How to Find a PO Box Owner: Best Methods to Find a Real Address  

Every so often, we receive the same question: “How do I find the owner of a PO Box?” While PO Boxes are designed to provide privacy, certain situations—especially legal or investigative ones—may require identifying the person behind that address.

PO Boxes are commonly used to protect personal privacy. They’re popular among public figures, business owners, and even regular individuals who prefer not to disclose their residential address. But when there’s a legitimate need—such as legal proceedings, debt recovery, or reconnecting with someone—finding out who owns a PO Box becomes possible.

Below are three practical methods you can use to conduct a PO Box owner search, along with explanations on when they’re allowed, what to prepare, and how Searchbug’s tools can help.

Method 1: Ask the Local Post Office  

Who Can Request PO Box Information?  

If you have a valid legal reason—such as involvement in court proceedings—you may request the owner’s address behind a PO Box. For example, according to the Superior Court of California, this request may be granted if the box is used for business purposes or if court-related documentation is provided for personal use PO Boxes.

What You Need:  

• The PO Box number and ZIP code
• Legal documentation (e.g., court order, subpoena)
• A written explanation of your purpose (e.g., debt collection, process serving)

Steps:  

1. Find your local USPS branch. Search “[your state] post office” online. Example: “California Post Office.”
2. Visit in person or send documentation. Provide your evidence and explain your request clearly.
3. Certify the intended use. You must confirm the information is being used for a lawful purpose.

Keep in mind, USPS regulations strictly protect personal information. This method works only for eligible individuals and situations.

If you’re not sure whether your case or situation qualifies, speak with legal counsel like the ones at https://stevedillard.co/ or contact the postmaster of the USPS branch in question directly.

Method 2: Use Address Verification and People Search Tools  

If the post office can’t release the details or you want to cross-reference an address, online tools can help.

USPS Address Verification Tool  

This tool confirms whether an address is valid and able to receive mail. Enter the PO Box to:

• Verify deliverability
• Confirm address status (vacant, active, missing unit number)
• Identify address type (residential, business, PO Box)

Use Searchbug’s USPS Address Verification to test a PO Box’s deliverability.

This is especially helpful if you’re trying to validate a lead, cross-check client information, or simply avoid sending mail to inactive boxes. Many businesses use this to scrub mailing lists or confirm that contact records are still up to date.

People Search: Find More Info  

Once verified, you can use a People Search tool to uncover:

• Full Name(s)
• Phone number(s)
• Email address(es)

This helps fill in missing details and uncover the real person behind the box.

Searchbug’s People Search tool comprises a myriad of verified data sources, so you’re not just guessing. This service is useful for skip tracing, cold outreach, or investigating mail fraud issues. It can save you time instead of chasing inaccurate leads.

Method 3: Run a Reverse PO Box Lookup  

If legal methods or data appending aren’t enough, your best option may be a professional PO Box lookup. Searchbug offers a Reverse PO Box Search that leverages private databases and human investigators.

How It Works:  

1. Create a free Searchbug account. No subscription required.
2. Provide details. You’ll need the name, PO Box address, and ZIP code.
3. Pay and Submit request. The price for this investigator-assisted search is $49.97. Orders are manually reviewed by licensed professionals.
4. Results in 1 business day. If no match is found, a partial refund is provided.

Why It’s Effective:  

Unlike automated tools, Searchbug relies on experienced researchers with access to restricted databases, offering a higher success rate.

If you’re a lawyer, investigator, or property manager dealing with sensitive communications or fraud, this is one of the most efficient ways to uncover the real individual or entity behind a mailbox.

Why People Search for PO Box Owners  

Here are some of the common use cases:

• Legal matters: Serving court papers, tracing witnesses, or debtors.
• Mail forwarding issues: Identifying the new address of someone who moved.
• Reconnection: Finding family or friends with limited address information.
• Business due diligence: Verifying who owns a business-related PO Box.
• Security or fraud checks: Ensuring a person or company is who they claim to be.

In many of these cases, knowing the real address can help resolve problems more efficiently and legally.

FAQs  

Can I find a PO Box owner for free?

No. If you want full name and address details, there is going to be a cost involved due to the nature of the type of data access needed to find this information.

Is it legal to search for a PO Box owner?

Yes—if your purpose is legitimate and documented. Searches for legal, court-ordered, or investigative reasons may be permitted.

How does Searchbug’s PO Box Lookup differ from others?

Searchbug uses human researchers, not just public records. This means better accuracy and faster turnaround—without subscriptions or hidden fees.

How long does it take to get results from Searchbug?

Typically, turnaround is 1 business day. In rare cases, it may take longer if more complex research is required.

Will I always get results?

No search is guaranteed, but if information can’t be found, Searchbug offers a partial refund.

Final Thoughts  

Finding out who owns a PO Box isn’t always easy—but it is possible. Whether you’re involved in a legal case, dealing with undelivered mail, or simply need to verify an address, there are solutions available.

Start with low cost options like USPS validation tools, but if that doesn’t work, use professional-grade services like Searchbug’s Reverse PO Box Lookup. With the right steps and a lawful reason, you can uncover the information you need without wasting time or violating privacy rules.

Disclaimer: PO Box owner searches must comply with USPS regulations and privacy laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974. Always ensure you have a lawful reason before requesting this type of data.

Ready to find the real address behind a PO Box? Start your PO Box owner search now.