Can you send certified mail to a post office box

In the United States, the answer is generally no, you cannot send certified mail to a post office box (PO Box). Here's why:

  1. Certified Mail requires a physical address: The United States Postal Service (USPS) requires a physical address to deliver certified mail. PO Boxes are not considered physical addresses, as they are simply a mailbox located at a post office.
  2. PO Boxes are not eligible for certified mail: According to the USPS, PO Boxes are not eligible for certified mail services, including Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, and Signature Confirmation.

However, there are some exceptions and alternatives:

  1. General Delivery: You can send mail to a person's name at a post office, and it will be held for pickup. This service is often referred to as "General Delivery." To use this service, you would need to know the person's name and the post office where they have a box.
  2. Signature Confirmation: You can use Signature Confirmation to track the delivery of your mail, but it will not be delivered to a PO Box. Instead, the recipient will need to sign for the package at a physical address.
  3. Private Mailboxes: Some private mailbox rental companies, like UPS Store or Mailboxes Etc., offer certified mail services to their customers. These services may allow you to send certified mail to a private mailbox, but you would need to check with the specific company for their policies and fees.

In summary, while you cannot send certified mail to a post office box, there are alternative services and options available, such as General Delivery, Signature Confirmation, and private mailbox services.