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Frequently Asked Questions
Home » Outdoor Decor » Mailboxes » Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the federal laws regarding mailboxes?
In order to standardize the postal system and to simplify the work of postal workers, the federal government has imposed a number of strict regulations regarding mailboxes.
• Size—Federal requirements state that the interior of a curbside mailbox must meet one of three dimensions: small (18.5” (long) x 5” (wide) x 6” (high)), large (19.5” x 6” x 7”), or extra large (22.5” x 8” x 11.5”). In addition, the bottom of a mailbox must be forty-two inches above the ground.
• Placement—The USPS requires that a curbside mailbox must “be placed to allow safe and convenient delivery carriers without leaving their vehicles.”
• Accessories—Mailboxes must be clearly marked with house numbers that are at least one inch tall. In addition, the flag that indicates outgoing mail must be clearly visible.
You should contact your local postmaster if you want to verify whether your mailbox is acceptable. If a mailbox does not meet federal requirements, the postal service can deny delivery, so make sure that your mailbox satisfies these requirements and that the path to your mailbox is unobstructed. Finally, remember that mailboxes are federal property, so vandalism of mailboxes or theft of items within a mailbox is a federal offense with potentially serious fines and punishments.
How can I decorate my mailbox?
Even though mailboxes must meet federal requirements, you can still create a custom mailbox or decorate your mailbox to add character to your home and landscaping. You can paint your mailbox in any color or with any design, and you can build a protective case around your mailbox. The only restrictions are that the mailbox must not be offensive, and the flag and house number must always be visible.
Do I need to protect my mailbox in any way?
Most people will not need to protect their mailbox, although mailboxes in rural areas are more susceptible to vandalism than are mailboxes in urban areas. If you suspect vandalism, contact the postmaster to report it and to obtain a warning that you can post in your mailbox proclaiming the penalties for vandalism.
If you are concerned about theft, consider purchasing a post office box or a lockable mailbox. Some mailboxes also offer separate slots to receive packages, so look for one of these if you want to avoid leaving packages in the open. Perhaps the best way to protect your mailbox, however, is simply to take care of it, as a well-maintained mailbox can help to deter vandals and thieves.
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