I'm trying to open a PO Box so that I can have all my important documents sent there since I don't currently have a permanent address. When I tried to register one online it said that I need to provide a lease or some kind of document that proves my current address. I don't have a lease or utility bills so I'm not sure what I can do. I really need a PO Box so is there anything else I can do?
Posted Mar 7, 2021, 10:23 PM UTC
I think the only option is to use a friend or relatives address but there may be a way i dont know about.
Even if I did then I couldn't prove that I live there because they ask for a lease as proof.
Also are you talking about a PO box at a US post office? If so try a private mailbox location, they should be less strict about it.
Yes but how do I find such a place? I only know about PO Boxes and it seems like they won't let me get one. Do you have any recommendations? I really need an address to mail things to.
Just google mail/shipping stores in your area. Even a UPS store would probably be less strict.
Theres no way to have a document sent to that address which you then fill out and return? I thought that was how it worked. A lease cant be the only option? What about people that don’t rent?
The three options are:
None of which I have nor will have anytime soon. I honestly thought PO Boxes were made for people like me who don't have stable housing but looks like that's not true.
Does this address your situation in any way? https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Is-there-mail-service-for-the-homeless
How unstable is your housing? Sometimes churches, etc. let unhoused people use their address as a ‘home’ address, for situations like you describe. If you’re in the system in any way; try exploring that.
Use a UPS store box instead, or go to another usps location, not all are so anal. I just got one showing zero id, or location info. Didn't even write down drivers license number.
I tried to do it online. I didn't know that they would care less if it was in person. Maybe that's what I'll do.
I did mine online. In person some demand "proof" of all the shit. Others don't care.
What address is on your Driver’s license? Just fill out a forwarding address card, or online to General Delivery at the post office closest to you. Send a letter to yourself there. When you pick it up , sign up for a PO Box. Tell them you got a temporary job in their zip code
To be clear, a mail box at a UPS store or any similar shipping store with mail boxes for rent is actually a "private mail box" rather than a "Post Office Box". This is an advantage in that the address will look like an apartment number rather than a mail box "123 Main St, #318, Somewhere St, 11111".
And you'll be able to find one that is flexible about proof of address. They just want to be sure you're not a criminal shipping drugs to their store and that you'll pay your bill.
Keep in mind that whenever you decide to give up a private mail box, they will not forward your mail from the post office. You'll have to pay for that or keep the mail box 6 months longer than u want to be sure you send address changes to everyone sending mail there.
Try buying it online on usps. They will ask for address and send a verification code there so you can use a friend or parent’s address
I did try buying it online and they requested I show up at the post office and provide two forms of ID to prove my identity. One of them had to be a lease or mortgage that proves my current address.
I had this exact problem when I moved and lived at a hotel for the first few months. No lease and no utility bills as it was all rolled into the reservation. Unfortunately I forgot how I solved the problem. I think I had to do some authorization thing online then bring the filled out form in.
Get a PO Box at the UPS Store.
Do they not require proof of address?
You just need two photo IDs. So a drivers license and a Costco card or student ID would work. I mean, you'll have to put an address on the application but you could use your former address or whatever is on your DL. Good luck!
Ya USPS also needed two IDs and the second needed to prove your address. That's why I got stuck. I'll try out UPS and hope for the best. Thank you!