• Make sure that your mailbox meets federal standards.mailbox on purple door image by Christopher Martin from Fotolia.com
  
  You may think it is amusing to have an outrageous and attention-getting mailbox, but before you go out and purchase a furry 10-foot dog for your mail storage container, make sure that your mailbox meets federal regulations. If you need to purchase or replace a new mailbox, remember to adhere to the United States Postal Service rules.
  
  

Moving Your Mailbox

• Before moving your mailbox to a new place on your property, check with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to be approved. If you decide on that 10-foot furry dog, or any other custom design, your postmaster must approve it, and will do so as long as it meets federal regulations.
  
  

Name Display

• Make sure that the name that appears on your mailbox is correct and that it is at least 1 inch in height.
  
  

Height of Mailbox

• The bottom of your mailbox should stand 41 to 45 inches above the surface of the road. If there is a problem with the road or the curb that prevents the correct height of the mailbox, contact your local postmaster.
  
  

Nearness to the Road

• The face of the mailbox should be set back 6 to 8 inches from the edge of the road or curb.
  
  

Mailbox Locks

• All mailbox locks must be approved by the USPS, and the slot needs to be large enough to accommodate the large volume of mail you receive at your residence.
  
  

Mailbox Advertising

• No advertisements are allowed on a mailbox under any condition. This includes political campaign adds, bumper stickers or fliers.
  
  

Newspaper Delivery

• You may attach a separate receptacle for a newspaper if it doesn't touch the mailbox or use it for support, cause problems for mail delivery, display advertising except for the name of the newspaper, or if its length doesn't extend beyond the mailbox's.
  
  

Post Strength

• Make sure that your mailbox post is strong and stable. This is the responsibility of the mailbox owner.
  
  

Door Slots

• A mailbox slot should be rectangular in shape and at least 1 1/2 inches wide and 7 inches long. There must be a flap screwed on the top if the slot is placed horizontally. If the slot is vertical, the door should be hinged on the side.