How to Get Mailbox Approval From Post Office

Purchasing a new mailbox for your front yard may sound like an easy and personal decision; however, all new mailboxes must comply with United States Postal Service guidelines. The reason is to ensure safety and ease of use for the mail carrier's who service your area. Keep USPS standards in mind when buying your new mailbox and you shouldn't have any trouble with an approval.

Mailbox
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the name on your mailbox and make sure that it is at least one inch high, so that your postal carrier can easily see who the mailbox belongs to.
- 2
  Plan for your new mailbox to be 41-to-45 inches from the surface of the road. This allows the postal carrier to access your mailbox efficiently from their postal trucks.
- 3
  Affix the mailbox on the right hand side of the road and in the carrier's direction of travel. This is designed to prevent a hazardous situation by forcing the carrier to go against traffic.
- 4
  Avoid placing the mailbox at the front of the curb where a car may accidentally hit it. Rather, follow the USPS rules and have it be 6-to-8 inches from the curb.
- 5
  Buy a USPS approved model is you want locked box. Make sure there is enough room for your mail to easily fit through the slot.
- 6
  Do not advertise on your mailbox or supporting post.

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