This will come in handy if you need to receive postal mail for your business and don't want to share a residential address with customers or partners. Virtual addresses can also accept postal mail and packages on your behalf. A virtual address offers a shortcut that can save you time and money for businesses that don't need a physical building or office to operate. Also, virtual addresses are a popular choice for registering a business at the state or federal level. However, they're called virtual addresses because you don't need to be physically present to receive postal mail there.īut what does this have to do with you and your business? For entrepreneurs and small business owners, virtual addresses offer several benefits.įor LLCs, a virtual address fulfills the requirement of a physical address for your registered agent. Another type of physical address: virtual addressesĭespite what it sounds like, a virtual address is a real, physical address that can accept postal mail. For businesses that operate remotely, a registered agent used in conjunction with a virtual address can help solve this issue. However, that doesn't mean that you need to run out and find an office to rent. If you don't have an office space, you will need to have a physical address for the registered agent to use. LegalZoom defines a registered agent as an “individual or entity which has been designated by the LLC to receive service of process notices, government correspondence, and compliance-related documents on behalf of the LLC.'

However, if you set up your business as a limited liability corporation (LLC), limited partnership, or limited liability partnership, you will need to have a registered agent in the state your business is registered. For example, if you operate a consulting business and work with clients entirely over Zoom or Google Hangouts, you don't need an office to operate your business. Remember that even if you don't need an office, you might still need a physical address. However, for certain types of businesses, the answer to this question can be a bit murky. Of course, you can always save time and effort from the postal mail services that come with a virtual address or mailbox. If you require a physical office for your business, you don't need to worry about finding an additional physical address because your office takes care of it. For example, if you need a physical office for your business, let's say you're planning to open a brick-and-mortar boutique, you know the answer to this question upfront. If you are an aspiring business owner, you probably know whether or not you need a physical office to operate your business already. Do I need a physical address for my business? However, if your company does not require a physical space to run, you might not have immediate access to a physical address. If your company operates out of a physical office, then your office is the physical address. While a physical address can be a mailing address, that's not always the case. However, some people or businesses maintain a physical address separate from a mailing address. If you receive postal mail at your home, your residential address is a physical address and a mailing address. What is a physical address?Ī physical address, on the other hand, describes a location. box, senders can make sure postal mail gets to you. box is a mailing address but not a physical address. However, for some people or businesses, a mailing address is not their home or office address.Ī common example of a mailing address is a P.O. For many people and businesses, this is your home or office address. What is a mailing address?Ī mailing address is an address that senders can use to send you postal mail. Knowing the difference can help you know what type of address you need for your business. Mailing addresses differ from physical addresses in a few important ways.

For certain business practices or paperwork, business owners will require certain types of addresses. However, the difference between a physical address and a mailing address is important for business owners and entrepreneurs to know. If you're like most people, you may not even be completely sure what the difference is between a mailing address and a physical address. You may not have anticipated asking yourself, do I need a physical address or a mailing address?

From signing contracts to signing up for all kinds of services, there's a lot to juggle. If you are starting or running a business, you're probably no stranger to paperwork.

Mailings