Have you received mail from PO Box 317, Darlington DL98 1AH, and wondered who sent it and why? This seemingly generic PO Box address might appear suspicious at first glance, especially when no clear sender is visible.
However, this article aims to uncover who is behind the address, why you might be getting letters from there, and whether or not it’s something to worry about. If you’re curious or concerned, this guide will provide all the answers you need.
What is PO Box 317 Darlington DL98 1AH and Where is it Located?
PO Box 317, Darlington DL98 1AH is a dedicated large-user postal address used by an organisation that handles significant volumes of mail.
Located in the town of Darlington, the address is not a typical street or business office location but rather a non-geographic PO Box, managed for operational and privacy reasons. It was first introduced in September 2013 as part of the DL98 postcode range.
The PO Box is situated approximately 54–55 metres above sea level, at coordinates near latitude 54.527513 and longitude -1.5597. However, these coordinates may not point to a specific building but to a nearby mail sorting facility.
Key facts about the location:
- Unique postcode assigned to a single large user
- Likely linked to a secure mail handling centre
- Located within Darlington’s travel-to-work area
This address is not used for residential or general business correspondence but specifically for corporate-level communications.
Who Uses the PO Box 317 Address in Darlington?
PO Box 317 is primarily used by a financial organisation involved in shareholder communication and asset management services. The official entity associated with this address is Capita Asset Services Shareholder Solutions.
They use this PO Box to handle correspondence related to:
- Shareholder updates
- Dividends and share scheme communications
- Investment or pension-related documents
Capita Asset Services uses this PO Box for its Darlington-based operations, where a portion of their administrative and communication processing occurs.
It allows them to streamline handling of high-volume documents for shareholders and clients across the UK.
Who Are Capita Asset Services and What Do They Do?
Capita Asset Services is a part of a wider corporate services group providing financial administration, registrar services, and shareholder solutions.
They act on behalf of public and private companies to manage shareholder relations, send dividend notices, and facilitate corporate actions.
Some key areas of their work include:
- Managing shareholder registers
- Coordinating annual general meetings (AGMs) and voting processes
- Sending investment documents and updates to shareholders
The PO Box in Darlington functions as one of their contact points, specifically for receiving and processing documents securely.
While the company’s main headquarters is in London, this mailing address allows efficient handling of high-volume transactional mail without revealing operational office locations.
Why Would You Receive Mail from DL98 1AH?
Receiving a letter from this address is more common than you might think. Here are the typical reasons you could receive mail from PO Box 317 in Darlington:
- You hold shares in a UK company managed through Capita’s shareholder services.
- Dividend or tax-related updates are being sent to you.
- You’re involved in a corporate action like a merger or rights issue.
- You were a participant in a company pension scheme or financial product administered through Capita.
It may also relate to:
- Shareholder invitations to vote in an AGM
- Legal or regulatory shareholder disclosures
- Investment confirmations or transfer notices
Common types of correspondence:
- Share certificates
- Dividend payment letters
- Corporate announcements
- Change of details requests
- Legal disclosures
If you’ve ever held shares or investments, or if someone left you shares as part of an estate, it’s not unusual to hear from a third-party registrar like Capita using such an address.
Is DL98 1AH a Registered Office or Mail Handling Facility?
DL98 1AH is not a registered office or trading premises. Instead, it operates purely as a mail handling facility.
This PO Box exists to allow large organisations like Capita to manage high-volume correspondence efficiently and securely. It ensures consistent delivery and a centralised method of managing communications.
It is not used for face-to-face interaction with clients or investors. Visitors cannot walk into this location as they would with a storefront or head office.
Instead, all documents sent here are routed through the organisation’s internal systems for processing, response, or archival.
Can You Trust Mail from PO Box 317 Darlington DL98 1AH?
Yes, mail received from this address is generally legitimate and trusted. It is commonly linked to official communications from Capita on behalf of corporations, investment funds, and pension services. However, like any postal correspondence, it’s essential to remain vigilant.
To determine legitimacy:
- Check for branding or names of the company involved
- Look for official logos or shareholder references
- Match any personal or investment information with your own records
If in doubt, do not respond immediately. Instead, confirm with your investment provider, or contact the company mentioned using official contact details, not those within the letter itself.
How Can You Contact the Organisation Behind PO Box 317?
If you wish to verify correspondence or respond to mail received from PO Box 317, there are various ways to contact the organisation. The most efficient way is via Capita’s Shareholder Services portal or customer service department.
Contact Methods Table:
| Contact Method | Details |
| Phone | Call the number provided in your letter, or contact Capita’s Investor Relations team at 020 7799 1525 |
| Online Portal | Use the shareholder login on the organisation’s official website |
| Post | Reply using the provided return address in the communication |
| Use the specific email listed for your investment, or contact IRTeam@capita.co.uk for investor-related queries |
When contacting, be sure to:
- Have your shareholder reference number
- Mention the company whose shares you hold
- Attach or reference the communication you received
This helps ensure faster verification and appropriate responses.
What Should You Do If You’re Unsure About Mail from DL98 1AH?
Receiving unexpected mail from DL98 1AH can be confusing, especially if it relates to finances or investments. If you’re unsure about its legitimacy, it’s important to stay cautious and take the right steps. Here’s what to do:
Check for Authenticity
Look for the sender’s name, reference numbers, and compare them with your known investments. Legitimate mail will often name the company, share type, or pension scheme.
Avoid Giving Sensitive Data
If you’re unsure, do not provide any personal or financial details. Cross-check the content with other known mail from your registrar or investment provider.
Contact Official Sources
Use verified contact methods to reach out to the investment company or Capita. Avoid calling numbers or clicking on links in suspicious-looking letters until verified.
Why Is This Address Common in UK Financial Communications?
PO Box 317 is used by Capita for a simple reason: they handle mass communication for financial institutions. By using a single address, they streamline how shareholder and pension-related letters are processed and tracked. It also helps maintain privacy, security, and logistical efficiency.
Reasons why such addresses are used:
- Enable large-scale mail processing
- Reduce risks of misdelivery
- Keep business operations discreet
- Provide central contact point for thousands of clients
- Work as an internal identifier within postal systems
Other benefits of PO Box usage:
- Reduces operational cost
- Simplifies document tracking
- Offers consistent branding across communications
Capita is not the only company using such PO Boxes, but DL98 1AH is particularly known due to the scale of correspondence managed.
Conclusion
Receiving a letter from PO Box 317, Darlington DL98 1AH, is often nothing to worry about. It’s a legitimate, trusted address used by Capita Asset Services to handle secure shareholder and investment-related correspondence.
While it may appear vague at first, this PO Box is simply a tool for managing the complexities of corporate communication.
If you ever feel unsure, always contact the sending organisation using official channels for peace of mind.
FAQs About PO Box 317 Darlington DL98 1AH
What companies commonly use PO boxes for shareholder communication in the UK?
Large registrars like Capita and Equiniti often use PO Boxes for sending shareholder and investment-related letters securely.
Is DL98 1AH used for any government correspondence?
No, DL98 1AH is used by a private financial service provider and not typically for government communication.
Can individuals send mail to PO Box 317 Darlington?
Yes, but only if instructed by the sender. It is not meant for general inquiries or personal correspondence.
How can I find out which company contacted me via DL98 1AH?
Check the letter for references to company names, shareholding information, or contact Capita’s official service team with your reference number.
Does Capita handle pensions or investment accounts through this address?
Yes, Capita may send pension updates, dividend notices, and shareholding information via this PO Box.
Is there a way to stop receiving letters from PO Box 317 if they’re not meant for me?
If the letter isn’t for you, mark it as “return to sender – not known at this address” and post it back. You may also contact Capita.
Are there similar PO Boxes used by Capita in other cities?
Yes, Capita and similar service providers often operate multiple PO Boxes across the UK for various client services.
