How to Get a PO Box in Another State or City

Planning a move to a new city for college or work? You might be wondering if you can secure a PO Box before you even arrive. The good news is that the United States Postal Service makes it surprisingly easy to rent a PO Box in any state, even if you don’t live there yet.

Whether you’re a college student heading to a new campus, starting a remote job, or simply want a secure mailing address while you transition between homes, getting an out-of-state PO Box is completely doable. You can start the process online from anywhere, but you’ll need to make one trip to the actual post office to verify your identity and pick up your keys.

Bottom line: You can absolutely get a PO Box in another state, but federal regulations require you to visit that specific post office in person to complete the setup and receive your keys.

Why get a PO Box in another city

Getting a PO Box in a different location serves several practical purposes, especially for college students and young professionals on the move. If you’re starting college in a new state, a PO Box gives you a stable mailing address before you’ve even found permanent housing. This is particularly helpful when you need to receive important documents like financial aid paperwork, textbooks, or care packages from home.

For students living in dorms, a PO Box offers privacy and security that campus mail systems sometimes can’t match. You won’t have to worry about packages sitting unattended in a dorm lobby or sensitive mail being misdelivered to the wrong room. Plus, if you’re planning to move between different housing situations during your college years, a PO Box provides consistency. However, for students who need comprehensive storage and shipping solutions during transitions like summer break or semester changes, services like Storage Scholars can handle the entire process door-to-door, eliminating the need to manage multiple addresses. Before making your move, be sure to check out our comprehensive moving checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important steps.

Business owners and remote workers also find PO Boxes invaluable when expanding to new markets or establishing a professional presence in different cities. The box gives you a legitimate business address without the overhead of renting office space.

Pro tip: If you’re moving for college, consider getting your PO Box a few weeks before move-in day so you can start having mail sent there immediately.

Step-by-step application process

The USPS has streamlined the PO Box application to work smoothly across state lines. You have two main options for getting started, though both require that final in-person visit to complete the process.

Starting online saves you significant time at the post office. Visit the USPS website and use their PO Box locator to find available boxes in your target city. You’ll see real-time availability for different box sizes and can reserve the one that fits your needs. Complete Form 1093 online, choose your rental term (3, 6, or 12 months), and pay the initial fee with a credit or debit card.

After your online reservation, you have 30 days to visit the post office where your box is located. Bring a printed copy of your completed application, two acceptable forms of identification, and be prepared to verify your identity with a postal employee. Once they confirm everything checks out, you’ll receive your box number and keys or combination code on the spot. Don’t forget to also complete your postal change of address to ensure all your mail gets forwarded properly.

If you prefer handling everything in person, you can skip the online step entirely. Just download and complete Form 1093 ahead of time, then bring it along with your payment and identification to any post office that has available boxes.

Understanding costs and box sizes

PO Box pricing varies significantly based on location and box size, so it’s worth understanding your options before committing. In college towns and urban areas, expect to pay more than in rural locations. A small box typically runs between $20 to $75 for six months, while larger boxes can cost $100 to $300 or more for the same period. When budgeting for your move, use our cost of living calculator to compare expenses between your current and future city.

The five standard sizes each serve different needs. Size 1 (extra-small) works well if you mainly receive letters and small documents. Size 2 (small) accommodates magazines and can handle most college-related mail. Size 3 (medium) is popular with students because it fits larger envelopes and textbooks that arrive by mail. Sizes 4 and 5 (large and extra-large) are better for frequent package recipients or small business owners.

For students who find themselves constantly managing packages and storage needs throughout the academic year, it’s worth considering that many colleges now partner with student-focused services that handle both storage and shipping seamlessly. This can be especially valuable for out-of-state and international students who need reliable solutions for seasonal transitions.

Budget hack: Choose a 12-month rental term if you’re planning to stay in the area long-term, as it typically offers better value than shorter terms.

Most locations also charge a small refundable deposit for your first two keys, usually around $5 each. If you need additional keys for roommates or family members, expect to pay an extra fee per key.

Required identification and verification

The identification requirements are non-negotiable and designed to prevent mail fraud. You must bring one photo ID and one document that proves your current physical address. This two-step verification ensures that only authorized individuals can access mail sent to that box.

Acceptable photo IDs include your driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, military ID, or university ID card. For address verification, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, vehicle registration, voter registration card, or insurance policy. The address on your verification document should match what you put on your application.

If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian to complete the application process, as USPS requires all primary box holders to be adults. However, once the box is established, parents can add their college-age children as authorized recipients.

Keep in mind that getting a PO Box doesn’t establish legal residency in that state. You’ll still need to follow each state’s specific requirements for things like voter registration, driver’s license updates, and in-state tuition eligibility. If you’re still deciding on your living arrangements, explore whether a townhouse, condo, or apartment is the best fit for your new location.

Getting a PO Box in another state is straightforward once you understand the process and requirements. The combination of online convenience and in-person security verification creates a system that works well for students, professionals, and anyone needing a reliable mailing address in a new location. Just remember to factor in that required post office visit when planning your timeline, and you’ll have your new mailing address set up without any hassles. For college students managing multiple aspects of their move, including storage and shipping needs, comprehensive student services can often provide more convenient solutions than managing individual components separately. For more helpful moving tips and resources, check out our detailed moving checklist and tips to make your transition as smooth as possible.