SHOPPING GUIDE · 4 MIN READ

For servicemembers.
For the home front.

Shop with the assigned military address in mind from the beginning—not after choosing the item.

This guide is for military servicemembers, families and anyone sending a purchase to an APO/FPO address. USPS also provides guidance for diplomatic DPO addresses. Retailer acceptance, postal eligibility and availability of a particular delivery service are separate checks.

Check the exact ZIP

Use the assigned APO/FPO/DPO ZIP when checking a seller's delivery options. USPS provides a ZIP-specific military restrictions tool, with a mailing-date field. Check it before buying, particularly if the parcel contains items that may be restricted.

Check USPS military ZIP restrictions ↗

Use the address you were given

Follow USPS's military addressing guidance and the recipient's assigned address. USPS instructs senders not to include the foreign city or country in the military address. Do not substitute a nearby civilian location to make an online form accept an order.

Confirm the item and mailing requirements

USPS offers domestic pricing for APO/FPO/DPO mail, but destination restrictions and customs requirements can still apply. Confirm package contents, size, weight and any customs documentation with the seller or mailer. A domestic-price service is not a promise that every product can be sent.

Before you pay, ask the seller

Do you accept this exact APO/FPO destination for this item?
Which service will carry it, and who completes required customs information?
What is the total charge and estimated delivery window?
What return address, deadline and return-shipping process apply?

A missing checkout quote remains unknown unless the seller states that delivery is not offered to the destination. If a retailer cannot provide the route, compare another seller or product. Do not assume a civilian forwarder can deliver onward to a military address.

Keep military details private

Share delivery information through the seller's appropriate private checkout or support channel. The Claw Shopper guest site does not need your full address or any service-verification documents. It does not verify military eligibility or promise military discounts.

Sources: USPS Military & Diplomatic Mail and USPS APO/FPO/DPO Restrictions. Reviewed October 22, 2026. Recheck current requirements before mailing.