Are you uncertain about how to approach delivering a package or mail to someone with a post office box? Discover the straightforward steps for serving an individual who uses their P.O. Box for their mailing address!

Many people use post office boxes (P.O. boxes) to receive mail, and this can present a challenge when you need to serve someone with legal documents. The process is different from serving someone at their home or place of work, but it can be done. Here’s what you need to know about how to serve an individual with a post office box.

1. First, check the rules of the P.O. box. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific regulations about what types of items can be delivered to a P.O. box, and these regulations vary by state. For example, in some states overnight delivery is not allowed and in others, only first-class mail is allowed. It’s important to know the rules before attempting to serve someone at a P.O. box so that you don’t run into any problems or delays.

2. Next, find out the name of the individual who is listed on the P.O. box lease agreement and contact them directly to arrange the service process. The USPS will not give out this information without a court order, so you’ll need to get creative if you’re unable to locate the individual yourself. One option is to place a notice in the P.O. box itself that includes your contact information and instructions for arranging the service process; another option is to fill out the form at the link below for the postal service to provide information.

https://lafayette-process-servers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ReqAddressChange.pdf

3a . If the individual agrees to accept service of process at their P.O., then you simply need to have the documents delivered to the P.. box following the USPS regulations for that particular type of mail (e.g., first-class, certified, etc.). Make sure to keep a copy of everything that you send for your records and proof of service later on down the road.

3b If the individual does NOT agree to accept service of process at their P., then you’ll need to go through the court system to get approval for alternative methods of service (e..g., publication). This process can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s always best to try and arrange service directly with the individual first if possible..

Serving an individual with legal documents can be tricky if they use a P..O.. box instead of a physical address, but it’s not impossible. By following these steps and working with the individual directly whenever possible, you can ensure that service is properly accomplished and that your case can move forward as planned..

It is important to note that the team at Lafayette Process Servers LLC are not legal advisors and this article should only be used for informational purposes. The laws governing a particular situation can vary from one state to another, so before making any decisions it is best to consult with an attorney.