Getting a Post Office Box in Another City

Can I get a P.O. Box in another state? 

You can reserve a P.O. Box for many circumstances, but the most common reasons are when people travel frequently for work, want a separate mailing address for a home-based business or need to move without a forwarding address. 

The United States Postal Service® (USPS) offers Post Office Box rentals in their locations across the country. They make setting up a P.O. Box in another state easy, whether you start by applying online or visiting a location in person.  

There is also another option for renting a mailbox, depending on your needs and location. Keep reading to learn more. 

How to get a P.O. Box with USPS 

There are two ways to start the application for a USPS P.O. Box — either online or in person at an official Post Office location. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.  

Online 

1. Visit the USPS website and enter your Zip Code™ or city and state to find the closest post office locations that offer P.O. Boxes. 
2. Select where you want to receive mail, what size mailbox you need and a payment term (choose between a 3-, 6- or 12-month rental period).  
3. Add additional names (if any) to the account so they can legally receive and pick up mail at the same address.   
4. Complete the online application (Form 1093) and pay for the service.  
5. After completing the online process, take a printed copy of Form 1093, two acceptable forms of ID and your receipt to the Post Office where the new box is located*.  
6. After verifying your identity and payment, the Post Office will provide a P.O. Box number. Depending on the lock type, you’ll also receive keys or a combination code.  

*If you’re moving to another city, you may be able to do the in-person verification at your local post office, and then they can contact the new P.O. Box location to complete the process.  

In person 

If you’d rather rent the box in person, print a complete Form 1093 and take the entire document to any Post Office.  

Once USPS verifies the information, your identity (with 2 forms of ID) and receives payment, you can begin service at the new P.O. Box. 

Note: Don’t forget to forward the mail from your old address!  

P.O. Box FAQs 

How old do I have to be to rent a P.O. Box?

USPS requires renters to be 18 or older. 

What types of identification do I need to rent a P.O. Box with USPS? 

You must provide 2 valid current forms of identification. One must be a photo ID, and the other must provide proof of address.  

Here are some guidelines:  

Acceptable photo IDs: 

• Valid Driver’s License or state non-driver’s identification card 
• Armed forces, government, university or recognized corporate identification card 
• Passport, alien registration card or certificate of naturalization 

Acceptable proof-of-address documents: 

• Current lease, mortgage or deed of trust 
• Voter or vehicle registration card 
• Home or vehicle insurance policy 

 
Non-acceptable IDs: 

• Social Security Card 
• Credit or debit cards 
• Birth certificates 
   

What box sizes are offered?  

With USPS, there are five sizes to choose from, but not every Post Office offers all sizes.  

You should choose your box size based on how many letters and packages you expect to receive and how often you plan to pick up mail.  

Here are the standard sizes available through USPS:  

• Size 1-XS — Holds up to 15 letters or two rolled magazines  
• Size 2-S — Holds up to 15 letters or five rolled magazines 
• Size 3-M — Holds large envelopes and magazines stacked flat 
• Size 4-L — Holds two shoeboxes and up to 15 letters   
• Size 5-XL — Can hold Flat Rate Boxes and parcels  

Note: If your box overflows often, you may be asked to rent a larger one at your expense.  

How much does it cost to rent a postal box? 

P.O. Box rental fees vary based on location, the mailbox size you need and how long you need it.  

If the United States Postal Service can’t deliver mail to your location, you might be eligible for a no-fee P.O. Box. Talk with a local USPS office for more information.  

Is USPS the only option for renting a secure mailbox?  

No. Other places, like The UPS Store®, offer secure mailboxes for rent. Visit their website or a location near you for details. 

Questions?   

If you have questions about how to open a P.O. Box, call the USPS hotline at 800-275-8777 or refer to their website. 

Still planning your out-of-state move? U-Pack® can help with a free quote online or you can call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.  

Be sure to check out our comprehensive moving checklist to keep track of other things you’ll need to do.