How to Get a Virtual Business Address

Small business owners wondering how to get a virtual business address should start with a provider that offers real physical addresses to receive mail and packages. Once account setup is complete, the owner will have an official business mailing address to use on formation documents and for tax filings (where accepted), banking records, vendor accounts, and everyday correspondence.

A virtual business address helps home-based business owners establish a professional business presence without using their home address or renting office space. With iPostal1, you can choose from over 4,250 real physical addresses in the U.S. and internationally, and set up your virtual business address online in just a few steps.

What Is a Virtual Business Address?

A virtual business address is a real physical address (not a PO Box) at a professionally staffed location where a company can receive business mail and packages. When mail arrives at the designated location, trained staff promptly photograph the exterior of each of your items. You receive a notification when staff process your mail and then choose whether to open, scan, forward, store, or discard your items.

A virtual business address is accepted as a principal location for state registration. Owners of home-based enterprises that use virtual addresses can keep their residential locations private while gaining credibility from using a professional address in their business communications.

How to Get a Virtual Business Address: Step by Step

1. Choose a physical address from iPostal1’s more than 4,250 digital mailbox locations. If you want to pick up your mail, choose a nearby location.
2. Select the iPostal1 business plan that best meets your needs based on the volume of mail you expect to receive.
3. Complete the checkout process by providing your contact information and preferred payment method (credit card or Paypal).
4. Receive a unique mailbox number and proceed to the identity verification process. For US locations, you must complete Form 1583 and have it notarized, and then submit it with two forms of identification. International locations have their own identity verification processes.
5. For addresses in the US, file a Temporary Change of Address form with the USPS and/or notify senders of your new address. For addresses outside the US, contact your local postal center.

Why You Need a Virtual Business Address

Every home-based business owner can benefit from a virtual business address. A virtual business address can help businesses with compliance, efficiency, credibility, and privacy.

• Business registration compliance — A virtual business address meets every state’s LLC and corporation registration requirements.
• Mail management efficiency — With a virtual business address, you can receive, scan, and forward physical mail digitally from anywhere.
• Credibility — Displaying your virtual address on your website, business cards, and other marketing communications can help you build and manage long-term relationships with customers, vendors, and partners.
• Privacy — Using a virtual address to register your LLC and communicate with government agencies will keep your personal address out of state and other public records.

Can You Use a Virtual Business Address for an LLC?

Yes. All 50 states allow LLCs to use a virtual address as their principal address. Be aware, though, of the distinction between a virtual address and a registered agent address.

A registered agent is a mandated representative of an LLC or corporation that accepts legal documents, subpoenas, service of process, and Secretary of State notices on behalf of the business. Your business must have a separate virtual address and registered agent address except when the virtual address provider is also a licensed registered agent operating at that same location.

iPostal1 offers Registered Agent Service as an add-on to a virtual business address for an annual fee of $99. iPostal also has locations available that can serve as both a virtual address and a registered agent address.

What to Look for in a Virtual Business Address Provider

• Confirm that your virtual address is a real street address, not a PO Box.
• Make sure the mailbox provider offers addresses not only in your state but other states and countries so you can establish a local presence in different markets without changing your primary address.
• The time between receiving mail at your virtual address and being notified that it was processed should be minimal. You should also have access to a mobile app for convenience and so you can promptly issue mail-handling instructions.
• Confirm the availability of optional services you may want now or in the future, including package forwarding, registered agent, toll-free phone/fax, and live call answering.

Get the Best Virtual Business Address with iPostal1

Choosing a virtual business address means understanding your company’s current and future needs. If you are an owner of a home-based startup, you need to protect your residential privacy while projecting a professional image that will attract and foster long-term relationships with customers and partners. You also should anticipate your business’s growth, which could urge you to establish a local presence in another region or country.

With an iPostal1 virtual business address, you get a real physical address that supports your startup’s compliance, efficiency, credibility, and privacy. Get started with iPostal1 and take the next step toward building a more professional, flexible business.