A Post Office Box (often just called a PO Box) can provide you with your way to receive mail, especially if you don’t want to provide detailed information about your physical address for a variety of different reasons. PO boxes at the post office are maintained by the US federal government, but there are a variety of vendors from mom and pop stores to UPS stores to PostNet centers that offer po boxes.
In this detailed guide we cover how to rent a PO Box, cover PO Box alternatives and what you need to think about before you sign on the dotted line and choose to start receiving mail through this kind of service.
Let’s dig right in!
What Is a PO Box and Why It May Not Be Enough Anymore
PO Boxes have been around for decades, offering a simple way to receive mail without sharing your home or business address. They’re issued by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and are widely available. From small-town post offices to major city hubs, PO Boxes are easy to rent and maintain.
But easy doesn’t always mean ideal.
Whether you’re a remote-first company, a frequent traveler, or just someone seeking a better way to manage mail, it’s worth understanding what PO Boxes can and cannot do—before you sign up.
Let’s take a look.
How PO Boxes Work
A PO Box is essentially a locked mailbox at a USPS location. You rent it, get a key, and pick up your mail during the post office’s open hours (some locations offer 24/7 lobby access, but not all). Once your box is set up, you can update your mailing address and even submit a change-of-address form to reroute all incoming mail to that box.
But Here’s What You Can’t Do with a PO Box:
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You can’t use it as a legal address. A PO Box is not a physical address. That means you can’t use it for business registration, credit card billing addresses, or government-issued IDs.
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You can’t receive packages from private carriers. FedEx, UPS, and Amazon won’t deliver to a PO Box. USPS-only delivery severely limits what you can receive.
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You can’t manage mail remotely. If you’re traveling or moving between locations, you’ll need to physically check the box. There’s no digital access.
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You can’t add flexibility. Only one or two names are allowed per box. If you’re managing household mail, business correspondence, or multiple users—good luck.
Renting a PO Box: Process, Size, and Cost
To rent a PO Box, you’ll need to visit your local post office or reserve one online. You’ll choose a box size (ranging from XS to XL), provide two forms of ID, and prepay for your term—typically 3, 6, or 12 months.
Sizes & Uses:
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XS/Small boxes: Fine for a few personal letters or bills each week.
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Medium to XL boxes: Better for businesses or anyone expecting frequent mail or packages.
Rates:
Prices vary based on location and size. For example:
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A small box in rural North Carolina might cost $30 for 3 months.
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That same size in New York City could be $50+.
Longer-term rentals are slightly cheaper, but there’s no real “bargain” option if you’re hoping to scale or streamline mail handling.
And If You Don’t Have a Physical Address?
That’s another limitation: you can’t get a PO Box without a physical address. The USPS requires a permanent residential or business address to register a box. If you’re in between homes, traveling full-time, or just starting out, you’re out of luck.
Some try to use USPS’s General Delivery option—but that’s a short-term solution, not a permanent fix. Mail is only held for 30 days before USPS disposes it, and frequent pickups are required.
Can I Use a PO Box as a Legal Address?
You are not able a PO Box as a legal address, as it is not technically the address that you reside at – it is not, anyway, your physical address. This address can be used as a mailing address only. Mail can be sent to and from this address, but you won’t be able to use it on your driver’s license, any other identifying documents, or as a billing address for your credit or debit cards, for example.
Does USPS Offer Physical Addresses?
The USPS does not offer a physical address. When you get a PO Box, you just get a box number. You can however use the street addressing service, which will allow you to receive packages from private carriers at the physical street address of the Post Office.
Is A PO Box A Physical Address?
No. A PO Box is just a box at the Post Office and therefore cannot be used anywhere as a physical address.
Virtual Mailboxes: A Smarter Alternative to PO Boxes
If you’re managing mail for a remote-first team, relocating internationally, or just want more control, a virtual mailbox offers what PO Boxes can’t.
With US Global Mail, you get:
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A real street address (not a PO Box)
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Mail scanned and uploaded to your digital dashboard
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Optional interior scans, forwarding, check deposits, and shredding
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Support for multiple names, businesses, and users
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Compatibility with FedEx, UPS, and DHL packages
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Remote access anytime, anywhere
It’s like standing in front of your mailbox at home, only better.
Why Thousands Have Switched
Let’s face it: the traditional PO Box hasn’t kept up with the needs of modern life. Businesses need compliance and flexibility. Families need convenience. Travelers need remote access. And everyone could use less clutter and more control.
At US Global Mail, we’ve helped tens of thousands of customers transition away from the limitations of PO Boxes. Whether you’re consolidating operations or setting up a new business presence, our virtual mailbox is the backbone of secure, smart mail management.
