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Renting a PO Box
To rent a PO Box, you must work or live at a permanent UK address (as recognised by us) and be over 16. We’re sorry, but you won’t be able to use this service if you have a temporary or ‘c/o’ address. And applications must be in a single name.
You can only rent a PO Box at the Royal Mail delivery office that delivers mail to the address stated on the application form. You can have several PO Box numbers per address but your mail won't be sorted to each individual PO Box - if you need this level of sortation you can use our Selectapost service.
Sensitive boxes
If you need your address to be fully private (for example, if you run a women’s refuge centre, a rape crisis centre or if you’re a member of the security forces), you’ll need to write to us explaining why, along with a letter of endorsement from the police or a similar body. For more information please contact 08457 950 950.
Your PO Box address
You’ll be given the next number in sequence for your local sorting office. We may have to change PO Box numbers from time to time, but we’ll always give you reasonable notice. If you want your PO Box to be abbreviated, legally you must give us your full name and address for us to set this up. Please note that we cannot advise you of your legal obligations.
Collection
You’ll need to collect your mail regularly. If you don't collect it for a month we may contact you. If you don’t collect it for three consecutive months without contacting us beforehand, we may cancel your box.
Recorded Signed for items need to be collected within seven days, and Special Delivery mail within three weeks, otherwise we’ll return them to the sender. Mail from couriers won’t be accepted into your PO Box unless the full Royal Mail postage has been paid.
Transfer of non-PO Box mail
Mail directly addressed to the address on your application form (not your PO Box) can be delivered to your PO Box so you can keep all your mail together, and collect it when it suits you. Only mail in the box holder's name will be transferred to the box. All other mail will be delivered as addressed, unless it is being redirected using our Redirections service.
When your address changes
Your PO Box is linked to your street address (on your application form). If it changes, so will your PO Box details. If you plan to move from the delivery office area where the box is held, you’ll need to give one month’s notice of the change, and your box will be cancelled. You’ll need to re-apply for a new one, using your new address.
Continuing the service
We’ll write to you shortly before your PO Box expires, to ask if you want to renew. Please make sure you make payments as stated in our standard terms. If you don’t, we will cancel your PO Box.
When the service ends
If your rental period expires or the service is withdrawn, we may return incoming mail to the sender, or otherwise dispose of it.
Disclosure of information
We reserve the right in all cases to give the address of the PO Box holder, should it be requested.
The PO Box address (and title) will be added to our national address database, the Postcode Address File (PAF). Information on PAF is used to produce a number of address management products available to the public. It is also reproduced in free postal address books, which we provide to all organisations listed on the file. Find out more about PAF data and Postal address books.
Cancelling the box
To cancel your box before the end of the rental period, you must give at least one month’s written notice to your local Royal Mail sales centre. Fees are non-refundable.
Withdrawal of the service
We reserve the right to withdraw the service immediately and without prior notice, for any reason, including breach of any of the service conditions, or where we believe the reputation of Royal Mail Group plc or Royal Mail could be brought into disrepute.
Misuse of the PO Box
The box must not be used for any illegal or fraudulent purpose.
Suspension of the service
The service will be unavailable on days when mail is not being delivered. We reserve the right to suspend your PO Box if postal services are suspended generally.
The Postal Services Act 2000
The PO Box service is provided under the relevant postal scheme made under The Postal Services Act 2000. We cannot advise you on the provisions of the Act. If you think you may breach them, we suggest you obtain independent legal advice. |
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