U.S. Mail & Virtual Address Center
Mail & Addresses for Full-Time Travelers
Tell a mailing address from a legal domicile, compare virtual mailbox services, and choose an address you're entitled to use.
Mailing address, domicile, residency, and tax residency are not necessarily the same thing.
Address types, explained
U.S. mailing address
Any U.S. address used to receive mail.
Virtual mailbox
Digital service that scans/forwards your mail; often a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA).
PMB
Private Mailbox — a mailbox at a CMRA; requires USPS Form 1583.
PO Box
U.S. Post Office box; generally not accepted as a residential or business address by many institutions.
Residential address
Where you physically live.
Business address
Registered address of a business; some mail services offer this.
Legal domicile
Your permanent legal home state.
Tax address
The address used for tax filing; should match your records consistently.
Virtual mailbox comparison
Good options to investigate. Verify pricing and USPS Form 1583 requirements on official sites.
Do not assume a virtual mailbox works for every purpose. Banks, driver's-license agencies, insurance companies, tax authorities, and voting agencies may have different address requirements.
How to choose a mailing address
Step-by-step
- 1Determine whether you need a mailing address or legal residence.
- 2Check state requirements.
- 3Check bank requirements.
- 4Check driver's license requirements.
- 5Check insurance requirements.
- 6Check IRS requirements.
- 7Check business registration requirements.
- 8Never use an address you are not legally entitled to use.
Educational use only: Verify with official agencies & qualified professionals. Not legal, tax, financial, or immigration advice.