PO Box Washington, DC can be a simple, official solution for safer mail, especially for letters and smaller parcels. But DC has some unique realities: busy post offices, higher-demand fee groups, apartment delivery challenges, and (unfortunately) a lot of package theft risk.
If you’ve ever searched “PO Box near me” in Washington, DC after a streak of missed deliveries, Amazon stolen packages, or “delivered” boxes that never actually show up, you’re not alone. DC consistently ranks among the worst U.S. cities for package theft (aka porch piracy), and local reporting has pegged the annual losses in the hundreds of millions.
Below is a DC-specific guide to PO Boxes, including official USPS pricing tables, local package theft context, and alternatives like Mailbox Service providers and package receiving services in Washington DC.
If you’re looking for a secure place to receive and store packages in Washington, DC, check out this convenient package storage location near Capital One Arena.
A PO Box is most useful in DC if you’re dealing with:
Local DC coverage has highlighted just how large the problem is. WTOP reported that DC ranks No. 4 nationally for porch piracy and cited roughly $231 million in losses and millions of incidents. The Wash similarly reported ~2 million package theft incidents and $231 million in losses in DC in 2024.
On top of that, the USPS Office of Inspector General summarized package theft as a nationwide issue, “at least 58 million packages stolen” with “as much as $16 billion” in losses (for 2024).
USPS PO Box pricing varies by Fee Group (location-based) and box size. DC ZIP codes are often in higher-demand categories, so it’s normal to see higher prices than suburban areas. USPS’s “Find a PO Box Near You” tool shows the exact price at your selected post office.
Market Dominant PO Box fees (common USPS PO Boxes)
6-month fees by Fee Group (USD):
Fee Group 7 (higher-demand / big-city example):
Fee Group 1 (lower-cost example):
That looks backward at first glance, USPS fee groups don’t mean “higher number = higher price” across the board in the Market Dominant table.
The key takeaway: prices are fee-group dependent, and the USPS lookup tool is the safest way to get the exact DC post office rate.
Extra USPS PO Box costs to know
From the official USPS table:
Tip for DC renters: If you’re in a building with turnover or multiple household members, budget for at least one spare key.
USPS sizes vary by location, but in practice:
Size 1–2: great for letters, government mail, small padded envelopes
Size 3: better for frequent small parcels
Size 4–5: best if you get regular online orders (but may cost more and be harder to find available in busy DC offices)
If your main pain is Amazon stolen packages, a PO Box can reduce doorstep exposure, especially for small-to-medium shipments that USPS delivers.
A lot of people searching “Mailbox near me” are really comparing:
USPS PO Box
Pros:
Official USPS solution
Very consistent for mail security
Often cheaper than private options
Cons:
Typically USPS deliveries only (not ideal if you get lots of UPS/FedEx)
Pickup only during lobby hours (some locations have extended access)
How to get one: USPS lets you reserve/apply online and then verify ID in person with required documentation.
Private Mailbox Service (e.g., UPS Store mailbox)
Pros:
Often a real street address
May accept packages from multiple carriers (USPS/UPS/FedEx)
Add-ons like notifications and forwarding
Example (DC): The UPS Store location page describes mailbox services like secure package acceptance, mail holding/forwarding, and notifications.
Cons:
Pricing varies by location and mailbox size (you typically need to call or visit to confirm)
Porch piracy is a “crime of opportunity,” and DC officials and local reporting consistently emphasize prevention. The Wash quoted an MPD public affairs official noting how cameras can be both deterrent and helpful for investigations.
WTOP also highlighted practical prevention steps, including using secure pickup options and lockers.
Bottom line: If you’re seeing frequent package theft, switching your delivery pattern (PO Box, lockers, staffed receiving) is often more effective than trying to “outsmart” thieves at your front door.
People usually lump these together as USPS lost packages, UPS lost packages, and FedEx lost packages, but each carrier has a different process.
USPS lost packages
USPS provides a guided Missing Mail process and notes that if your shipment had insurance, you may be able to file a claim, generally no later than 60 days from the mailing date (for insured items).
UPS lost packages
UPS directs customers to File a Claim online for missing or damaged shipments.
FedEx lost packages
FedEx provides an online claims flow for shipments that are damaged, lost, or missing items and outlines required documentation (tracking number and supporting materials).
DC tip: If you’re repeatedly getting “delivered” scans that don’t match reality, change the delivery destination first (PO Box, locker, staffed receiving), then chase claims, because repeated replacements can still get stolen.
If a PO Box doesn’t fit your delivery mix (especially for UPS/FedEx-heavy households), these options are popular in DC:
1) Amazon pickup options (Lockers, Counters, partner pickup)
Amazon explicitly supports delivery to pickup points like Amazon Locker, Amazon Counter, and UPS Access Point locations for eligible packages.
2) Amazon Hub lockers at DC police headquarters
WTOP reported that DC promoted Amazon Hub lockers at District police headquarters, describing them as well-guarded and available 24 hours.
3) Private mailbox providers
A Mailbox Service (private mailbox) can accept multiple carriers and provide notifications. The UPS Store describes these features directly on its mailbox service pages.
Another package drop-off alternative, namely package receiving services in Washington, DC is something that package recipients need to consider.
Stowfly, a package storage service provider runs a network of vetted local storefronts that accept packages on behalf of businesses and consumers, making deliveries safer and easier to manage.
If you’re receiving frequent orders (work equipment, high-value items, or lots of online shopping), a package receiving service in Washington DC can be the most “set-it-and-forget-it” option.
Unlike a traditional PO Box that may limit carrier acceptance, package receiving services allow shipments from all major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon Logistics) to be delivered to a staffed local business location instead of your front door or unattended lobby.
For example, Stowfly operates a network of vetted local storefronts that accept packages on behalf of individuals and businesses, helping reduce missed deliveries and theft risk in high-density DC neighborhoods.
Shoppers can ship orders from any carrier to a nearby pickup point and retrieve them using a secure, unique pickup PIN. Because deliveries are handed to staff rather than left exposed, theft risk is significantly reduced.
What package receiving services typically offer:
Package receiving services in Washington, DC are particularly useful in apartment buildings where lobby drop-offs are common and where packages may sit unattended for hours. They also work well for remote workers, small businesses, resellers, and residents who travel frequently.
For households heavily impacted by repeated Amazon stolen packages or “delivered but not received” issues, switching to a staffed receiving location often solves the problem more effectively than filing repeated claims.
If you're considering alternatives to a PO Box, explore our guide on package delivery stores near you, are they safe and what you should know
A PO Box in Washington, DC is a strong solution if your main goal is securing mail and smaller USPS-delivered parcels. It’s official, relatively affordable, and reduces front-door exposure.
However, many DC residents receive packages from multiple carriers, and that’s where limitations can appear.
If:
You receive frequent UPS or FedEx deliveries
You’ve experienced repeated package theft
Your building lobby isn’t secure
You need flexible pickup options
Then alternatives like Amazon Lockers, private mailbox services, or full-service package receiving providers may offer better protection and convenience.
In a city where porch piracy remains a serious issue and delivery volumes continue to rise, changing where your packages go is often more effective than trying to secure your doorstep.
The right choice depends on your delivery mix:
Ultimately, in Washington, DC, proactive delivery planning is no longer optional, it’s part of protecting your time, money, and peace of mind.
For a similar breakdown of PO Box pros, cons, and alternative package receiving options in another major U.S. city, check out our detailed guide on PO Box in San Francisco: Pros, Cons, and Better Options for Packages