Washington Commercial Mail Receiving Agent
At Washington Registered Agent LLC, we provide Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) services. How does this benefit you? Through these services, local businesses can access mail scanning and virtual office solutions that go beyond simple mail management. Starting at just $49 a year, you’ll get a USPS-verified Washington business address, same-day mail scans, junk mail shredding, and a secure online account.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about CMRAs, including:
- What Is A Commercial Mail Receiving Agent?
- Benefits of hiring a CMRA
- USPS Form 1583: Everything You Need To Know
- Our Mail Scanning & Virtual Office Services
- CMRA FAQs
What Is A Commercial Mail Receiving Agent?
A Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) is a company or individual authorized by the USPS to receive mail on behalf of Washington businesses.
Under USPS regulations, all mail handled through a CMRA requires completion of USPS Form 1583 (Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent) for each mail scanning and virtual office client.
When you use our CMRA services, we make this process quick and straightforward. After signing up, you can access and complete Form 1583 inside your secure online account. There’s no need to print or notarize anything—our team will guide and assist with authentication.
Note: Form 1583 applies only to clients using mail scanning or virtual office services. If you’re only using our Washington Registered Agent or Business Formation services, this step isn’t required.
Benefits of Hiring a CMRA
- Real, USPS-Verified Washington Business Address.
When you hire us, you’ll receive a real, USPS-verified business address and unique suite number located in our downtown Spokane building. List this address on public-facing documents (such as state forms, business cards, and websites) to protect your privacy. - Enhanced Security & Flexibility.
Never worry about mail getting lost or sitting unattended in a home mail box. With your secure online account, you can easily view and manage your mail from anywhere in the world. - Additional Services.
Through our CMRA services, we offer clients more than basic mail handling. You’ll get secure digital mail storage, same-day mail scans, and much more! Our virtual office service also includes a real month-to-month office lease, a private business phone number, and the option to rent conference rooms.
USPS Form 1583: Everything You Need To Know
What is USPS Form 1583?
USPS Form 1583 authorizes any CMRA provider to accept and handle mail on behalf of your business. Additionally, it ensures your CMRA service remains compliant with USPS regulations, prevents mail fraud, and verifies your identity.
What information is required on Form 1583?
You will need to include the following information on your form:
- Your name and street address
- Copy of your photo ID & proof of address
- Your electronic signature
What types of IDs are accepted?
USPS requires two forms of identification: a photo ID and a valid address ID. You must submit one 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:
- 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 under photo ID and address ID, it can only be used for one (either photo ID or address ID).
What types of ID are not accepted?
- Social Security Card
- Credit Card
- Birth Certificate
- Concealed Carry Permit
Although Form 1583 requires you to list your home address and phone number, this information is not made public. In addition, we will never sell your personal information to third parties. We are committed to protecting your privacy at all times.
Our Mail Scanning & Virtual Office Services
We offer two tiers of Mail Scanning Services and a comprehensive Virtual Office setup. All starting at just $49 a year.
| Mail Scanning ($49 a year) | Mail Scanning ($99 a year) | Virtual Office ($19 a month) |
|---|---|---|
| USPS-Verified WA Business Address | USPS-Verified WA Business Address | USPS-Verified WA Business Address |
| Secure Online Account | Secure Online Account | Secure Online Account |
| Same-Day Mail Scans | Same-Day Mail Scans | Same-Day Mail Scans |
| Phone Service (90-day free trial) | Phone Service (90-day free trial) | Phone Service |
| Unique Suite Number | Unique Suite Number | Unique Suite Number |
| Junk Mail Shredding | Junk Mail Shredding | Junk Mail Shredding |
| Real, Month-to-Month Office Lease | ||
| Options to Rent Conference Rooms |
CMRA Frequently Asked Questions
Does USPS Form 1583 need to be notarized?
Yes, USPS requires Form 1583 to be notarized. However, when you hire us, we’ll take care of the authentication process in-house. There is no burden on you.
I am hiring a CMRA for my business. Do I need to use my personal ID?
USPS requires the individual listed on Form 1583 to provide their ID.
I am a non-US citizen. Can I hire a CMRA?
Yes, you can still hire a CMRA service if you don’t live in the United States. You will still need to provide the appropriate identifications, but you do not need a US address.
Does USPS Form 1583 need to be regularly updated?
You will only need to update Form 1583 if your photo ID expires and/or your residential address changes.