{"id":7249,"date":"2024-11-23T09:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-23T15:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blockadvisors.com\/resource-center\/?p=7249"},"modified":"2024-11-24T21:39:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T03:39:05","slug":"how-much-is-a-po-box","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blockadvisors.com\/resource-center\/manage-your-business\/how-much-is-a-po-box\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much is a PO Box and How Do You Set One Up for Your Business?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Suppose you are a small business owner without a physical location. Or perhaps you have a home office and are concerned about maintaining your privacy. A Post Office box (PO box) is an excellent solution in these cases and others. Keep reading if you want to receive business mail at an address other than your residence. You might ask, “What’s the cost of a PO box?” or, “How do I get a PO box?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about setting up a post office box, the typical costs involved, the requirements, and why a PO box can be especially beneficial for small business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a PO Box?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A PO box is a personalized, secure mailbox you can set up with the United States Postal Service<\/a> (USPS). Small business owners often use it as an alternative to a physical street address. It serves as a centralized mailing address separating business mail from personal mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business owners can rent a PO Box from the USPS. When you set one up, you\u2019ll receive a unique number for sending and delivering mail. When someone sends mail, it\u2019s delivered to the PO box address. Owners then obtain the mail using a key or combination supplied by the mailbox service provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost breakdown of a PO box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A PO box is a useful tool for many small business owners. As you consider options for your business, there are a few factors to keep in mind that will affect the cost of your PO box: rental duration, box size, location, and fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rental duration:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

PO boxes are available in various rental periods. Common options are monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual rental time frames. Shorter rental periods are typically more expensive than renting a box for an entire year. While the upfront price for a longer rental period is generally higher, the monthly cost will often be lower than a shorter rental period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another upside of renting a PO box for a full year is that you won\u2019t have to keep renewing to extend your use. Also, remember that you may be able to set up your PO box to auto-renew. This can be favorable for businesses that don\u2019t want to hassle with the paperwork that comes with renewing manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most post offices have several PO box sizes to choose from. They range from extra-small to extra-large. Choose your size based on the quantity and type of business mail you receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See the chart below for the standard USPS PO Box sizes, dimensions, and price ranges*:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Box Size<\/strong><\/td>Dimensions<\/strong><\/td>Approximate Price<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Extra small<\/td>3\u201d x 5.5\u201d<\/td>~$4 to $28 per month<\/td><\/tr>
Small<\/td>5\u201d x 5.5\u201d<\/td>~$5 to $38 per month<\/td><\/tr>
Medium<\/td>5.5\u201d x 11\u201d<\/td>~$8 to $67 per month<\/td><\/tr>
Large<\/td>11\u201d x 11\u201d<\/td>~$12 to $76 per month<\/td><\/tr>
Extra large<\/td>12\u201d x 22.5\u201d<\/td>~$21 to $115 per month<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
*Refer to your local post office location for current pricing.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your PO box price will also depend on where you rent in the United States. For example, a box is likely more expensive in Manhattan, New York, than in Manhattan, Kansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional fees:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The USPS charges a deposit fee for the first two keys. There are additional fees for receiving duplicate keys, replacing a lock in the event of a lost key, and making late payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the best structure for my business?<\/h3>

Answer these six questions to find your fit.<\/p>

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Take the quiz<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to set up a PO Box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wondering how to get a PO box? It\u2019s straightforward. Follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Apply for a PO box in person or online.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To apply in person, go to the customer service desk and request a PS Form 1093<\/em><\/a>. Then, fill the form out. To apply online, you\u2019ll first need to create a USPS account<\/a>. After that is complete, begin the online application<\/a> using your new account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Submit your PO box application.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, you\u2019ll need to submit your application materials to the USPS. If you\u2019re in person, you\u2019ll hand over the following items to the USPS customer service desk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n