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Sending mail to loved ones serving in the military or working in diplomatic posts overseas is straightforward with the right information.
The United States Postal Service (USPS), in partnership with the Department of Defense and Department of State, has established a system using APO, FPO, and DPO addresses. This guide will help you successfully send mail to these addresses.
Understanding APO, FPO, and DPO Addresses
These acronyms represent specific types of postal facilities that serve different branches of the U.S. government and military:
- APO (Army Post Office/Air Force Post Office): Used for mail sent to Army or Air Force personnel
- FPO (Fleet Post Office): Used for Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard personnel, as well as Navy installations and ships
- DPO (Diplomatic Post Office): Used for U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic staff stationed abroad
The USPS treats mail sent to these addresses as domestic mail, offering domestic pricing even though the recipients are overseas.
How to Address Military Mail
Addressing mail correctly is crucial for timely delivery. Follow this format:
For APO (Army/Air Force):
RANK FULL NAME (rank is optional)
UNIT # BOX # (or PSC # BOX #)
APO AA/AE/AP ZIP CODE
For FPO (Navy/Marines/Coast Guard):
RANK FULL NAME (rank is optional)
SHIP NAME HULL # (for vessels)
-or-
UNIT # BOX # (for shore installations)
FPO AA/AE/AP ZIP CODE
For DPO (Diplomatic):
FULL NAME (no rank)
UNIT # BOX #
DPO AA/AE/AP ZIP CODE
Important Address Guidelines:
- Never include the actual foreign city or country name
- Always use the appropriate two-letter armed forces region abbreviation:
- AA = Armed Forces Americas
- AE = Armed Forces Europe (including Middle East, Africa, and Canada)
- AP = Armed Forces Pacific
- Use the correct ZIP code assigned to the military unit (preferably with the 4-digit extension)
- Always include a complete return address
Example Addresses:
- APO Example: PFC JOHN DOE, PSC 3 BOX 4120, APO AE 09021
- FPO Example: SEAMAN JOSEPH SMITH, UNIT 100100 BOX 4120, FPO AP 96691
- DPO Example: JOHN ADAMS, UNIT 8400 BOX 0000, DPO AE 09498-0048
Shipping Options and Carriers
USPS as Primary Carrier
The USPS is the primary carrier for delivering mail to APO/FPO/DPO addresses. Unlike private carriers, the USPS is authorized to deliver directly to military bases and diplomatic posts.
Key benefits of using USPS include:
- Domestic pricing for overseas locations
- Established infrastructure for reliable delivery
- Free Priority Mail® APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Boxes
- Free military shipping kits available at store.usps.com
Other Carriers
Most private carriers have limitations when shipping to military addresses:
- FedEx: Generally does not offer direct delivery to APO/FPO/DPO addresses. FedEx Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost) may deliver to these addresses through final delivery by USPS.
- UPS: Limited service to military addresses. UPS SurePost® may be available for residential destinations including APO/FPO/DPO addresses through USPS for final delivery.
- DHL: Generally cannot deliver to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses. DHL eCommerce might offer domestic services for military addresses in some cases.
Forwarding services like Shipitapo allow you to ship to a US address which is then forwarded to the APO/FPO/DPO address for a fee.
Postage Rates and Services
Standard domestic USPS rates apply to all mail sent to APO/FPO/DPO locations:
- A standard first-class mail stamp can deliver a letter to a US military service member anywhere in the world
- For packages, use the Calculate a Price tool on the USPS website
Available Services:
- Free Priority Mail® APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Boxes and military shipping kits
- Click-N-Ship®: Create postage and address labels online
- Free Package Pickup: Schedule at tools.usps.com/schedule-pickup-steps.htm
- USPS Ground Advantage®: Available for shipping packages back to the US from APO/FPO locations
- Priority Mail Express International® and Priority Mail International®: For expedited shipping
Delivery Times:
Delivery times vary based on mail class, destination, and current military activity:
- First-Class Mail® and Priority Mail®: Typically 7-9 days to Europe/Atlantic and Japan/Korea/Pacific Islands; 15-18 days to Africa
- Parcel Select* and USPS Ground Advantage™*: 18-45 days depending on destination
Customs Forms Requirements
While treated as domestic for postage, mail to APO/FPO/DPO addresses often requires customs forms:
When Customs Forms Are Required:
- For all packages being sent overseas
- Exception: First-Class Mail International® letters and large envelopes under 15.994 ounces containing only nonnegotiable documents or correspondence
Which Form to Use:
- PS Form 2976-A: For packages weighing more than 1 pound (16 ounces)
- PS Form 2976: For packages weighing less than 1 pound
How to Complete Customs Forms:
- Complete online through Click-N-Ship® or at a local Post Office™
- Print in English using blue or black ink
- Provide detailed descriptions of each item (e.g., “men’s cotton shirts” not just “clothes”)
- Include sender’s and recipient’s full names and addresses
- Write “United States” in the country box for APO/FPO/DPO addresses
- Declare value accurately
- Sign and date the form
For shipments to countries within the European Union (EU), more detailed descriptions are necessary to determine the Harmonized System (HS) Tariff Code.
When using customs forms for APO/FPO/DPO mail, you typically need to take the package to a Post Office™ counter where a postal clerk will create the shipping label.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Before shipping, check the list of restricted items, as regulations vary by destination.
Generally Prohibited Items:
- Hazardous materials (alcohol, aerosols, flammable substances)
- Illegal drugs
- Firearms (except when mailed by or to official U.S. government agencies)
- Obscene or political content (varies by location)
- Materials depicting nude or semi-nude persons
- Pornographic material
- Unauthorized political materials
- Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith (in some locations)
How to Check Restrictions:
Use the Military Restrictions tool on the USPS website to enter the recipient’s ZIP code and check for specific prohibitions.
For a comprehensive list of restrictions for all APO/FPO/DPO destinations, consult the most recent Postal Bulletin pull-out section.
Perishable items may be restricted unless packaged to ensure they arrive in good condition.
Tips for Successful Delivery
Follow these guidelines to ensure your mail reaches its destination:
Packaging:
- Use sturdy boxes or envelopes
- Ensure all items are well-protected
- Consider temperature variations during transit
- Tuck an extra address label inside the box
Labeling:
- Print or write the address clearly and legibly
- Include all required information
- Place a duplicate address label inside the package
- Always include a return address
Shipping:
- Consider purchasing insurance through USPS for valuable items
- Be patient – delivery times can vary significantly
- Allow up to 21 days for standard shipping
- Use Priority Mail for faster delivery
- Double-check restrictions before sealing your package
- Consider the climate at the destination for perishable items
The Impact of Your Mail
Sending mail to military personnel and diplomatic staff stationed far from home is more than just a logistical task. It provides:
- A vital connection to home
- A significant boost to morale and well-being
- Comfort, entertainment, and a taste of home
Personal letters, photos, and care packages are always appreciated. Even simple gestures of connection can make a big difference to those serving our country abroad.
Shipping to APO/FPO/DPO addresses is straightforward when you follow the guidelines for addressing, postage, customs, and restrictions. Take the time to connect with your loved ones serving overseas through the invaluable connection of mail.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
