The Postal Service will charge a non-refundable $10.00 fee to replace a post office box lock or combination lock when the primary box holder has requested that service. Customers can exchange, at no charge, up to two keys with each "new" lock. They must pay the additional key fee (plus deposit) for any further keys.
Customers should return all compartment keys to the Post Office when they move from their residence. When a customer moves, the Post Office will change the lock before reissuing the compartment. The new customer is not charged for the first lock and keys even though the Postal Service replaced it.
If you should want to have another key, you can have one made at your own expense. If you've lost a key, it will take 2-3 days for the Post Office to issue you a new one. If the lock is damaged or doesn't work, you will have to inform the post office. Replacing a broken lock will require a fee in many cases.
If it belongs to USPS, it'll have a USPS decal on the side of it, then you'll have to pay between $30 and $50 to have it replaced. It may take 4-6 weeks if not longer.
Depending on the circumstances, the post office may charge a fee for the replacement key, so make sure to ask about any associated costs. Replacing a USPS cluster mailbox key may not be the quickest process, so it's important to have patience and follow up with your local post office if needed.
Typically, the rate for replacements is about $10. If you have a mailbox that your local post office does not own, the cost of replacing it may depend on those factors plus: the cost labor for a maintenance person or locksmith.
While the USPS sets specific standards and regulations for mailboxes, the homeowner or property owner owns the physical mailbox. This ownership provides the freedom to select the design and location of your mailbox, provided it follows USPS regulations.
If you are the owner of the mailbox, getting a new mailbox key is relatively simple. All you have to do is contact a locksmith to help you. The locksmith can either replace the lock or re-key the lock. Replacing the lock involves putting a new lock on the mailbox.
Standard Residential Mailbox Locks: Common in suburban areas, these often use a specific style of key that can be duplicated by a locksmith. Commercial Mailbox Locks: Used in apartment complexes or office buildings, these locks often require specific keys that may not be easily replicated without the original.
Ensure maximum security for your tenant's mail with our cluster or letter-locking mailboxes. All locking mailboxes are USPS approved.
The Postal Service prohibits carriers from accepting keys for locks on private mail receptacles, buildings, or offices, except where an electromechanical door lock system or key keeper box is used. CBUs have secure, locking mailbox, and parcel locker compartments.
Postal owned Cluster Box: keys and locks (including parcel boxes), contact the Local Post Office. If Privately owned or maintained by a landlord, apartment complex, condo association or other housing group, then that management is responsible for maintaining the box including keys.
Here's how the process generally works: Key Access: Some locking mailboxes use a key lock system. Each mailbox has a designated key, and the mailman carries a set of keys to open these boxes. These keys are specific to the postal service, allowing mail carriers to unlock the boxes and insert mail.
The USPS does allow homeowners and businesses to use locking mailboxes for their mail delivery.
If the property owner purchased the mailbox, then they are responsible for fixing it. If the mailbox is maintained by the USPS, then you can technically contact your local post office when you need repairs.
Important: Before installing, moving or replacing your mailbox or mailbox support, you will need to contact your Postmaster or mailperson from your local Post Office™. All mailboxes must be approved by the Postal Service™. Custom made mailboxes will be approved by the Postmaster if they meet established standards.
Mailbox lock installation or replacement costs $70–120 on average (including equipment and labor).
Each box customer is charged a refundable deposit for post office box keys. Customers also are charged fees for duplicate and replacement post office box keys and for initiating lock changes on post office boxes.
US Postal Service Mailbox
Your local post office can change the lock for you if you request service from them. Depending on your local postal branch, and how busy they are, wait times can vary. A typical wait time is 1-2 weeks, but if it's the holiday season, you shouldn't expect it to be changed any time soon.
If you have information on mailbox vandalism or mail theft in your area, report it to your local Post Office™ or to the Postal Inspection Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
Per the U.S. Code, anyone who willfully damages or destroys any mailbox or other similar receptacle meant to receive mail is guilty of a federal offense. The law also prohibits anyone from breaking open a mailbox to destroy the mail inside.
A key will be left in the mailbox to be used as a parcel locker key. This key has a tag that indicates the parcel locker that contains the item. Insert the key into the correct parcel locker, and the mail piece can be retrieved. The key will remain in the locker once it is inserted.