Virtual mailbox
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A virtual 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 mailbox and P.O. Boxes[edit]
Virtual mailboxes are different from P.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 as commercial mail receiving agencies (CMRA). Almost every popular virtual mailbox service provides customers with both a web version and a mobile application.[5]
Legality[edit]
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]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "What Is a Virtual Mailbox? (And Why You Should Get One)". MakeUseOf. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
- ^ "How To Use USPS General Delivery When Online Retailers Won't Ship To A PO Box". Tech Junkie. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
- ^ "Automated Check Deposits | Earth Class Mail". www.earthclassmail.com. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
- ^ "Virtual Mailbox: The Easy Way to Get Mail When You Travel". The Professional Hobo. 2018-04-30. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
- ^ "Virtual Mailboxes in Mobile Apps". GetNewMailbox. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ "USPS Form 1583" (PDF). United States Postal Service. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ "Registered Agents vs. Virtual Offices, Virtual Business Addresses, and Virtual Mailing Services". howtostartanllc.com. Retrieved 2021-10-20.