How to Open a PO Box Online
by
Doug
Updated August 12, 2015
PO Boxes Online allows you to find, apply, and pay for a PO Box, and manage an existing PO Box.
It's now possible to open a PO box from the United States Postal Service website. You will still have to go to the Post Office to submit a signed copy of your online application with two forms of identification, in order to pick up your Post Office Box address and key, but applying online can speed up the process. Here's how to open a Post Office box online.
- Go to the USPS.com (Here: https://poboxes.usps.com/poboxonline/search/landingPage.do) and search for a PO Box near you.
- After the search is complete, select a box size and payment period (6 or 12 months) for the Post Office location you'd like to use. It will tell you if PO Box is available. You should also check to see if your Post Office is open 24 hours in case you need access to your PO Box at off hours.
- Now you will have to Sign In to the usps.com site if your an existing user, or Sign Up as a new user.
- Once you've signed in, you will have to fill out a PO Boxes Online Application, which is very quick and easy. Then pay for your new PO Box with a credit card.
- Then go to "My Account" (Here: https://poboxes.usps.com/poboxonline/pages/myAccount.do?myaccount=Yes), and Print out the application form 1093.
- At this point your PO Box status will be Pending Verification, so you'll now have to bring the printed Post Office Box Service application form (signed by the applicant) and two forms of valid ID to the Post Office. One of the identifications must contain a photograph, and one must be traceable to the bearer to prove your physical address. Here are valid forms of ID: State Drivers License or State ID Card, Passport or Alien Registration Card,Current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust, Voter or vehicle registration card, Home or Vehicle Insurance Card, Armed Forces, Government, University or recognized corporate identification card.
Once the application is processed by your Post Office, you should be issued a PO Box address and key to unlock your PO Box.
Keep in mind that the post office will have to replace the lock on your new PO Box, so that the previous owner can't get into your box with the old key. So when you go to the post office you may have to wait for them to replace the lock, or have to come back to the post office later once the lock is replaced to pick up your key.