What is a PMB address and how to write it

A PMB address is the street address of a private mail receiving business plus your own box number, written with "PMB" (private mailbox) or the "#" sign. In the United States, USPS rules say mail for a private mailbox must carry that designation, for example "PMB 234" or "#234", or it can be returned to the sender.

What does PMB stand for?

PMB stands for private mailbox. It is a mailbox you rent at a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA), not at a Post Office.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) defines a CMRA as a business that, in whole or in part, accepts the delivery of US Mail on behalf of another person or entity as a business service. Mail centers, pack-and-ship stores and virtual mailbox providers with US locations are CMRAs.

YogoMailbox is a virtual mailbox platform that gives you a real street address at a local mail center in Canada or the United States, with mail scanning and forwarding.

How do you write a PMB address?

USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 508.1.8.3 gives a preferred four-line format. Your PMB goes on its own line, above the street address of the mail center:

JOE DOE
PMB 234
10 MAIN ST STE 11
HERNDON VA 22071-2716

USPS also accepts a three-line format, with the PMB at the end of the street line:

JOE DOE
10 MAIN ST PMB 234
HERNDON VA 22071-2716

You can write "#234" instead of "PMB 234" in both formats. One exception: when the mail center's own address already has a secondary element, such as a suite, use "PMB" (not "#") in the three-line format, for example "10 MAIN ST STE 11 PMB 234".

Can you write "Suite" or "Unit" instead of PMB?

No. USPS Publication 28, section 285, says the private mailbox number must follow either "PMB" or "#". Any other identifier is prohibited. You also cannot merge the mail center's suite number and your box number into one number.

Some people change "PMB" to "Suite" because it looks more like an office. That breaks the USPS rule and can delay or block delivery. Use the exact address your mail center gives you.

What happens if you forget the PMB number?

Under DMM 508.1.8.3, USPS may return mail without a proper PMB or # designation to the sender, endorsed "Undeliverable as Addressed, Missing PMB or # Sign." Even when a letter reaches the mail center, staff then have to match it to you by name, which takes time.

Give every sender the full address: your name, the PMB line, the street line, then city, state and ZIP Code.

Is a PMB address a real street address?

Yes. Publication 28 says the delivery address line of a PMB address is the standardized street address of the private company. Your box number is added to that street address. This is the main difference with a PO Box:

	PMB address	USPS PO Box
Who rents it to you	A private business (CMRA)	USPS, at a Post Office
Address format	Street address + PMB or # number	PO Box + number
USPS Form 1583 needed	Yes	No

Do you need USPS Form 1583 to get a PMB?

Yes. USPS requires PS Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent, before a CMRA can receive mail for you. Since 1/7/2023, you must show two forms of identification, and the form is signed in front of the CMRA or a notary. The CMRA writes its full delivery address in block 4 of the form.

See the full guide to USPS Form 1583 and the list of documents and IDs you need.

FAQ

Can two people share one PMB?

Yes, but each adult files their own form. USPS rules say spouses must each complete and sign a separate PS Form 1583 to receive mail at the same PMB.

Where do I put the PMB on an online checkout form?

Use the three-line format allowed by USPS: street address followed by PMB and the number, for example "10 MAIN ST PMB 234". It fits in a single address field.

Does a mailbox in Canada use a PMB?

PMB is a USPS designation. It applies to private mailboxes in the United States. For a mailbox in Canada, use the exact address format your mail center gives you. If you live in Canada and need a US address, read how a US address works for Canadians.

Get your own private mailbox

Pick a mail center and a plan on the YogoMailbox pricing page. You get a street address with your own box number, ready to share once your documents are approved.

Sources

Last updated: 28/10/2026