Got a business but don’t want to list your home address? A Commercial Mail Receiving Agency gives you a professional, trustworthy mailing address for your business while letting you keep your home address off your business cards. Below you’ll find information on CMRAs, why they’re beneficial, and how to hire one.
What is a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency?
A CMRA is a private business (like us) that receives mail from the U.S. Postal Service and others on behalf of a third party (like you). CMRAs can accept mail from both businesses and individuals.
Why are CMRAs beneficial?
A CMRA can make it easier to run your business. Here a few benefits.
- Professionalism: It looks better if you can list an office address for your business instead of your home address or a P.O. Box. Customers like being able to connect a physical location to your business.
- Stability: With a CMRA, you’ve got a single address where you can check your mail, even if you work from multiple locations.
- Security and Privacy: It’s a good idea to keep a wall between your personal mail and business mail, and a CMRA gives you that.
- More Options: CMRAs can accept mail from private carriers like FedEx and UPS in addition to the U.S. Postal Service. Many CMRAs also offer digital mail scanning and storage, which is simpler than trying to store your physical mail somewhere.
How Do I Sign Up For a CMRA?
To sign up for a CMRA, you’ll need to follow the below steps.
1. Pick a Plan
- Standard Mail Scanning For $49 a year, we’ll scan up to 15 pieces of mail into your online account.
- Premium Mail Scanning For $99 a year, we’ll scan up to 30 pieces of mail into your online account.
- Virtual Office If you’re expecting a lot of mail, this is the option for you. A virtual office gets you unlimited mail scans for $19 a month, plus an office lease and conference room access.
Note: If you buy our registered agent service, you’ll get up five pieces of mail scanned for free. This may work if you need registered agent service anyway and want to try out our mail service.
2. Fill Out Form 1583
Once you’ve picked a plan and signed up for a service, you’ll need to log into your online account and fill out Form 1583. Form 1583 is a required by the U.S. Postal Service; it’s not something we make you do because we feel like it. Instead, it’s a way for the federal government to ensure you’re receiving your mail through an authorized CMRA that knows what it’s doing.
You’ll need to give your name, residential street address, a copy of your photo ID, proof of your address, and a digital signature.
For Form 1583, you’ll need to give your name, residential street address, a copy of your photo ID, proof of your address, and a digital signature.
What kind of photo ID is acceptable for Form 1583?
For photo ID, provide one of the following:
- U.S State/territory,tribal driver’s or nondriver’s ID card
- Matricular consular
- Uniformed service ID
- U.S. college or university ID
- U.S. permanent resident card
- U.S. Access card
- Certificate of Naturalization
- NEXUS Card
- Passport
Don’t try presenting your Social Security card, credit card, birth certificate or concealed carry permit, as they won’t be accepted.
What kind of proof of address do I need for Form 1583?
For proof of address, provide one of the following:
- U.S. State/Territory/Tribal Driver’s or Nondriver’s ID Card (if not already used for your photo ID)
- Deed of Trust
- Current lease document
- Mortgage documentation
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
- Vehicle registration card
- Voter registration card
CMRA Frequently Asked Questions
What does CMRA stand for?
CMRA stands for Commercial Mail Receiving Agent
Will I need to get Form 1583 notarized?
Don’t worry about a notary. When you hire us to be your CMRA, we’ll handle your 1583 authentication through our in-house verification process.
Can I use a CMRA in the U.S. if I live in another country?
Yes, you can use an American-based CMRA even if you’re a resident of another country. Proof of address will still be required, though, even if it shows you live outside the U.S.