Can I use a PO Box as my Registered Location

Drug Enforcement Administration
Diversion Control Division
Guidance Document
Title: Can I use a PO Box as my Registered Location
Summary: This guidance document answers the question: “If a registrant may use a post office
box or private mailbox address as the registered address.”
Activity: Using a Post Office Box As The Registered Address
To Whom It Applies: DEA Registrants
Question: Can I use a Post Office (PO) Box or Private Mailbox (PMB) address as my registered
address?
Answer: Your registered address must be the physical location of your principal place of
business or professional practice where controlled substances are manufactured, distributed,
imported, exported, or dispensed. 21 CFR 1301.12(a). In limited circumstances, a PO Box may
be included in addition to the physical business address, but a PO Box alone is not a registered
address. You may, however, use a different address for your mailing address for DEA
correspondence, which may be a PO Box or a PMB address.
The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind
the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding
existing requirements under the law or Department policies.
EO-DEA206, DEA-DC-050, December 09, 2020