address away from customers or clients.
Overall, having a PO Box can be a great way to keep your identity and personal information secure, while also providing convenience and professionalizing any business activities you may be involved with.
What are the pros and cons of having a PO box?
The pros of having a PO box include:
1. Increased privacy: Your PO box address can be a secure way to keep your personal or business address private.
2. Reliability: You can be sure to receive mail sent to your PO box every day.
3. Convenience: With a PO box, you don’t have to worry about mail delivery times and can collect items on your own schedule.
The cons of having a PO box include:
1. Cost: Depending on the size and length of the PO box you rent, fees can add up quickly.
2. Limited space: Depending on the PO box size, you may not be able to fit large packages inside.
3. Security: In certain areas, PO boxes may not be as secure as traditional mailboxes and could leave items vulnerable to theft.
Is a PO box better than an address?
Whether or not a PO box is better than an address depends on your particular needs. Usually, a PO box is more secure than an address, since it provides a layer of anonymity, making it difficult for someone to track you down.
Additionally, a PO box also shields your mail from potential theft or tampering. On the other hand, having an address allows you to have items delivered directly to your doorstep, which could be more convenient for certain services or products.
It also allows for more flexibility when it comes to mail forwarding if you need to move. Ultimately, it depends on what you feel comfortable with and the level of security you need.
What can you not use a PO box for?
A PO box cannot be used for mail that is too large to fit inside, such as large packages, flat rate boxes, or items that require a signature. A PO box also cannot be used for mail requiring a return address that will fit on a regular envelope, or for mail that requires a specific delivery method such as Express or Certified Mail.
Additionally, PO boxes cannot be used for mail sent from a foreign country. If a business needs to receive international mail, the sender must use the business’ physical address instead. PO boxes are also not suitable for most types of businesses, such as a daycare or an animal hospital, as they typically require a physical address to be listed with licensing and regulatory agencies.
Will USPS deliver to my house if I have a PO box?
Yes, USPS will deliver to your house if you have a PO box. With USPS, you can have a PO Box at either a post office or at a designated USPS approved location, and receive your mail and packages at your home address.
This also includes delivery of FedEx, DHL, and other packages to your home address if you have a USPS PO box and provide the address. Keep in mind if you have a PO box and are receiving packages from another carrier, such as FedEx or DHL, you may need to provide a street address along with the PO box number to ensure the package is delivered successfully.
Additionally, USPS does have specific guidelines regarding the type of mail and packages they can deliver to a PO box. For example, they can only deliver mail up to a certain size and weight depending on your box size.
If you have any specific questions, it’s best to contact your local USPS office.
Why would someone only have a PO box?
There are a variety of reasons why someone may choose to only have a PO box as opposed to a residential address. For example, some individuals may prefer the additional privacy that a PO box provides as it can help limit the amount of potential solicitations they may receive at their home.
Additionally, in some areas where a physical street address does not exist, using a PO box may be the only way for an individual to receive mail. For entrepreneurs, having a PO box may enable them to provide a more professional image as it presents a place of business to clients and vendors.
Lastly, some of those living in apartment buildings may choose to rent a PO box as a way to ensure their mail is kept safe.
