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Getting a free PO Box is possible and is not as difficult as you imagine.
A PO Box, short for Post Office Box, is a secure and numbered compartment located within a post office. When you rent a PO Box from the United States Postal Service (USPS), any mail addressed to that box is securely held there until you collect it. This option provides a secure and private location to receive your mail, making it a great alternative to a traditional mailbox.
While obtaining a PO Box typically involves a rental fee, there are some ways to secure one for free.
How much does a PO box cost?
The cost of renting a PO box can vary widely. For instance, a small PO box for a 3-month rental period can start from as low as $16, while an extra-large box for a 6-month rental period can cost as much as $600.
Several factors can influence the cost of a PO box, including the post office’s location and the size of the box you need. Remember that these are just examples; prices can differ depending on the specific post office and its policies.
Can you get a PO box for free?
The cost of renting a PO box can be prohibitive if you are facing financial difficulties. However, the United States Postal Service offers a solution for individuals who do not have a permanent address and cannot afford to rent a PO box.
If you are experiencing homelessness or living a nomadic lifestyle, you may be eligible for a no-fee PO box service provided by the USPS. This service is specifically designed for individuals who do not receive any carrier delivery and need a secure and reliable way to receive mail.
How to get a PO box for free
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is committed to providing access to mail services for individuals experiencing homelessness or living a nomadic lifestyle without a fixed address. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be eligible to obtain a no-fee PO box service to ensure you can receive mail.
The first step to getting a P.O. Box is to complete PS Form 1093. You can find the form online. Once you’ve filled it out, you’ll need to take it to your local Post Office. When completing the form, it’s important to avoid filling in the greyed-out areas, as those are reserved for Post Office use only. Stick to filling in the white spaces provided on the form.
When you take the form to the Post Office, you’ll need to provide identification to a Postal Service employee. The application mentions that you will need two valid forms of ID (one photo and one non-photo) when you pick up your keys or combination at the Post Office where your box is located. Both IDs must be current.
Acceptable forms of photo identification that can be used include a valid U.S. driver’s license or state non-driver’s identification card, an Armed Forces, government, university, or recognized corporate employee identification card, a passport, passport card, alien registration card, or certificate of naturalization, and a NEXUS or Matricula Consular card. Non-photo identification options include a current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust, a voter or vehicle registration card, and a home or vehicle insurance policy.
According to the Post Office, certain forms of identification, such as Social Security cards, credit cards, and birth certificates, are not considered acceptable for obtaining a PO box. This can pose a particular challenge for individuals experiencing homelessness, as obtaining traditional forms of identification can be difficult. As a result, the eligibility requirements for homeless individuals to obtain a PO box are slightly different.
Homeless individuals may be able to have their application for a PO box approved under specific conditions, such as being known to the window clerk or Postmaster, submitting proper identification as an unknown applicant or providing a verifiable point of contact, such as a place of employment, shelter, charitable institution, or social services office.
Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a PO box and provided with a key for access. The accessibility of your PO box will depend on the specific Post Office location you choose. Some locations may offer 24/7 access to your PO box, while others may have extended hours. However, certain locations may only allow you to retrieve your mail during standard Post Office opening hours. For information on the opening hours of your local Post Office, you can visit the USPS website.
Why was your application for a free PO box denied?
There are several reasons why your application might be denied when applying for a free PO box. As previously mentioned, presenting a valid ID is crucial for obtaining a PO box. If you are unable to provide an ID, it can significantly impede the process.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the USPS does offer free PO boxes for homeless individuals who meet specific criteria, such as submitting the required ID or being recognized by the window clerk or Postmaster.
If you fail to meet these criteria, such as not being known to the window clerk or Postmaster or lacking a verifiable point of contact, your chances of approval are diminished. Fulfilling all the necessary requirements increases the likelihood of a successful application.
What to do if you don’t meet the requirements for a free PO box
If you do not meet the conditions required by the USPS to qualify for a free PO box, you may still be eligible for indefinite General Delivery service upon approval by the local Postmaster.
General Delivery is a mail service designed for individuals without a permanent address and is commonly used as a temporary mailing solution. Through General Delivery, the Post Office retains mail at one of its locations for the recipient to collect.
However, it’s important to note that General Delivery may not be as convenient as a PO box, as it is only accessible during retail hours. For more detailed information, it is advisable to contact your local Post Office.
The bottom line
If you require a PO box to receive mail because you do not have a permanent address, you may be eligible to obtain one for free from the United States Postal Service (USPS). We’ve provided you with helpful suggestions on how to secure a free PO box.
Moreover, if you do not meet the requirements for a free PO box, you might still be able to utilize the General Delivery service as an alternative option.