---
title: "Shipping to a PO Box with USPS: the dual address rule"
description: "USPS delivers to PO Boxes, but with both a street and a PO Box on the label it uses the line just above the city. When other carriers can deliver."
canonical: https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/po-box-shipping/
last_updated: 2026-10-19
publisher: "The Reseller Index"
---

# Can you ship to a PO Box, and what if the address has a street too?

**Yes, USPS delivers to PO Boxes, but when an address shows both a street address and a PO Box, USPS delivers to the one on the line just above the city, state and ZIP Code**, or to the PO Box if both are on the same line.

Private carriers can deliver to a PO Box only when the box holder has USPS's Street Addressing option, which writes the box as the Post Office's street address plus # and the box number.

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026

## The rule, in USPS's words

> “is delivered to the address immediately above the city and state (or to the Post Office box if both the street address and Post Office box are on the same line).”

[DMM 602.2.1 (dual address)](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/602.htm), read Oct 19, 2026

> “If a ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code is used, it must correspond to the address element immediately above the city and state”

[DMM 602.2.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/602.htm), read Oct 19, 2026

> “Customers who choose to use the street addressing designation also have the option of receiving packages from private carriers at the customer’s Post Office Box address”

[DMM 508.4.5.4](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm), read Oct 19, 2026

> “Only mail and official USPS notices may be placed into a PO box.”

[DMM 508.4.3.2](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm), read Oct 19, 2026

> “(“PO Box” is used incorrectly if preceding a private box number, e.g., a college mailroom.)”

[DMM 602.1.4.2](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/602.htm), read Oct 19, 2026

## Which address line USPS uses

*Where USPS delivers, by the order of the address lines (DMM 602.2.1).*

| Address on the label | USPS delivers to |
| --- | --- |
| Jane Doe / 123 Main St / PO Box 45 / Anytown ST 12345 | PO Box 45 (the line above the city) |
| Jane Doe / PO Box 45 / 123 Main St / Anytown ST 12345 | 123 Main St |
| Jane Doe / 123 Main St PO Box 45 / Anytown ST 12345 | PO Box 45 (both on one line) |
| Jane Doe / 123 Main Street #4567 / Anytown ST 12345 (Street Addressing) | box 4567 at that Post Office; private carriers can deliver here too |

## Edge cases

- **The ZIP must match the delivery line:** the ZIP Code has to be the one for the line just above the city and state, and the same rule applies to return addresses ([DMM 602.2.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/602.htm)).
- **Street Addressing limits:** private-carrier packages to a PO Box must still meet USPS mailability limits such as 70 lb and 130 in. length plus girth ([DMM 508.4.5.4](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm)), though the $200.00 overweight fee doesn't apply to that feature ([DMM 601.1.2.2](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)).
- **Private mailboxes:** "PO Box" is wrong in front of a private box number, such as a college mailroom ([DMM 602.1.4.2](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/602.htm)).
- **Signature on file:** competitive PO Box holders can keep a signature on file for Priority Mail Express, mail insured over $500 and Signature Confirmation items ([DMM 508.4.5.4](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm)).
- **Military addresses** follow their own format ([APO/FPO/DPO rules](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/apo-fpo-dpo-shipping/)).

## What to do

- Put the line you want used directly above the city, state and ZIP, and use the ZIP Code for that line.
- If a buyer's address has both a street and a PO Box, check the order before you print the label.
- Ship by a USPS service unless the buyer's box has Street Addressing.

## Questions

### Can UPS or FedEx deliver to a PO Box?

Only to a box whose holder uses USPS's Street Addressing option at a competitive PO Box location, with the box written as the Post Office's street address plus #box ([DMM 508.4.5.4](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm)).

### Which address does USPS use if there are two?

The one immediately above the city and state, or the PO Box if both are on the same line ([DMM 602.2.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/602.htm)).

## Related rules

- [How do you ship an online sale to an APO, FPO or DPO address?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/apo-fpo-dpo-shipping/) Domestic prices, but a customs form for anything 16 oz or more or containing goods; no used electronics or spare batteries.
- [How much is USPS Signature Confirmation, and when is Adult Signature needed?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/signature-confirmation/) Signature Confirmation $4.15 online or $5.15 at the counter; Adult Signature (21+) $9.70, online labels only.
- [What is the largest and heaviest package USPS will take?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/size-and-weight-limits/) 70 lb and 108 in. length plus girth (130 in. by Ground Advantage, at the oversized price); beyond that, a $200.00 fee.

[All 25 USPS package rules](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/)

## Sources

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 from each official page below.

- [USPS Domestic Mail Manual 508: recipient services (PO Box service)](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm)
- [USPS Domestic Mail Manual 601: mailability, packaging and USPS-produced packaging](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)
- [USPS Domestic Mail Manual 602: addressing (dual addresses)](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/602.htm)

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