How Much Does a PO Box Cost? (2025 Updated USPS Pricing)

1. 1. its size,
   2. your location (urban vs. rural),
   3. and how long you rent it for (3, 6, or 12 months).

Needless to say, going for a longer rental term usually gives you the best bang for your buck.

Here is a clear breakdown of the available PO Box sizes and their estimated monthly costs, based on the annual price ranges released by USPS.

Note: These prices reflect the latest 2025 fee schedule. Always check the official USPS website for the exact price at your specific Post Office location.

Keep in mind not all sizes are available at every Post Office, and prices are higher in competitive urban areas compared to rural locations.

What Size PO Box is Best for You?

Obviously that depends on what you want to use it for.

• Extra small: This is ideal if you’re only expecting to receive a small amount of mail. The extra small PO boxes can hold 10 to 15 letters and 3 rolled magazines.
• Small: Small PO boxes are usually large enough to fit 15 or more letters and 5 rolled up magazines, or 1 Small Priority Mail Flat Rate Box.
• Medium: If you plan to receive large envelopes, then the smallest sized PO box you can get is the medium size. Medium sized PO boxes allow large envelopes and magazines to be stacked and can hold 2 Small Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes.
• Large: Large PO boxes hold Small and Medium Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and still have enough room for 10 to 16 letters.
• Extra large: If you expect to receive parcels or a large amount of mail, then the extra large PO box size will be ideal. Extra large PO boxes are big enough to hold multiple packages.

Consider how much mail you expect to receive and how often you will be able to empty it when deciding which size PO box is right for you.

Other PO Box Fees to Consider (Official 2025 Fees)

Besides the rental fee, there are a few other one-time costs based on the official USPS fee schedule. Keep in mind that some fees can vary based on the type of Post Office location.

• Key Deposit: A $5.00 deposit is required for each of the first two keys at most Post Office locations. But, this deposit is typically waived for the first two keys at “Competitive” locations (usually those in areas with other private mailbox services).
• Key Duplication: If you need more than two keys, each additional or replacement key costs $12.00.
• Lock Replacement / Late Fee: If you lose all your keys or are late with your payment, a $25.00 fee is charged to replace the lock.

How to Rent a PO Box (Step-by-Step)

Ready to get a PO Box?

You can apply online or in person.

No matter which way you go, you will need two forms of valid IDs.

• Primary Photo ID: State driver’s license, U.S. government or military ID, passport, or a U.S. university ID.
• Secondary ID (Proof of Address): A current lease, mortgage statement, voter registration card, or a home/vehicle insurance policy.

How to Get a PO Box Online

1. Go to the USPS PO Box locator page.
2. Search by your address or zip code to find a nearby Post Office.
3. Choose your desired box size and a 3, 6, or 12-month payment term.
4. Complete the application form and pay online.
5. Within 30 days, take your printed form and two forms of ID to that Post Office to get your keys.

How to Rent a PO Box In Person

1. First, you need to find a Post Office near you that has available PO Boxes. You can do this by searching for your city or ZIP code on the USPS website or by simply searching Google for “po box near me.”
2. Go to the location you selected.
3. Ask a retail associate for the PO Box application form (PS Form 1093) and fill it out completely.
4. You will need to show the associate two valid forms of identification, one photo ID and one proving your physical address.
5. Pay for your chosen rental term (3, 6, or 12 months) and any key deposits. The associate will then verify your information and give you your PO Box keys.

Is a PO Box Worth It?

While useful, a PO Box isn’t for everyone.

Here’s a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of a PO Box:

• Security: Your mail is stored securely at the Post Office, not left in an open mailbox. This is ideal for protecting sensitive documents and for anyone looking to safely receive payments or what some people call mailbox money.
• Privacy: It’s perfect for home-based businesses or anyone who wants to keep their home address private. This saves you from having to use your personal address for business correspondence, especially if you manage a lot of mail and use things like free address labels.
• Faster Delivery: Mail often arrives at a PO Box earlier in the day since it’s delivered directly to the Post Office.
• Affordability: It’s generally the cheapest mailbox rental option.

Cons of a PO Box:

• Inconvenience: You have to travel to the Post Office to check your mail, which is limited to their business hours.
• Doesn’t Accept All Packages: Most PO Boxes won’t accept deliveries from private carriers like UPS or FedEx.
• Not a “Real” Street Address: Some businesses require a physical street address, and a PO Box number won’t work.

PO Box Alternatives: The UPS Store Mailbox

A popular alternative is a personal mailbox at The UPS Store. It solves many of the problems a traditional PO Box has.

UPS Store Mailbox vs. USPS PO Box

A UPS Store mailbox is more expensive but offers greater flexibility, especially if you receive a lot of packages or need a professional business address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a small PO Box cost?

A small PO box (Size 2) starts at around $5.50 per month, but the price varies by location and rental term.

Can I get a PO Box for free?

In some rare cases, you can get a free PO box if you live in an area where mail delivery is not provided to your physical address. You must inquire at your local post office.

What is the cheapest PO box?

The extra-small (Size 1) box is the cheapest option, starting at about $4.33 per month, especially when you pay for a 12-month term in a rural area.

So, What’s the Final Cost of a PO Box?

Ultimately, the price you pay for a PO Box depends on your needs.

For a basic option, you could pay less than $20 for a three-month rental on a small box. But if you need a larger box, it can be more expensive especially if you live in a larger city.

Knowing the pricing and alternatives helps you make the smartest choice for your mail.

Once your box is set up, you can save even more by finding the cheapest places to buy stamps or looking for ways to get free stamps.

Ultimately, checking the official website of USPS for an exact quote is the best way to determine how much a PO Box costs for your needs.