When forming an LLC, you will need to provide an address for your business. Naturally, many business owners ask:
“Can I just use a PO Box?”

The short answer is no — not for the most important parts of your business filings.

While a PO Box may seem private and convenient, most states require a real street address for legal and compliance purposes. Here is what you need to know, and how Main Street Business Services can provide a fully compliant solution.

Why a PO Box Usually Will Not Work

Most states require a physical street address for key parts of your business registration. A PO Box cannot be used for the following:

1. Your Registered Agent Address

Every LLC must designate a Registered Agent with a physical address in the state of formation. This person or company must be available during business hours to accept legal notices and official documents. PO Boxes do not qualify.

2. Your Principal Business Address

Many states require you to list a physical business address on your formation documents. This must be a real location where the business has a presence. A PO Box does not meet this requirement.

3. State Filings and Compliance Documents

Annual reports, renewals, and other official forms often require a street address. Listing a PO Box can result in rejected filings or cause your business to fall out of good standing.

Why States Require a Physical Address

State agencies need to ensure that your business is accessible and operating transparently. A physical address provides:

• A reliable location to deliver legal and tax-related documents
• Proof that your business has a real presence
• A point of contact during regular business hours

PO Boxes do not meet these requirements, which is why they are often rejected.

What’s the Right Solution?

If you want to protect your personal address and avoid using it for business filings, a PO Box will not work. Instead, a real street address provided through a Privacy Address Service is the better option.

That is exactly what Main Street Business Services offers through specific membership tiers.

Which Memberships Include a Compliant Address?

Only membership tiers that include the Privacy Address Service from Main Street Business Services provide a real street address that can be legally used for your business filings.

Here is how our memberships are structured:

Registered Agent

Includes only our Registered Agent Service. It does not include a public-facing business address.

Compliance Essential

Includes only our Company Compliance Service. It does not include a Registered Agent or a Privacy Address.

Compliance Safeguard

Includes both the Company Compliance Service and Registered Agent Service. It does not include a Privacy Address, so no compliant street address is provided for filings.

Privacy Assurance

Includes the Registered Agent Service and Privacy Address Service.
This tier provides a real street address that can be used with the Secretary of State, IRS, banks, utilities, and more. It also includes a virtual mailbox with mail forwarding.

Privacy Safeguard+

This is our most comprehensive membership.
It includes the Company Compliance Service, Registered Agent Service, and Privacy Address Service. It offers a real street address, virtual mailbox access, support for higher mail volume, and complete compliance and privacy protection.

If you need a legally accepted street address that can replace a PO Box, choose a membership that includes the Privacy Address Service.

In Summary

Can you use a PO Box for your LLC?
No. Not for legal filings, compliance documents, or as a Registered Agent address.
Most states require a real physical address.

Main Street Business Services offers fully compliant, privacy-focused solutions through our membership tiers that include the Privacy Address Service. It is the secure, professional alternative to using your home address or relying on a PO Box.