Setting Up a P.O. Box Address: A Comprehensive Guide

P.O. Box (Post Office Box) services provide a secure and efficient way to receive mail for businesses and individuals. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a P.O. Box and using it effectively for your mail needs. Whether in the United States or the United Kingdom, you can choose between public post offices or private companies to rent a P.O. Box. This article will cover the steps involved and provide valuable tips to ensure your mail is delivered correctly.

Setting Up a P.O. Box in the United States

To set up a P.O. Box in the United States, you'll need a physical address since the post office requires it for leasing a P.O. Box. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Locate a Post Office

Visit your preferred post office location where you want to rent a P.O. Box.

Step 2:Rent the P.O. Box

Ask the post office representative about renting a P.O. Box. The process may vary slightly depending on whether it's the main post office or a branch. Make sure to provide your personal or business information for identification.

Step 3: Additional Names for Delivery

If you want other names to be used for delivery at that P.O. Box, list those names clearly. This step allows for flexibility if your P.O. Box is shared or used by multiple recipients.

Step 4: Redirecting Street Address Mail

To have street address mail forwarded to your P.O. Box, submit a change of address card. This process ensures that all your important documents and packages are directed to the correct location. Note that some types of mail can be redirected directly to your P.O. Box without using the post office to change your address. Simply inform your correspondents about your new P.O. Box address.

Example address format for leased P.O. Box: John Doe
PO Box 710
Vlasic Town, Maine n90000

Step 5: Non-Post Office Locations

In some cases, your P.O. Box might be rented from a non-post office location such as the UPS Store. In such scenarios, the address format would be:

John Smith
3245 Parker Street, Unit 4
Salem, OR 97301

Using a P.O. Box in the United Kingdom

In the UK, you can get a P.O. Box from the Post Office or choose from a range of private companies that offer P.O. Boxes or virtual office addresses. Here’s how to set one up:

Step 1: Choose Your Provider

Select a provider that best suits your needs. This could be the Post Office or a private company like a UPS Store. Each provider has its own procedures and may have different rates.

Step 2: Provide Necessary Information

Supply the required personal or business information to the provider, just as you would at a post office.

Step 3: Additional Services

Many private providers offer additional services like virtual office addresses, which hold and redirect your post. Consider what services you might need in the future.

Example address format for UK P.O. Box: John Doe
PO Box 710
Vlasic Town, Maine, UK n90000

Using Your P.O. Box: Addressing Envelopes

When sending mail to a P.O. Box, follow these guidelines to ensure correct delivery:

Step 1: Write the Full Address

When addressing an envelope, write the recipient's name, P.O. Box number, city, state, and ZIP code. The full address should look like this:

Name
PO Box Number
City, State ZIP Code

Step 2: Alternative Addressing

You can use both a street address and a P.O. Box number on the same envelope. Write the street address above the city, state, and ZIP code and place the P.O. Box address directly below it. Specify which address you want the mail to go to in the following format:

John Smith
123 Main Street
City, State ZIP Code
P.O. Box 710

By doing this, the US Postal Service will prioritize delivery to the address above the city, state, and ZIP code on the envelope.

USPS preference for delivery: If a mailpiece contains both a street address and a P.O. Box address on two lines, the postal service will attempt delivery to the address immediately above the city, state, and ZIP code. The ZIP Code on the mailpiece should correspond to this address.

Conclusion

Setting up a P.O. Box is an effective way to manage your mail efficiently. Whether you choose the post office or a private provider, the process is straightforward and can be tailored to your specific needs. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your mail is delivered correctly and securely. Remember, clear communication and correct addressing formats are key to a successful setup.