USPS Mailbox Key Replacement Cost (2024)

February 20, 2024

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Step-by-Step Guide On What You Should Do When You Lose Your Mailbox Key (and the Costs)

Lost Your Community Mailbox Keys

Community mailboxes are for the residents of an apartment complex or other types of community pick-up and drop-off mail. If you are a tenant and have misplaced your key, notify building management as soon as possible. Different properties have different rules, but you generally want to report the loss to your landlord or property owner both in writing and in person.

If you have a community or cluster mailbox tied to thepost office, the process is different. Assuming you do not have a spare, you will need to:

• Find the website for the USPS post office that oversees your mailbox.

• Fill out the new keys replacement form and pay the fee (typically, the cost is $20 or more).

• The postal service company will send you a notice card via email when your new key is ready for pick-up. You will need to bring a government-issued ID with you.

• Confirm the compartment number and the location of your mailbox on the notice card.

If your new key still does not open your mailbox lock, you should be able to get another one free of charge. You may want to replace the lock if you cannot get it open with any key. For a mailbox lock replacement, you will need to:

• Request the change from the United States Postal Service (USPS) or your unit properly manager.

• When the post office changes your lock, you will receive a Delivery Notice Card on your doorstep. The card gives the address of where to get your keys.

• Bring the card with you to get the new keys. You may have to pay a deposit fee and provide photo identification.

Lost Your Post Office Keys

USPS post office boxes come with two keys so that you have a spare if you lose the main one. However, if you lose both of your keys, you need to fill out USPS Form 1093 to get another copy. If your post office box keys are worn down or damaged, you should have the option to get replacements without charge.

The price of a USPS PO box key replacement depends on your state or region and the type of box you own. 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

• the cost to replace your mailbox

• the time needed to complete the job

Lost Single-Family Residence Mailbox Keys

Post offices don't carry spares for residential boxes, and your mail carrier cannot provide you with much help. When you lose the key to your mailbox at home, you usually have two options:

Get a Professional Locksmith

Professional locksmiths can assist you in creating new keys for home boxes. They tend to be the fastest solution to your problem, but they may not be the cheapest. Locksmith fees depend on your location and the homeowner association (HOA) regulations for your neighborhood or property.

If you need access to your USPS mailbox fast, then a locksmith may be your best bet. However, when you phone a 24-hour locksmith, you will have to pay for labor and hardware expenses. At some point, it may be cheaper to use a new mailbox with a different keyhole entirely. Do some research to find the most cost-effective option for you.

Use the Manufacturer

Another option to get assistance is to find the information for your key manufacturer. Report that you lost your USPS mailbox key and give them your mailbox item number. They may:

• request proof of purchase to show that you own the mailbox in question

• charge you a small fee of at least $7

• send a new mail key to your house

This process may take three to five days, but it will be the most cost-effective way if you are not in a rush.

If you are a mailbox owner, it could be an even better idea to change boxes altogether. You won't have to worry about someone finding your lost key and invading your privacy. At this time, you may want to ask your USPS mailman office tohold your mailuntil you get a new key. That way, you won't have mail carriers delivering letters that you cannot access.

Other FAQS

Can Mailbox Keys Be Copied?

The answer to this question depends on your situation. If you have a mailbox not located in a United States Postal Service facility, you could make a copy of your key if needed. There are many places to have your key duplicated, allowing you to worry less about misplacing this critical item.

No matter how many keys you have, keep each key in a different location. This suggestion ensures that you can always check your mail, even when you misplace one key.

However, if you have a USPS PO box, you cannot duplicate that key yourself. You will have to go to a post office clerk to order another key. The template for a USPS key is not available to you.

Where Can I Duplicate My Mailbox Key?

There are several places to have your keys duplicated. You can get a fast copy of a mail key at:

• Home Depot

• Walmart

• Hardware stores

It's essential to go to a store where they use a manual duplicating machine. You may have trouble using a key made with an automatic cartridge machine on your mailbox, as this approach may not be accurate enough. You don't want your locks to jam because you used a rough key too many times.

If you want to replace your mail lock instead of your key, there is a way you can do it yourself. Wait for the letter carrier to come and open your box, then:

1. Find the clip inside that holds the lock together.

2. Take it out with a wrench.

3. Pull the extended lip away with pliers until it detaches from the lock. Now you can remove it.

4. Use a screwdriver to remove the locking cam, and attach it to the back of your new lock. The cam has an 'S' curve, and it should face the top area of the lock.

5. Loop the new lock's nut to the upper side of the lock frame and squeeze it into place.

6. Use spray grease on the locking metal and test the lock.

Everyone can replace their lock with the right tools. If you have no experience or have more questions, it may help to watch a video. However, it may be less time-consuming to call a professional.