Want to get a PO box for free? Yes? Here is the complete guide on how to get a USPS post office box for free.
A PO Box, a Post Office Box, is a secure and convenient numbered box located at a post office facility. It’s a service offered by postal services worldwide, including the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Here are some key features and benefits of a PO Box:
- Privacy: It provides a mailing address without revealing your home or business address. This helps individuals and businesses to maintain a separate mailing address.
- Security: Mailing items are safe and secure in a locked box until you pick them up. This can help prevent theft and misdelivery.
- Convenience: You can pick up your mail at your convenience. You don’t have to rely on a mail carrier’s delivery schedule.
- Flexibility: PO Boxes come in various sizes to accommodate different mail volumes.
People prefer PO Boxes because of their features and benefits. Unfortunately, you must rent PO boxes from postal services, including the USPS.
However, it’s possible to get a PO box for free. Applying for a free PO box isn’t as hard as you think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process.
How Much Does a PO Box Cost?
A PO box cost depends on several factors, such as location, rental duration, and size. You can expect a PO box to cost as little as $16 for a small PO box and a 3-month rental period and as much as $600 for an extra-large box for a 6-month rental period.
Here’s how to check the exact pricing:
- Visit the USPS PO Box Tool.
- Enter your address/city, state/or ZIP code to check availability and rates.
- Select a size and duration for detailed pricing.
Note: Check out the full USPS Price List.
Who is Qualified to Get a Free PO Box?
You must meet specific criteria to qualify for a free PO box from postal services, including USPS. Here are some key factors to qualify for a free PO box from USPS.
1. Delivery Geographic ZIP Code
The USPS can only deliver within the delivery geographic ZIP code boundaries administered by a Post Office. For that reason, you must live or work within the ZIP code radius to qualify for a free PO box.
2. USPS Delivery Route
You don’t qualify for a free PO box if you live in an apartment or home that gets mail delivered via cluster mailboxes. Also, people who get mail delivery via mailrooms or other collective delivery systems can’t apply either.
3. Delivery Restrictions
The USPS can’t deliver to certain locations, such as places with low-quality roads, private neighborhoods, secure communities, specific ordinances, and dangerous circumstances. If you’re from one of these locations, you’re not qualified for a free PO box.
4. Temporary Address Residents
You’re not qualified to apply for a free PO box from temporary locations like hotel rooms, college dorms, military installations, campgrounds, and transient trailer parks.
Note: For more information, Click Here.
How To Apply For a PO Box (USPS)
Unfortunately, the USPS doesn’t allow individuals to apply for a free PO box online. You must visit your local Post Office and request to apply.
To get started, you need to obtain a PS Form 1093 and fill it out. Then, bring this filled-out form along with two forms of acceptable U.S. identification (one must be an acceptable primary of identification and the other an acceptable secondary form of identification) for verification to a Post Office.
Acceptable Primary Forms of Photo Identification:
- U.S. Government ID
- Passport
- Matricula Consular (Mexico)
- NEXUS (Canada)
- U.S. Corporate Identification (Limited Cases)
- U.S. University Identification (Limited Cases)
Note: Primary forms of identification must include a clear photograph of the individual bearer.
Acceptable Secondary Forms of Identification:
- A lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
- Voter or vehicle registration card
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
- Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record
Unacceptable Forms of Identification:
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Credit cards
- Other similar items
A USPS employee will help you apply for a free PO box. If you can’t print the PS Form 1093, you can get one at the Post Office.
If you’re approved, you’ll be assigned a PO box and receive a Key. If you don’t qualify for a free PO box, you can apply for a paid one.
FAQs
Can I get a free PO box?
Generally, postal services don’t offer free PO boxes. However, the USPS only provides PO boxes to certain individuals who fall under specific criteria.
How many PO boxes can I get for free?
You can only get one free PO box. If you want an additional PO box, you’ll have to pay the standard price.
What are the free alternatives to PO boxes?
You can consider the virtual mailboxes (Traveling Mailbox or iPostal1), USPS General Delivery (30-day free trial), and shared addresses.
Are there any restrictions on free PO boxes?
Yes. Restrictions may apply on free PO boxes, such as smaller box sizes, shorter rental periods, or mail volume limits. Always confirm the terms and conditions with the provider.
Are there any hidden fees involved?
It depends on the free PO box providers. For that reason, read the terms carefully to see if there are any hidden fees involved with free PO boxes.
Can the homeless get a free PO box?
The USPS allows homeless individuals to apply for PO boxes if they have a proper ID and a permanent location like a shelter. It also helps if the USPS employee knows the person.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it’s possible to get a free PO box. However, you must meet certain requirements to qualify for a free PO box service.
If you know someone in the Post Office, it’ll be easier for you to get a free PO box. Even if you don’t qualify for a free PO box, you can consider other options like virtual mailboxes, USPS General Delivery, or shared address.
Recommended Articles:
Leave a Reply