A Commercial Mail Receiving Agency, or CMRA, gives you a credible, professional mailing address for your LLC while also putting some separation between your home address and your business address. Below we’ll discuss what to know about CMRAs (including the benefits) and how to hire a CMRA of your own.

What is a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency?

A CMRA is a private business that receives mail from the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers on behalf of a third party (like you). CMRAs can accept mail on behalf of both businesses and individuals.

At Rocky Mountain Registered Agent, we provide CMRA services that include scanning your mail digitally and uploading it to your secure online account. We also filter out junk mail and shred it before you even see it. You can choose from one of three plans, all of which include a unique suite number:

Why is a CMRA better than a P.O. Box?


P.O. Boxes may seem like a good option, but that still means you have to go to your mailbox and check your mail. Here’s some other reasons why a CMRA service (like us) can be a better option.

Professionalism: With a CMRA provider, you get an office address rather than a P.O. Box.

Security and Privacy: Want to run a business but don’t want your home address to be your business address? Using a CMRA service means you can maintain more privacy and security. It’s also a good idea to receive your business mail at a separate address from your personal mail, as it lessens the chances of them getting mixed up.

Stability: A CMRA provider gives you a permanent address where you can receive your mail, regardless of if you work at multiple locations.

A Wider Range of Options: A CMRA provider is authorized to accept mail from private carriers like UPS and FedEx, not just USPS. A CMRA provider also offers digital mail scanning and storage, which is simpler than finding a place to store physical business mail you get.

How to Sign Up for CMRA Service

First, choose from our standard or premium mail service. Or if you want unlimited mail scanning, go up a tier and get a virtual fofice.

Once you’ve signed up for a service, you’ll need to log into your online account and fill out Form 1583. This is a requirement from the U.S. Postal Service, so make sure not to skip this part.

USPS uses Form 1583 to verify that you’re receiving your mail through a CMRA service. It’s designed to protect you, even if it does mean that you have to fill out additional paperwork.

For Form 1583, you’ll need to provide your name, residential street address, a copy of your photo ID, proof of your address, and a digital signature.

For photo ID, provide one of the following:

Don’t try presenting your Social Security card, credit card, birth certificate or concealed carry permit, as they won’t be accepted.

For proof of address, provide one of the following:

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, 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 service 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.

Will I need to update Form 1583?

Yes, you’ll need to update the form if your address or mail recipient changes. Form 1583 must also be updated if your photo ID expires.