Commercial Mail Receiving Agency

At Georgia Registered Agent, we’re a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA). In our complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CMRAs, including:

What is a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency?

A Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) is a business or individual that accepts mail on behalf of your company, specifically for the purposes of forwarding or redistribution. Any business that functions as a CMRA must register with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and comply with postal regulations.

Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency

Hiring a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency offers several benefits for Georgia businesses that go beyond just convenience. Below, we’ll break down why choosing a CMRA (like us) is quickly becoming the gold standard for business mail management:

  • Privacy Protection. As a Georgia CMRA, we provide you with a USPS-verified business address (no P.O. Boxes) that you can list on everything from state forms and annual reports to business cards and social media, allowing you to keep your home address off public-facing documents.
  • Efficiency & Flexibility. Our team of professionals will receive, sort, and digitally scan your incoming business mail, notifying you immediately when new items arrive. And, with your secure online account, you can manage everything anytime, anywhere, 24/7.
  • Reduced Costs: By using our CMRA address instead of paying for a traditional office, you can dramatically reduce overhead costs, allowing you to invest your hard-earned money in what truly matters: your business.

What to look for when choosing a CMRA

Like any business decision, it’s essential to choose services and partners that best align with your company’s needs. Here’s a list of factors you should consider when selecting a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency:

1. Comprehensive Services: Unlike our competition, we offer Mail Scanning and Virtual Office Services that go beyond just mail reception.

Starting at just $49 per year, our Mail Scanning Services include 10 or 25 digital mail scans, a professional Georgia business address and unique suite number, a secure online account, and junk mail shredding. Need more? Upgrade to our Virtual Office Service for just $19 a month. You’ll get all the perks of our Mail Scanning Service plus unlimited digital mail scans, a real month-to-month office lease, and options to rent conference rooms.

2. Affordable & Transparent Prices: While some CMRAs may charge hundreds of dollars for basic service or include hidden fees in their fine print, our prices are always fair, consistent, and clear. A good CMRA should always provide value, never drain your bank account.

3. Reliability & Security: Our team of professionals will accept, open, and digitally scan your mail into your secure online account the same day it’s received. From there, you’ll receive an email notification letting you know something new is available. And, because everything gets stored online, you’ll never have to worry about losing important documents or business mail sitting unattended in a home mailbox.

How do I hire Georgia Registered Agent as my CMRA?

1. Sign up for Georgia Business Address Services. Choose between Mail Scanning (starting at just $49 a year) or go all in with our Georgia Virtual Office ($19 a month). Regardless of which path you choose, you’ll get a Georgia business address and a unique suite number to safeguard your privacy, a secure online account for easy management, and junk mail shredding (because no one likes junk mail).

2. Complete USPS Form 1583. To hire any CMRA, you’ll need to complete and submit Form 1583 with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). You’ll also need to provide two forms of ID, such as a driver’s license and a voter registration card.

When you hire us, we make this process painless and straightforward. Our expert team will pre-fill and submit Form 1583 on your behalf — all you have to do is provide an electronic signature and two USPS-approved IDs. The best part? You can complete everything online via your secure client portal.

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Everything you need to know about USPS Form 1583

What is USPS Form 1583?

USPS Form 1583 (The Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent) authorizes your CMRA to accept and handle mail on behalf of your LLC or corporation. It also ensures that only you have access to any mail sent to your CMRA’s address.

Is there a filing fee for USPS Form 1583?

No, USPS does not assess a filing fee for Form 1583.

What types of ID are accepted for Form 1583?

USPS requires one photo ID and one ID that confirms your address. You must submit one form of ID from each of the following lists:

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

Proof of Address ID:

  • U.S. State/Territory/Tribal Drivers or Non-Drivers ID Card
  • Lease
  • Mortgage
  • Deed of trust
  • Voter or vehicle registration card
  • Home or vehicle insurance policy

Note: Although driver’s/non-driver’s ID is listed as an option for photo ID and address ID, it can be used for only one (either photo ID or address ID), not both.

What types of ID are not accepted?

  • Social Security Card
  • Credit Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Concealed Carry Permit

What information is required on Form 1583?

  • Full name
  • Home street address
  • Personal phone number
  • Business name
  • Physical business address
  • Business phone number
  • Applicant signature

Although Form 1583 requires you to list your home address and phone number, this information does not go on public record. Plus, we will never sell your personal information to third parties. Protecting your privacy is our top priority.

Commercial Mail Receiving Agency FAQs

Are all registered agents a Commercial Mail Receiving Agent?

No, not all registered agents are registered CMRAs. Appointing a registered agent in your state is required for your business. Your registered agent is authorized to receive state and legal mail on behalf of your business—that’s it.

When you hire a registered agent that’s also a CMRA (like us), your agent can accept regular mail (think monthly bills and bank statements) on behalf of your business, provide mail forwarding services, and provide a physical business address you can list on public-facing documents.

How do I know if a registered agent is a CMRA?

You can use the USPS address lookup tool to see if your registered agent is also a CMRA. If your agent is a CMRA, there will be a “Y” for yes listed under “Commercial Mail Receiving Agency.”

Does Form 1583 require notarization?

The U.S. Postal Service does require Form 1583 to be notarized. However, if you hire us, we can use our internal witness verification, so there is no burden on you to print and sign the form.

I am hiring a CMRA for my business. Do I need to use a personal ID?

Yes, an officer or member of your company must submit two forms of personal ID.

Georgia Mail Scanning & Virtual Office

Choose between three mail service options and get a private, commercial Georgia business address, a secure online account, same-day mail scans, and junk mail shredding. All starting at just $49 a year.

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