Guide to Leasing a Post Office Box

If you're uncomfortable sharing your home address, renting a post office box could be the ideal solution. You can opt to have your mail sent to a designated box at your local post office for a monthly charge. The security and privacy offered by a P.O. box might be just what you're looking for.

Complete the application forms. You can apply online at usps.com, or print a form from http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1093.pdf and take it to your local post office. Before you begin, consider these questions:

• Where do you want your post office box? Are there two branches near your location? Do you prefer one over the other, or is there only one feasible post office for you to rent from?
• What size do you need? Post office boxes are available in five sizes, ranging from 3 inches (7.6 cm) by 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) to 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) by 12 inches (30.5 cm). Fees vary based on size, so aim for the smallest one suitable for your requirements.
• Specify who can receive mail at your post office box. You'll have the opportunity to list names on the application.

Prepare two forms of identification. Whether you apply online or in person, you'll need to present the U.S. Postal Service with two forms of ID. Here's what you'll need:

• Photo ID. For your first form of identification, options include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, alien registration card, or any government-issued photo ID, military ID, recognized educational institution ID, or corporate ID card.
• Non-photo ID. Your second form of identification must be linked to your physical address. Acceptable forms include your current lease or mortgage, voter or vehicle registration card, or home or vehicle insurance policy.
• Note that birth certificates, Social Security cards, and credit cards are not accepted as valid forms of ID.

Pay your fees upfront. You can reserve it for 3, 6, or 12 months.

• Keep in mind that the fees for a post office box vary by location. Not all branches will charge the same amount.

Retrieve your post office box keys. You'll receive two keys for each box. Expect to pay a security deposit for each key, which is refundable upon return and closure of your post office box.

• Some post office boxes may use access codes, similar to public school lockers. Keep your combination secure by writing it down or memorizing it.

Ensure timely collection of your mail. Given the limited space in your post office box, accumulation could become an issue. Failure to manage it could result in the suspension of your lease.

• If you anticipate being away or unable to collect your mail for an extended period, make arrangements with the postmaster in advance. Doing so should prevent any issues from arising.
• Ensure that the size of your post office box matches your mail volume. If you anticipate receiving large packages or a significant amount of mail, consider upgrading to a larger box.

Keep your information up to date. If any details provided on your post office box application form are no longer accurate (e.g., change of address), update them promptly. You can do this online or by visiting your local post office.

Understand the refund process. In certain situations, you may be eligible for a refund on your post office box rental fees if you decide to terminate the rental. Here's a general overview:

• 3-month lease:
  • No refunds
• 6-month lease:
  • Within the first 3 months – 50% refund
  • After 3 months – no refunds
• 12-month lease:
  • Within the first 3 months – 75% refund
  • Within the first 6 months – 50% refund
  • Within the first 9 months – 25% refund
  • After 9 months – no refunds.

Consider a Royal Mail post office box. If you're 16 or older and have a permanent address in the United Kingdom, you're eligible to apply for various Royal Mail post office boxes.

• Note that a permanent address is required. If your address is 'care of (c/o)' someone else, you're not eligible for a post office box.
• Keep in mind that you can't select the post office location. Your assigned post office, where your mail is typically handled, is where you'll be allocated a post office box.

Choose your type of post office box. Royal Mail offers three choices:

• PO Box Collect: This is a traditional post office box. You'll need to visit your local post office branch to collect your mail in person.
• PO Box Delivery: Mail addressed to your post office box will be delivered to your home or business address.
• PO Box® with Transfer of Normal Address Mail: This option redirects all mail addressed to your name to your post office box, which you'll collect in person.

Select a rental term. Royal Mail post office boxes are available for lease for either 6 or 12 months. Payments must be made in advance.

Get the application form from http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/inbound-mail/po-box/details. Your application should include:

• Proof of address. You can provide one of the following as proof of address. The document must be original and dated within the last 3 months:
  • Bank or building society statement (dated within the last 3 months)
  • Landline phone bill
  • Utility bill (gas, electricity, or water dated within the last 3 months)
  • Council tax bill
  • Royal Mail Account number for an existing service
• Payment for your post office box; payment can be made via direct debit/check or postal order.

Submit your application and await a response. Your post office box should be ready for use within two weeks. Royal Mail will notify you once your address has been verified and your box is ready. Send your application to: PO Box Application Team, PO Box 740, Barnsley, S73 0ZJ