How to Get a Physical Address in the USA

If you are an entrepreneur or digital nomad intending to start your business in the US, having a physical address is vital.

A US address can serve several purposes business registration, tax handling, mail reception, and increase your credibility with clients.

In this article, we will cover the various methods of how to obtain a physical address in the USA, the advantages that come with it, and the best options that suit your particular needs.

Why You Need a Physical Address in the USA

A physical address in the United States can serve multiple purposes, including:

Business Formation: Most US states ask for a physical address when you register an LLC or corporation.

Mail Handling: An address that you can rely on ensures that essential business correspondence, legal notices, and tax documents are delivered to you.

Banking & Financial Services: As with most US banks, some require a physical address to initiate an account.

Professional Credibility: With a US business address, you will have enhanced trust and professionalism with customers and partners.

Compliance with US Regulations: Businesses in certain industries are required to have a US-based address to comply with local laws.

1. Renting a Physical Office Space

If you are looking for a place where you can work, then renting out an office might be a good fit. This is suitable for businesses that require a local presence and a place to meet clients. Consider this list:

Commercial Office Rentals: Signing a business contract for office space located in a business area for a certain time like a year or two.

Coworking Spaces: Flexible office spaces and business hubs with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and business development opportunities.

Executive Suites: These are suites that come with furniture and necessary business supplies plus a secretary service, reception, as well as help for sorting out mail plus conference offices.

Pros:

• Increase your credibility and professionalism image.
• Gives access to the appropriate work environment.
• Perfect for client meetings and networking for business growth.

Cons:

• Costs are very high in rent, repair, and facilities.
• Not suitable for sole entrepreneurs or smaller start-ups.
• Exposes one to a long-term lease commitment which sometimes comes with unsavory contracts or agreements.

2. Using a Virtual Office

Virtual offices give out a space without offering office furniture while still maintaining a physical building for business registration plus handling mail.

Companies like Regus, Opus Virtual Offices, and Davinci are offering such services. These services generally come with a business address plus answering services while leasing out office space such as a meeting room at a fee.

Pros:

• Considerably less expensive than renting a physical space but still offers a branded image.
• Handles all mail plus forwarding business to clients that operate on an international level.
• Some of them include receptionist services, call answering, and use of the business lounge.
• Enables businesses to build numerous U.S. addresses in various places.

Cons:

• Limited access to the address itself unless reserving a meeting room.
• Mail forwarding, scanning, and phone answering services all come at an extra cost.
• Not ideal for those businesses looking for a permanent physical office.

3. Getting a Digital Mailbox

Individuals and businesses can use online mailbox services to receive mail at an address in the U.S. and view it online!

Services like EasyFiling, Anytime Mailbox, and iPostal1 are well-known within the niche. These companies scan and upload the mail so that it can be viewed and administered from virtually anywhere, removing the need for a U.S. presence.

Pros:

• Makes it accessible to international businesses with no geographical limitations.
• Provides services such as mail scanning, forwarding, and check depositing for additional ease.
• A cheaper option than renting an office or employing a registered agent.
• Helps to mitigate the risk of losing or having mail and packages stolen with the safe storage of mail and packages.

Cons:

• Some banks and other financial cars do not accept an address from a digital mailbox for account verification.
• Physical office and meeting space to cater to business interactions in person is not available.
• Several other bulk shipments need to be handled forwarding and extra charges to the mail are required.

4. Using a Registered Agent Address

If you plan on creating an LLC or corporation within the United States, you will require a registered agent service to handle legal matters on behalf of your company.

A handful of registered agent services provide the option of obtaining a physical business location. This works well for people who reside outside the U.S. and want to be compliant with American laws.

Pros:

• It is a prerequisite when setting up an LLC and corporation, meeting the state compliance requirements.
• Supplies a business address for receiving legal documents and other official communication.
• Usually, comes with the additional option of mail forwarding and scanning services.
• Can be used in different states depending on the business growth plan.

Cons:

• Usually, this stems from the restricted ability to receive legal notices only and not business mail or correspondence.
• It is not an actual office and, therefore, cannot be used for client meetings or regular business activities.
• Some local jurisdictions may demand a separate business address in addition to the place of the registered office of the agent.

5. Renting a PO Box or USPS Street Address

Renting a P.O. Box with the United States Postal Service is the most affordable option to receive correspondence within the United States.

To have a broader range of services, you can also purchase a street address with the P.O. Box for premium address service, which allows packages to be sent by other carriers such as FedEx and UPS.

Pros:

• The product is cost-friendly and widely accepted for both personal and business communication purposes.
• The mailbox is kept secured and USPS can be accessed anytime.
• Some USPS branches allow using the business address which is more professional than a P.O. Box number.
• Perfect for micro-business enterprises that do not operate from a physical location but need stability in their mailing address.

Cons:

• Some states that need business registration do not allow USPS addresses for registration when a street address is required.
• For an LLC or corporation, the box cannot be a legal address.
• P.O. address is prohibited for some banks, agencies, and other service providers to use for verification of client’s address.

6. Using a Friend or Family Member’s Address

Trusted contacts in the US can also serve as an address for business and mail purposes.

With this process, setting up a business or managing tasks from abroad is uncomplicated because a US address is only required temporarily.

Pros:

• No additional services or charges, so it is free or comes at a very low cost.
• Gives people a physical residential or business address valid across many platforms.
• Helpful for people looking to receive official letters, tax papers, or business documents.

Cons:

• For people operating long-term businesses, this is not perfect as it is dependent on someone’s discretion to manage the mail.
• There may be some legal issues regarding the use of the address for business structure or tax issues.
• It can lead to inconveniences for the person who is helping you, especially in the case of the high volume of mail.

How to Choose the Right Option

When looking for a physical address in the USA, make sure to think of these:

Address Purpose: Is it for business registration, mail handling, tax filing, or credibility?

Budget: What are the associated costs, and can you afford them long-term?

Legal Requirements: Does it comply with the state laws and federal regulations for your business or entity type?

Physical Access: Do you require a place you can frequent or is a remote solution ok?

Mail and Packages Services: Is it simply forwarding, or scanning or do you require package reception?

Scalability: If the business expands, will that address still be ideal or suited?

Conclusion

Deciding on the most suitable approach to get a physical address in the USA will greatly depend on what your goals are. In instances when you need to provide a business address but do not want to run an office, a virtual office or a digital mailbox will suit you best.

Using a registered agent service for business formation should suffice. Defining the purpose of your U.S. address will determine what will be the best options you have on hand.

For stress-free solutions to business addresses try EasyFiling’s digital mailbox and virtual office solutions. Start today and build your U.S. presence in minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a virtual office be used to set up an LLC?

Most states allow the use of a virtual office for LLC registration, but some do mandate a physical street address.

Can a P.O. Box be used as a business address?

As with other questions, the answer is typically no when it comes to LLC or corporation registration in most states. However, the USPS street address option is a viable alternative.

Can a non-American citizen have a U.S. address?

Certainly, via digital mailboxes, registered agent services, or virtual offices.

What is the cheapest way to get a U.S. address? 

Using a friend’s address or a digital mailbox service is often the most affordable option.

Do banks accept virtual office addresses? 

Some banks accept them, but others may require a real physical address for verification.