In Short: Can You Get a PO Box Without an Address?
No. The PO Box application, USPS Form 1093, asks for your physical address, and USPS requires a secondary ID that shows it. A PO Box also does not count as a residential address.
- Borrow an address: use the home of a friend or relative who agrees to it.
- General Delivery: the local Post Office holds your mail at no cost.
- Shelter or temporary housing: use that address on the application.
- Private or virtual mailbox: these also need ID and a home address, but accept a home address outside the US.
Running a business from abroad? A virtual mailbox gives you a US street address and scans every letter.
How to Get a PO Box Without an Address
First of all, can you get a PO box without a physical address? The answer is no, so if you’re set on getting one, you’ll have to try one of the methods below.
Use a Friend or Family Member’s Address
You can use a trusted friend or relative’s address as your residential address when applying for a PO box. But while they’re probably willing to do anything to help you out, ensure that they’re comfortable with it first. They’re under no obligations, but it’s still their address on the form.
Also, be aware that the USPS requires you to provide a valid address for identity verification. It doesn’t necessarily need to be your current home address, so you may be able to use your friend or family member’s address for this too.
Prove You’re Homeless
Many people don’t know this, but you can get a PO box even if you’re homeless. There are several conditions you must meet, and ultimately it’s up to the Postmaster to approve your application.
Use a General Delivery Address
If you don’t have a permanent address, you can often receive mail through the post office’s General Delivery service, which is a temporary mailing address. If you’re homeless, the local Postmaster may approve you to receive indefinite General Delivery service if you can’t meet the conditions mentioned in the previous section.
Before you start using the General Delivery service, check with the local post office to see if they even offer this service. If they do, then mail addressed to you must be labeled as such:
Your Name
General Delivery
City, State, Zip Code
You’ll need to show your ID to pick up your mail and this service is only intended as a temporary solution. However, it can still be helpful if you’re in transition.
Use Temporary Housing or Shelter Addresses
If you’re staying at a temporary shelter or transitional housing, these places will often allow you to use that address when applying for a PO box. Because many let you receive mail, it makes sense that they can serve as a temporary residential address.
Use a Private Mailbox
Private mailboxes are basically the same thing as PO boxes, but they’re from independent providers rather than the USPS. They’ll have different requirements, and it’s possible that you may find one that doesn’t require you to have a permanent address to get a mailbox.
Another benefit is that they’ll probably accept packages from all carriers and not just USPS.
Use a Virtual Mailbox Instead of a PO Box
A virtual mailbox is a fantastic alternative if you don’t have an address to use. Whether you travel frequently or are a digital nomad, this solution will get you your mail wherever you are in the world, all without having to provide an address.
This is because when you sign up for a virtual mailbox, you’ll get a real address to use on your letters and packages. The service provider will then receive, scan, and upload your mail, and you can view these pieces by logging onto a dashboard.
What this means is you can be in any location and still receive important mail, as long as you have an internet connection. You never have to have the physical pieces in your hands either, unless you want to. The service provider can forward both letters and packages to any address you put down, so even if you’re city-hopping, you can receive your mail securely.
Get More Convenience With a Virtual Mailbox
Now you know how to get a PO box without an address, which comes with several obstacles. Many of the solutions are only temporary, and they don’t work very well if you’re never in one place for too long.
A more effective solution is to get a virtual mailbox, as your mail can follow you as you globe trot. The prices aren’t bad either, so you won’t have to spend a fortune to subscribe to a mailbox service.
Sign up with Business Anywhere now if you’re interested in our virtual mailbox service. If you’re thinking of starting a business, you should take advantage of our free business registration services too!
