I applied (and paid) for a PO Box on 9/16. I assumed I could start receiving mail there immediately (the clerk didn't say anything about a delay, and even asked me if I wanted my mail forwarded), but mail is being returned to the sender. Do any PO Box users here know if it's possible that service starts the month after you apply?

Service should start immediately, contact your post office.

Thanks. I just did that, and it turns out the clerk I applied with was supposed to put my last name on the back of the PO Box, but he didn't. They check the name on the mail against the name on the box, and, if it doesn't match, they send it back. Since my name wasn't on there, it never matched.