CMRA / mailbox
- Receives mail for a customer.
- Uses private mailbox or mail handling rules.
- May forward, hold, scan, or otherwise handle mail based on the agreement.
- Needs the correct USPS mail authorization process.
Mail receiving
If a private business receives mail for you, ask about CMRA and USPS Form 1583.
Registered agent service and mail receiving are different. USPS has a separate mail-agent system for private mailbox and mail-receiving services.
Direct rule
A Commercial Mail Receiving Agency is a private business that accepts mail from USPS for customers and delivers it to a private mailbox or re-mails it.
USPS says customers who apply for a private mailbox at a CMRA must fill out PS Form 1583 and provide two forms of ID, one with a photo.
Do not assume a registered agent address is also a CMRA mailbox.
Registered agent
- Receives legal notices and service of process.
- Is governed by state registered-agent rules.
- May not be a mailbox service.
- May not accept ordinary customer mail for you.
Questions to ask a provider
Are you receiving USPS mail for me?
Are you a CMRA for this address?
Do I need PS Form 1583?
Will this be shown as a PMB?
Can this be used for my bank?
What happens when service ends?