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Avirtual mailbox is a service that receives physical mail on behalf of the addressee and usually scans the outside of the mail.[1] Some providers also scan the inside contents of the mail as well. These scans may be photos, PDFs, or text-searchable PDFs. Reasons for using virtual mailboxes may include accepting mail from couriers, accessing mail while traveling, and keeping a home address private.
Virtual mailboxes are different fromP.O. boxes, which some delivery services will not deliver to, because they tend to offer a real street address and additional services.[2] Services offered may include:mail forwarding, scanning, check depositing,[3] and recycling.[4] In the United States, virtual mailbox providers are classified ascommercial mail receiving agencies (CMRA). Almost every popular virtual mailbox service provides customers with both a web version and a mobile application.[5]
In the United States, virtual mailbox providers are classified as commercial mail receiving agencies (CMRA). Commercial mail receiving agencies are allowed to receive, access, and open third-party mail only when someone completes a USPS 1583 and has it notarized.[6]
Once this form is complete, a virtual mailbox address can be used as the official business mailing address in most states.[7]