Using a Virtual Address for an LLC in Washington
Washington state law permits a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) or private mailbox (PMB) address to generally serve as an LLC's principal or mailing address, though you should verify this directly on the Washington Secretary of State's official filing rules and requirements, as regulations can vary by specific business circumstance. The state allows virtual or mailbox-based addresses for general business correspondence purposes.
However, a CMRA or PMB address cannot be used as the registered agent's physical street address. Washington's Secretary of State expressly prohibits a PO box, private mailbox, or virtual address for the registered agent's street address, which is a uniform requirement across most jurisdictions. The registered agent must maintain a staffed, physical in-state street address capable of receiving hand-delivered legal process. Before establishing your LLC structure with a mailbox address, confirm the current rules on the Washington Secretary of State's official contact information and registration guidance.
| Detail | As the rule stands |
|---|---|
| Virtual address as LLC business address | Generally yes — verify |
| Virtual address as registered agent | No (a PMB cannot be your registered agent) |
| State note | Washington SOS expressly states a PO box, Private Mailbox, or virtual 'real address' may NOT be used for the registered agent's physical street address; a CMRA/PMB can still serve as a mailing/principal address. Verify on the WA SOS contact-info rules. |
| Governing citation | Wash. Rev. Code §42.45 (RON); USPS DMM 508.1.8 |
Full Form-1583 & RON rules for Washington → · Choosing a provider →
Compiled from the USPS federal baseline (DMM 508 / 39 CFR) and the state notary/RON statute, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official state Secretary of State / notary page before you rely on it — RON law is still moving. This state's RON status is currently medium-confidence (the exact statute section is not yet pinned), so treat the online-notarization detail as a starting point and confirm it on the official page. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.