USPS Mailbox Requirements

The United States Postal Service has specificmechanism. If your mailbox is not equipped with a
requirements for all residential curbside mail boxes.lock, you can purchase one from several online
The USPS Domestic Mail Manual sets forthsources. Locks are essential for deterring thieves
regulations and rules concerning residential curbsideand are extremely important when the
mailboxes. The manual describes the standardshomeowner is away for several days and unable
for letterboxes and other mail receptacles for theto retrieve the mail. Also note that the U.S. Postal
deposit or receipt of mail.Service will not open locked boxes nor will they
Residential Mailboxesaccept a key for that purpose. Locks can be
A residential mailbox is any curbside orinstalled on both post and wall mounted mailboxes.
wall-mounted receptacle which is used for theWhen installing a lock on an existing mailbox, make
purpose of receiving material in which postage issure your mailbox is strong enough to withstand
paid.an attack. Lockable mailboxes should be large
Who Can Use A Mailboxenough so that if the homeowner is away for
Only authorized letter carriers may place mail orseveral days, it can accommodate the overflow
packages into the mail receptacle. No part of theof mail.
mail receptacle may be used to deliver anythingNovelty Mailboxes
that does not contain postage. This includes itemsNovelty mailboxes are mailboxes that have been
attached to the box, hung from the box ordressed up or decorated in some fashion. The
inserted into the mail box. Any mailable materialsame rules and regulations apply to novelty
not displaying postage and found in the mailbox ismailboxes as do pre-approved and custom-built
subject to the same amount of postage as if itmailboxes.
were carried by a mail carrier.Where to Place A Residential Curbside Mailbox
Exclusions from USPS RulesAll curbside mailboxes must be placed in a safe
Door slots and other non-lockable bins used withand convenient place. The box must be on the
apartment mailboxes are subject to the sameright-hand side of the road in the direction of
regulations as a curbside mailbox. Just keep intravel of the mail carrier's normal route. The box
mind that a mail slot should be large enough toshould not be placed where it places the mail
accommodate the type of mail the homeownercarrier in a dangerous situation or drive on the
receives. If the mail slot is not large enough, thenincorrect side of the road or violate any traffic
the mail carrier will cease delivering mail to thelaws.
residence.The curbside mailbox post should be positioned
Curbside Mailboxes6-8 inches from the curb and approximately
All homeowners must keep the area around their42-46 inches high measured from the lawn to the
mailboxes clear of anything than will obstruct thetop of the installed curbside mailbox, not the top
safe delivery of mail. If the United States Postalof the post. If the post has a vertical arm, the
Service employee cannot safely reach in andarm should not extend any closer than 6 inches
deliver the mail, the postmaster may withdrawfrom the curb. When installing your new set,
delivery to that mailbox.make sure your set complies with these
Any curbside mailbox which is to be installed atregulations.
the edge of the roadway or curbside of theWall Mount Mailboxes
street and allows it to be served by a mail carrierThe USPS does not have rules or regulations for
from a vehicle on any city route, rural route orwall mount mailboxes, however, you should notify
highway must be approved by the United Statesyour local mail carrier before installation to ensure
Postal Service.proper placement of the mailbox and check for
Every curbside mailbox should display theany local codes or regulations governing placement
homeowner's name and address assigned by theof the mailbox. The product should operate easily
local authorities on the flag side of the mailbox.and nothing should obstruct the opening and
The numbers and letters must be at least oneclosing of the lid. Also check with your home
inch high and in a contrasting color in neat, legibleowners association to see if they have any rules
letters. If the boxes are grouped and the addressor requirements which you need to comply with.
cannot be placed on the flag side of the mailbox,Building Your Own Mailbox
then the house number should be inscribed on theAll custom built curbside mailboxes must meet the
door. No advertising of any kind can be placed onsame standards as approved mailboxes. Custom
the mailbox or the mailbox post.built mailboxes should have a flag on the outside,
Mailbox Sizesstrength, durability and quality should be
There are regulations regarding curbsidecomparable to approved mailboxes.
mailboxes. A curbside mailbox can be one ofBe cautious when building your own mailbox and
three size for residential mail: small T1 (C1) size ispost. Approximately 100 motorists are killed
approximately 5 inches wide by 6 inches tall andyearly in collisions with curbside mailboxes. Some
18 ½ inches long, Medium T2 (C2) size isposts are mounted in concrete or constructed of
approximately 6 inches wide by 7 inches tall by 19indestructible materials. In a collision, a motor
inches long, and the Large T3 (C3) size isvehicle can be severely damaged and its
approximately 8 inches wide by 11 ½ inchesoccupants injured or killed.
tall by 22 ½ inches long. The "T" stands forMailbox Post
Traditional and the "C" stands for Contemporary.Mailbox posts should be neat and made of
The dimensions reflect the minimum interior size.material that can adequately support the mailbox.
Lockable MailboxesThe mailbox post may not represent effigies or
A locking curbside mail box will help to deter mostcaricatures that can disparage or ridicule anyone.
thieves from stealing your mail. Many residentialThe mailbox can be attached to a fixed or
mailboxes are available with a built-in lockingmovable arm.