Mailbox Regulations
Upgrading your mailbox can add serious curb appeal to your home and be a fun DIY project for experienced home improvement enthusiasts and beginners alike. Although you may be excited to get started, it’s important to make sure you choose a mailbox that’s not only eye-catching but compatible with the regulations outlined by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and your local Home Owners Association (HOA) covenants, so you won’t have to start over.
Depending on whether your location requires a post-mount mailbox installed by the roadside, a mail slot on your front door, a wall-mount mailbox on your front porch or some other type of accommodation, the USPS has specific guidelines for placement and size. Before purchasing anything, check the USPS website for regulations for your area to determine what’s allowed. Also note that, although the packaging on some mailboxes may display a Postmaster General (PMG) label, it’s important to double check as requirements are occasionally updated. Checking it from time to time will help keep your USPS mailbox in compliance. Below are some general principles to help you get started.
Curbside Mailboxes (Post-Mount Mailboxes)
- Mailboxes must be mounted on a post 6 to 8 inches from the curb.
- Mailboxes must be 41 to 45 inches high when measured from the street to the bottom of the mailbox door. Be sure to consider how far the post will need to sit in the ground when determining the appropriate length.
- Mailboxes must be mounted on the right side of the road with the door facing outward.
- Mailbox numbers must be clearly legible and at least 1 inch tall.
- Your full street address must be on your mailbox if it’s on a different street from your house or apartment.
Door Slots and Wall-Mount Mailboxes
- If you’re attaching a mailbox to your home exterior, make sure it’s easy to find and the postal carrier can reach it from your porch, steps or sidewalk without having to deal with any obstacles.
- Check local USPS regulations for door slot dimensions. These are typically at least 10 inches wide by 1.75 inches tall. The correct mounting height is most often at least 30 inches above the bottom edge of the door.
If you have accessibility challenges, or are installing a mailbox for someone who is, you can apply for special accommodations with your local USPS branch. If the mail is usually delivered by carrier vehicle, you may be able to place a post-mount mailbox on a more accessible side of the street, or have mail delivered to a front porch via a door slot or wall-mounted mailbox.
Mailbox Sizes
- A small mailbox (12 inches tall, 5 – 19 inches wide and 4 –14 inches deep) may be enough for a small household or average one that doesn’t typically receive a lot of mail. For reference, a mailbox of this size can usually hold approximately 10 or 12 business-size envelopes and a couple of rolled-up newspapers or magazines.
- A standard mailbox, which may be called a medium mailbox in some cases (6 – 20 inches tall, 6 – 20 inches wide and 10 – 20 inches deep), can hold 10 or 12 business-size envelopes, a few rolled-up newspapers or magazines and a few small packages. This size is good for a household that receives several magazine or newspaper subscriptions and shops online an average amount.
- A large mailbox (12 – 20 inches tall, 10 – 20 inches wide and 6 – 20 inches deep) can hold the same amount as a standard mailbox plus a few small- or medium-size boxes as big as a shoebox or smaller. Another advantage of this type of mailbox is that it’s wide enough that a postal carrier won’t have to roll up newspapers and magazines. So, if you don’t necessarily receive a hefty amount of mail, but bends and creases annoy you, consider a larger mailbox.
- An extra-large mailbox (20 – 40 inches tall, 15 – 40 inches wide and 10 – 20 inches deep) can hold quite a bit of mail in addition to packages larger than a shoebox. This size is great for large households, individuals who shop online a lot or even some small businesses.
Check out our helpful, detailed article Install a Mailbox for DIY help, including useful tips for digging postholes, mailbox maintenance and more.
Mailbox Styles
Here’re some popular mailbox ideas so you know what styles are available for purchase today. These styles are all regulation mailboxes.
Mail Slots
If you live in a neighborhood where postal carriers deliver mail on foot, a mail slot on your front door is a stylish, convenient choice. It also means you don’t even have to open the door to get your mail, which is nice on days when the weather is unpleasant. Mail slots are a particular favorite of those who like a home with a vintage aesthetic.
Wall-Mount Mailboxes
Wall-mount mailboxes install on your home’s exterior and should be placed near the front door per USPS regulations. One distinct advantage of a wall-mount mailbox on a front porch as opposed to a curbside post-mount one is that your mail is protected from the rain.
Post-Mount Mailboxes
This style is intended to be installed on top of a mailbox post and is the kind typically required for neighborhoods where the carrier delivers mail by vehicle. Post-mount mailboxes vary the most when it comes to size options when compared to wall-mount mailboxes and door slots.
Locking Mailboxes
Locking mailboxes allow postal workers to deliver mail and packages without opening the entire box. This adds extra security if you’ve had trouble with passersby stealing packages in the past, or if you just want to minimize the chances of future theft.
Creative Mailbox Ideas
Looking to really elevate your home’s curb appeal? Check out our how-tos for building your own block mailbox column or planter-mailbox combination. You’ll find everything you need including step-by-step instructions and helpful diagrams, as well as design tips for making the project your own.