Make Sure Your Wyoming Mailbox Is Actually Legal

It's just a box to collect your mail, right?

Nope, I guess not.

Mailboxes have been a staple for homes since the mid to late 1800's, but it became mandatory in the 1920's for every house to have a mailbox or a mail slot. The receptacle was required by the postal service, so the mail service ensured the delivery of the homes mail.

Once mailboxes at homes became required, the postal service needed to have requirements, to make sure all of the mailboxes were the same size. By doing this, there would be no issues for letters, magazines, packages and be strong enough to withstand wear & tear from the weather.

Today, the mailbox size rules are still in place. If something happens to your mailbox and you need to replace it or the support that holds it up, you HAVE to contact the post office. Not only contact them, but have your mailbox approved by the postal service.

Did you know that messing with someone's mailbox is a federal offense and could get you a fine of up to $250,000 and/or prison time? Yep, mailboxes are a big deal and screwing with someone's can cause you big trouble. That being said, it doesn't always stop people and you may have had yours knocked over or destroyed by cars or crazy kids.

If that's happened and you have a plan to build your own mailbox, you have to make sure it fits the postal services established guidelines. If not, you could be fined up to $5,000.

I know, you're wondering what those guidelines are, right? Good news, I'm going to tell you.

• Before installing, moving or replacing your mailbox or mailbox support, you
  will need to contact your local Post Office.
  • Posts must not be made of concrete or other materials that can injure or kill drivers during a collision.
• Name put on box should be at least one inch high
• Generally, the boxes should be installed with the bottom of the box at a vertical
  height of between 41-45 inches from the road surface
• A mailbox with a lock must have a slot large enough to accommodate customer's daily mail volume
• Advertising on a mailbox or the supporting post of the mailbox is prohibited.
• If you have a curbside mailbox, or a mailbox on the outside of your house, USPS
  regulations govern what can and can't be placed in them. Generally speaking, only mail that has been sent through the USPS may be placed in these types of receptacles.
• A receptacle for newspaper delivery by private companies may be attached to the post of a curbside mailbox used by the Postal Service if the receptacle:
  •  Does not touch the mailbox or use any part of the mailbox for support.
  •  Does not interfere with the delivery of mail, obstruct the view of the mailbox flag, or present a hazard to mailperson or vehicle.
  • Does not extend beyond the front of the mailbox when the box door is closed.
  • Does not display advertising, except the publication title.