Delaware Commercial Mail Receiving Agency
When you use a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA), you get a legitimate mailing address in an office building without sacrificing your privacy. We’ll take a look at what a CMRA is and how you can get one.
What’s a CMRA?
A CMRA is a private company (like Delaware Registered Agent Service) that receives mail from the U.S. Postal Service on behalf of a third party (like you). CMRAs can receive mail on behalf of businesses or individuals.
At Delaware Registered Agent Service, we offer digital mail scanning, also known as digital mail forwarding. When we get mail for your business, we scan it right away, then upload it into your secure online portal so you can view it.
When you sign up for registered agent service, you’ll be asked where you want your business mail sent (business mail is separate from legal notices your registered agent receives). If you want to hire us as your CMRA, choose “our Delaware address,” and select from the following three options.
Basic Mail Scanning: Up to 10 pieces of mail scanned a year for $49.
Premium Mail Scanning: Up tp 25 pieces of mail scanned a year for $99.
Delaware Virtual Office: You’ll get an unlimited number of mail scans per year with our virtual office service, plus an office lease and phone number, for $19 a month
All three options include same-day mail scans uploaded into your secure online account, plus a unique suite number and junk mail shredding.
Note: Mail scanning and virtual office services are available as add-ons when you hire us to be your Delaware registered agent.
Getting a CMRA
After choosing a mail scanning or virtual office option, you’ll need to fill out Form 1583 and submit it to the U.S Postal Service. Everyone who appoints another business or individual to accept mail on their behalf must fill out Form 1583, as it’s required by USPS.
The form is designed to verify the identify of the person who is receiving mail through the CMRA, so you’ll need to provide two forms of ID, one from each of the below lists.
Accepted forms of photo ID:
- U.S. State/Territory/Tribal drivers or non-drivers ID card
- U.S. passport
- Foreign passport
- Matricula Consular
- NEXUS card
- U.S. Access Card
- DOD Common Access Card
- PIV Card
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- U.S. permanent resident card
- U.S. uniformed service ID card
- U.S. university card
Acceptable proof of address:
- Lease
- Mortgage
- Deed of trust
- Voter or vehicle registration card
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
Social Security cards, credit cards, concealed carry permits, and birth certificates are NOT acceptable forms of ID.
The information you submit to USPS, including your name and address, will not go on the public record.
CMRA Benefits
Why get a CMRA instead of a regular old P.O. Box? A CMRA has the following advantages:
Professionalism: A CMRA gives you a street address in an office instead of just a P.O. Box address. That increases your credibility with potential customers.
Security: Keep some separation between your personal mail and business mail with a CMRA. You also don’t have to worry about other people accessing it like you would if you got mail at a busy office.
Privacy: There’s no need to give out your home address simply because you run a business. With a CMRA, if someone wants to look up your business address on Google, they’ll see an office building instead of your house.
Stability: Your mail will still arrive at the same permanent address regardless of if you’re traveling around town or out of state. You can also check your mail on your phone, laptop, or any other device.
More options: A CMRA can accept mail from private carriers like UPS and FedEx, not just USPS. CMRAs can also offer perks like digital mail storage and mail scanning.
CMRA FAQs
What does CMRA stand for?
CMRA stands for Commercial Mail Receiving Agent.
Do CMRAs only accept mail from the US Postal Service?
No, a CMRA can also accept mail from private carriers like UPS and FedEx.
Will I need to get Form 1583 notarized?
Yes, but if you hire us to act as your CMRA, we can notarize the form for you.
Can I use a CMRA in the U.S. if I live in another country?
Yes, you can use an American-based CMRA 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.
Does Form 1583 need to be updated?
Yes, you’ll need to update the form if your address or mail recipient changes, as well as when your photo ID expires.
Will Form 1538 need to be notarized?
Yes, but if you hire us, we can notarize it for you.