The Post Office can hold your mail for a limited time if you cancel your PO Box. You paid for the keys when you rented the box. The PO will put a new lock on the box when you put in a change of address and they re-rent the box. If you do turn in the keys, you will get a deposit back. Visit your post office to complete the termination of service forms and return both keys to obtain a key refund.
Online PO Box Closure
You can close your PO box online. Go to the PO boxes page on the USPS website. Click on “Manage Account” under the “Renew and Manage” section. Log in if you haven’t. Click on “Close/Request a Refund” next to your PO box. Click “Close PO Box”. You don’t get your key deposit returned when you cancel online, but any due refund of unused service should arrive in five business days or less.
Refund Policies
- No refund for a three-month payment period Post Office Box.
- A 50% refund is available for a six-month payment period Post Office Box if closed within the first three months.
- No refund after the commencement of the fourth month.
Use USPS PO Boxes for business or personal use. Sizes range from extra small to extra large. Choose your PO Box size based on the type of mail and packages you receive.
If you get packages that don’t fit into your PO Box, you’ll get a slip to pick them up from the counter during normal business hours or get your package from a secure parcel locker at your convenience.
Mailbox Removal and Key Loss
In the U.S., it is not illegal to remove your mailbox. You actually rent it to the USPS for free when it is installed and used to deliver your mail. Request a pro-rated refund for unused time in your PO Box service agreement at the Post Office where the PO Box is located.
The USPS does not keep copies of the keys. If the keys get lost, USPS installs a new lock and keys at the customer’s expense.
Street Addressing and Mail Forwarding
Street Addressing allows you to use the street address of your Post Office location with your PO Box number as your mailing address. This lets you receive packages from private carriers as long as they comply with USPS mailing standards. Once you select a date to begin forwarding your mail, all mail sent to your previous address will be redirected to your new address.
Opening a New PO Box
When opening a new PO Box online, you will pay the fee plus $2 for the key deposit. Two keys are provided with every new box. The key tag indicates the parcel locker that contains your item.
A PO Box is safe and convenient for receiving mail. To close online, log into your USPS account and click "Close PO Box". You’ll get a refund for unused time. At the post office, complete termination forms and return both keys. You’ll get your key deposit back. After closing, return keys within 10 days and pick up any mail. Boxes automatically get new locks and keys for the next customer.
Additional Details
- Rent is paid per month or per 6 months.
- UPS and FedEx don’t deliver to PO Boxes. Only USPS has access. If other couriers try, they’ll call to get a physical address.
With USPS SmartPost, FedEx delivers the package to USPS and they put a slip in your PO Box. You pick it up at the counter. Oversize packages may move to a larger "overflow" box with a key left in your box.
Lost PO Box Key
If lost, you pay to replace locks and keys. Use PO Box number as "apartment" in your address to get private deliveries. Once forwarding activated, mail goes automatically to your new address.