How Much Does a PO Box Cost Near Me?
How much does a PO Box cost near me? When you relocate, getting a USPS PO Box is a great way to make sure your mail isn’t misplaced or stolen.
A PO Box, often known as a post office box, is a locked mailbox that is located in a post office in the lobby. For three, six, or twelve months, you can rent it at the closest post office.
The mail that you don’t want addressed to you and delivered to your home is placed in the box.
This is an excellent choice if you want to have some of your mail redirected to a different address or if you need a secure location to receive your mail.
Amazing right? We’ll find out about the prices of PO Box, its benefits, and what can make it expensive.
How Much Does a PO Box Cost in a Month?
The cost to rent a P.O. Box varies significantly depending on several factors.
The cost of a USPS PO Box for a month is $12. For a three-month rental, you can pay as little as $15 or as much as $345.
On the U.S. Postal Service website, you will be able to get a comprehensive summary of the costs.
If you want to know if there are any boxes available right now, you can get in touch with your local post office.
Most P.O. Box rentals can be paid online or at a self-service kiosk. Payments can also be made in person or online.
What Factors Determine the Price of a PO Box?
Sometimes, you could wonder what makes a PO box so expensive. Well, there are a number of variables that affect the cost of a USPS PO Box, including:
1. Size
The monthly cost of the PO Box you want to rent is heavily influenced by its size. Smaller P.O. Boxes usually cost less.
P.O. Boxes come in five standard sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large. However, not all sizes can be found everywhere.
The boxes are displayed in the table below by their size, dimensions, and capacity.
| Box Size | Dimensions | Capacity |
| Extra-small | 3″ x 5.5 | It accommodates 10 to 15 letters or 2 rolled-up magazines. |
| Small | 5″ x 5.5″ | 15 letters and 5 rolled-up magazines. |
| Medium | 5.5″ x 11″ | Tons of magazines and flat stacks of huge envelopes. |
| Large | 11″ x 11″ | It accommodates 10 to 15 letters and 2 shoe boxes |
| Extra Large | 12″ x 22.5″ | Several Priority Mail flat-rate boxes and packages. |
2. Location
Depending on the location, P.O. Boxes have one of two cost schemes. These areas are classified by the postal service as either “competitive” or “market dominant.”
P.O. Box locations that are in competition charge higher rates. Usually, the cost of a P.O. Box increases with the size of the city.
For instance, renting a P.O. Box in a rural location may cost $26 for a period of three months, while in a large metropolis, it will cost you more than $40.
3. Duration of Rental
You can opt to rent and pay for your P.O. Box over a period of three, six, or twelve months, depending on the post office. Some post offices only provide one-year leases.
Usually, if you pay upfront for 6 to 12 months, you can get the greatest deal. For shorter leasing terms, it is more expensive to continually renew the P.O. Box.
If you choose an annual rental, you will save money. Meanwhile, some post offices provide a “baker’s dozen” promotion whereby you can reserve a P.O. Box for 12 months and receive the 13th month at no additional fee.
4. Additional Fees
When registering for a PO Box, there are extra costs. You will be charged a $4.40 fee for each extra key, duplicate key, and replacement key, plus a $1.00 deposit on each granted key.
If you start lock changes, a PO Box lock replacement costs $11.00 per lock.
You must pay $9 if you misplace your key or need a copy made. It costs $25 to replace a lock if you need to. Also, if you renew your box after the deadline, there will be a $25 cost.
Why Should I Have a USPS PO Box?
There are several benefits to renting a PO Box. They Include:
1. Security
Privacy and security are the main draws, particularly if you live in a complex or apartment building where many people live.
These areas frequently experience mail and package loss, misplacement, handling issues, and even theft.
Many PO Box users find comfort in knowing they will always receive their mail without having to go looking for it.
2. Convenience
Convenience is another benefit since most PO Box sites are open twenty-four hours a day.
This implies that you won’t need to reschedule your day or rush to make it to the post office before it shuts.
3. Good for Small Businesses
PO Boxes are perfect for small business owners because they offer a safe way to divide your personal and professional lives.
When owning a business, you not only receive a lot more mail, but you also don’t always want customers or clients to know your home address.
Meanwhile, choosing a PO Box rather than a private home address gives off a more professional appearance.
How Can You Own a PO Box?
If you are prepared to start using a P.O. box, here’s the application process :
1. Post Office
Applying in person is the first choice. You will be given the PS Form 1093 to complete.
It will request certain private information, such as your phone number and email address. You can go to the post office that has this form with two types of recognized identification.
A state-issued driver’s license, a passport, or a card from the U.S. Armed Forces are examples of commonly accepted identification.
If accepted, you’ll complete the process by paying and getting your key.
2. Online
Online applications are also accepted for P.O. Boxes. To start, enter your zip code to find a location close by. Fill out the online application form, reserve the box, and then pay for it.
In order to complete your application, USPS will still require two forms of ID. So, you can go to the post office whenever it’s convenient for you.
If the post office of your choice doesn’t have any boxes available when you apply, don’t be worried.
Alternate locations can be selected, or you can request to be placed on a waiting list. The post office will phone to let you know if a place becomes available.
What are the Drawbacks of a PO Box?
Using a USPS PO box has many benefits, but there are also drawbacks.
1. Rental Charges
PO box can be expensive because you will need to continue paying in order to receive your mail.
If you live in a competitive area, the costs might be rather high, especially for larger boxes.
2. Only USPS
Even though you might want to use your PO box for Amazon delivery, if your post office doesn’t provide premium services, this won’t be possible.
If that’s the case, then only USPS couriers will deliver packages to your PO box.
3. Fewer Locations
Most PO boxes are not available in all locations.
You will have to travel a long distance to pick up your mail, which will be more difficult and expensive
Why Do I Need a Virtual Mailbox?
A virtual P.O. Box is an option if you want the greatest convenience. You can find a genuine street address or a virtual P.O. box address online.
It has been created for both private and professional use. Earth Class Mail can let you rent a virtual P.O. Box.
This virtual mailbox service sends mail to your email as a high-resolution PDF. This P.O. Box is very simple to obtain.
You will just select a mailing address where your mail will be delivered, much like a traditional P.O. Box.
Then, select a strategy, submit the form, and reroute your mail. These plans begin at $19 per month, which is comparable to the cost of a P.O. Box without traveling.
Can I Get a Refund for a PO Box?
Yes, you can choose between three, six, and twelve months of service when renting a USPS PO Box.
Within this period, you could be eligible for a refund if you decide to close your box within that time frame. However, to qualify for a refund, you must fulfill certain requirements.
You will only get an immediate reimbursement if you applied for a PO Box but never activated it or picked up your keys. These refunds take place following 30 days of inactivity.
Within the first three months of a 12-month rental, you may be eligible for a 75% return.
Although the cost can vary greatly, a PO Box can be an excellent way to receive mail.
While some large PO Boxes might cost as much as $120 per month, you can find cheaper ones for as little as $4.
