The U.S. Postal Service's Policies For P.O. Boxes

Rent a P.O. box from the U.S. Postal Service and you get a choice of sizes and fees depending on the location. The Postal Service has policies of which you should be aware when renting and using a post office box.

Postal Service policy protects the privacy of P.O. boxes, so they are beneficial if you run a business out of your home but do not wish to receive business mail at your home address.

The Postal Service requires most post offices to close on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and federal holidays, although many keep their lobbies open 24/7.

Rent a P.O. box in person or online at the USPS website. USPS policies require two forms of photo identification: your driver’s license and another official ID card or passport.

If the post office does not have the P.O. box size you need, you can ask to be put on a wait list. The Postal Service calls or emails you when a box becomes available.

The USPS rents boxes for six or 12 months at a time. Fees vary depending on location, but can run as little as $5 a month. If your renewal fee is more than 10 days late, Postal Service policy is to close your box and consider your mail “undeliverable.”