How to Get a P.O. Box Without a Street Address

Do you need a street address for a P.O. box?

That being said, there are still options. If you don't mind not being able to open or act on your postal mail remotely, you can research private P.O. box services offered by companies instead of the USPS. Depending on your service provider, you may not need to have a permanent address to sign up. Of course, you'll also want to look into any restrictions about packages for your service provider.

P.O. box alternatives

However, there is one alternative to a traditional P.O. box that doesn't have the same restrictions and gives you more power to act on your postal mail. A virtual mailbox or virtual P.O. box offers you much of the same security that a P.O. box does. With a virtual mailbox, you will receive a virtual address. This address is a real, physical address offered by the service provider and is not tied to where you live or work.

LegalZoom accepts postal mail on behalf of its customers, scans the content, and uploads copies as PDFs available within their account, just like email. LegalZoom does not have carrier restrictions for packages, and we can receive and forward packages or physical copies of your postal mail as needed. A virtual mailbox or P.O. box will give you all the security benefits of a traditional P.O. box while also offering added capabilities and convenience.

Is a P.O. box right for me?

P.O. boxes are a very common alternative to traditional mailboxes, and for good reason. They offer enhanced security for your postal mail and can be very convenient in terms of proximity, depending on your location and needs.

Overall, a traditional P.O. box can certainly help address any security concerns you have about your current mailbox. However, they are not the best choice for everyone. If you plan to receive packages frequently or don't want to wait until you are able to visit your mailbox to act on your postal mail, you definitely should know how to get a P.O. box, and you should consider a virtual mailbox provider like LegalZoom.

A virtual mailbox will offer the same security benefits as a P.O. box, but without some of the limitations.

How to write a P.O. box address

When you address a letter to a P.O. box, you simply put the P.O. box number where you typically put the street address. To properly address a letter, first write the recipient's name in the first line, then a company name if applicable. The P.O. box number you need to write below that, followed by the city, state, and, finally, ZIP code. To ensure non-problematic delivery, make sure the format of the address meets the USPS guidelines.

P.O. box without street address FAQs

Can I get a P.O. Box if I don't have a permanent street address?

You cannot get a traditional USPS P.O. box without a permanent street address. However, private mailbox companies and virtual mailbox services don't require a permanent address. These services give you a real street address where you can receive mail and packages from any delivery company. 

What's the difference between a virtual mailbox and a regular P.O. box?

A virtual mailbox scans your mail and lets you read it online from anywhere in the world, while a regular P.O. box requires you to physically go pick up your mail. With a virtual mailbox, you get a real street address (not a P.O. box number) and can receive packages from UPS, FedEx, and other carriers that won't deliver to P.O. boxes. Virtual mailboxes also let you tell the service what to do with each piece of mail through an app or website. You can have them throw away junk mail, forward important letters to wherever you are, or even deposit checks for you. Regular P.O. boxes just hold your mail until you come get it.

How much does it cost to get mail service without a street address?

Virtual mailbox services typically cost between $29 and $100 per month, depending on how many features you need. Private mailbox services at places like UPS Store usually cost $15 to $50 per month. Regular USPS P.O. boxes cost $10 to $200 per month. All of these costs are subject to change at any moment. The cheapest option is USPS General Delivery, which is completely free. This service holds your mail at a local post office for up to 30 days, and you just need to show ID to pick it up. However, you can't use this for business purposes or large packages.

Can I use a virtual mailbox address to start a business?

Yes, because it provides a real street address. Most states require businesses to have a physical street address (not a P.O. box) listed when you file paperwork to start your company. When you register a business using your home address, that information becomes public, and anyone can look it up online. Virtual addresses solve this problem by giving you a professional business address that's separate from where you actually live.

What options do homeless individuals have for receiving mail?

Homeless individuals can get free mail service through several USPS programs designed specifically to help people without permanent addresses. The Homeless Assistance Program provides free P.O. Boxes when you get verification from a shelter or social service agency. You can also use General Delivery service at any post office for free. This means the post office will hold your mail for up to 30 days, and you just need to show ID to pick it up. Some post offices also accept alternative forms of ID if you don't have a driver's license, like a combination of voter registration and employment documents. If you have no ID, speak to your local postmaster, and they can help you.

How do I set up a virtual mailbox service?

Setting up a virtual mailbox is pretty straightforward and usually takes just a few steps online. First, you choose a service provider like LegalZoom and pick a plan that fits your needs. Then you fill out USPS Form 1583 and have it notarized. After that, you file a change of address with the post office to redirect your mail to your new virtual address. Most services will walk you through each step, and you can usually start receiving and viewing your mail within a few days. 

Can virtual mailboxes receive packages from all delivery companies?

Yes, virtual mailboxes can receive packages from USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other delivery companies because they use real street addresses instead of P.O. box numbers. When a package arrives at your virtual mailbox, you'll get an email notification with a photo of the package. You can then choose to have it forwarded to wherever you are, held for pickup, or even opened and scanned if it contains documents. This makes virtual mailboxes perfect for people who travel a lot or run online businesses from different locations.