PO Boxes Online Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is PO Boxes Online?

A. PO Boxes Online is a quick, easy, and convenient service that allows you to:

Q. When will PO Boxes Online be available?

A. Starting August 16, consumers and small business customers will be able to access PO Boxes Online from www.usps.com/poboxes.

Q. What is automatic payment?

A. With automatic payment, your semi-annual or annual PO Box fees are automatically paid using the credit card of your choice. It takes just a few minutes to set up and it saves time in the future! To set up automatic payment, you will need to use a card previously stored or add a new card.

Q. How do I search for an available PO Box?

A.  

1. Go to www.usps.com/poboxes and go to PO Boxes Online.

2. Enter either a valid street address or a ZIP Code under “Search for a PO Box.”

3. Click Search and select a PO Box at a specific Post Office location.

Q. How do I apply for a new PO Box online?

A.  

1. Search for an available PO Box by entering an address or a ZIP Code in “Search for a PO Box.”

2. Choose an available PO Box size, indicating a 6- or 12-month payment preference and click Continue.

3. Complete the online PO Box application and add additional box users (who will receive mail in the box), if applicable. Business customers will need to add their title. If the information is correct and complete, read the Privacy Act Statement and click in the box located to the left of “I have read the Privacy Act Statement” and click Submit.

4. Select your payment method by entering your credit card information. If you want to save the card, click in the box to the left of “Save credit card to My Account.” You are allowed to save three credit cards to your account. Next, read the refund policy and if you accept the refund policy, click on the box to the left of “I accept the refund policy” and click Continue.

5. Review the Application and Payment Review page for accuracy. Click in the box to the left of “I hereby authorize the US Postal Service to charge the amount specified to the designated credit card” and click Continue.

Q. What credit cards may be used on PO Boxes Online?

A. PO Boxes Online accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA.

Q. Can I use a credit card with an international billing address?

A. No, PO Boxes Online does not currently support use of credit cards with international billing addresses.

Q. What types of identification are required to provide verification to the Post Office?

A. In order to pick up your PO Box keys (or combination number) and box number (reserved and paid for on­line), you must present two items of valid ID to the Post Office; one item must contain a photograph. Social Security cards, credit cards, and birth certifi­cates are unacceptable as ID. The following are acceptable forms of identification:

Applicants must present identification that is current, contains sufficient information to confirm they are who they claim to be, and that is traceable to them.

Q. Do I need an account on USPS.com to apply for a PO Box Online?

A. If you wish to apply and pay for a PO Box online, an account with USPS.com® is required. If you al­ready have an existing account with Click-N-Ship® or The Postal Store®, the same user­name and password may be used for PO Boxes On­line.

Q. What PO Box fees do I pay online?

A. When opening a new PO Box online, you will pay the 6- or 12-month fee plus $2.00 for the key deposit. Two keys are provided with every new box. When renewing a PO Box, you will choose a 6- or 12-month payment period, and then you will pay the fees for that upcoming period.

Q. How do I view my online payments?

A. Visit the “My Details and Options” page within PO Boxes Online and click View online payment history. From this page, you can see the past 3 years of on­line PO Box payment transactions.

Q. Can I apply for a box in another ZIP Code?

A. Yes, you can have your PO Box at the Post Office that is most convenient to your home or business. Often, the Post Office geographically closest to you may not be in your ZIP Code.

Q. After I apply and pay for a PO Box Online what happens next? Do I need to take anything to the Post Office?

A. Once you have applied and paid for a PO Box online, print the completed application (PS Form 1093), and take the application along with two forms of ID to the Post Office where you have paid for the PO Box.

Note: You must visit the Post Office during business hours to provide your IDs and to receive your keys (or combination) and box number.

Q. When will I receive my PO Box number and mailing address?

A. After you have provided your completed online PS Form 1093 and two valid forms of ID, and after the Post Office employee has verified the IDs, you will be provided with the keys or the combination number to your PO Box. Note: You must visit the Post Office during business hours to provide your ID and to receive your keys and box number.

Q. I already have a PO Box. How do I start to manage my PO Box online?

A. Sign into your USPS.com account by entering your username and password below “Manage a PO Box.” Click Continue when you see, “Have a PO Box that you want to manage online?” Add the PO Box num­ber and PO Box ZIP Code where you currently rent your PO Box. Enter your last name and/or business/organization name and click Continue. This directs you to the “My Details and Options” page and pro­vides you with payment options for your existing PO Boxes.

Q. How many PO Boxes can I manage online?

A. Currently, you are limited to managing five PO Boxes per Post Office online. For additional boxes, or to upgrade to Caller Service, visit your local Post Office.

Q. Can I pay for caller/reserve service online?

A. Not at this time. Payments for your caller/reserve service can continue to be mailed in or paid in person at the Post Office that provides the caller/reserve service.

Q. Will I be notified when my PO Box fee is due?

A. Yes, once you have signed up to manage your PO Box Online, you will receive an e-mail reminder at the beginning of the month your payment is due.

Q. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a PO Box online?

A. You must be 18 years or older to apply for a PO Box online. Your ID will be verified at the Post Office. If you are under 18 years of age and want a PO Box, see the local Post Office for the guidelines.

For more information and additional FAQs about PO Boxes Online, go to www.usps.com/poboxes.