Let’s be honest: no client is impressed when your business mail shows up with an apartment number or a P.O. Box slapped on the envelope.
Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice professionalism, though.
Today, you can give your business a real street address, protect your privacy, and skip the overhead of renting an office.
That’s the power of a virtual address.
And if you’re building a business in a digital-first world, it’s not just nice to have. It’s a no-brainer.
What is a virtual address?
Think of a virtual address as the middle ground between a home office and a traditional lease.
It’s a real street address you can put on your website, business cards, tax forms, and Google profile, without having to physically sit behind a desk in that building every day.
Here’s the truth:
P.O. boxes are too impersonal, and regulators won’t let you use one for official filings. Using your home address is like handing out your privacy on a silver platter.
A virtual address solves both problems. It looks legitimate, keeps your personal life out of the spotlight, and gives you access to services like mail scanning and forwarding.
5 signs you should get a virtual address for your business
Wondering how to get a virtual address that makes your business look legitimate? Here’s everything you need to know.
1. You’re running your business from home and want privacy
Even if you love working from your kitchen table (we doubt it), you probably don’t love the idea of your home address plastered all over the internet. A virtual address gives you a buffer between your personal life and your professional one.
2. You want to look more professional to clients and partners
Like it or not, perception matters. A business registered in a prime office building says “established.” A business registered to a residential cul-de-sac says “side hustle.”
Which impression do you want to leave?
3. You’re drowning in mail or missing packages
Missed packages, junk mail piling up, or important documents getting buried? A virtual address comes with staff who receive, scan, and forward your mail so you can focus on your business, not on chasing down FedEx or dealing with USPS delays.
4. You need a real street address for legal filings
When it comes to forming an LLC or corporation, a P.O. Box won’t fly. You need a physical street address. Virtual addresses meet the legal standard without locking you into a lease you don’t need.
5. You want a footprint in a new market without relocating
Want to plant a flag in a new city? A virtual address lets you do that instantly. Digital nomads use them to establish a business footprint wherever they travel, and startups use them to expand into new markets without the overhead.
How to get a virtual address in 5 steps
Wondering how to get a virtual address that makes your business look legitimate? We’ve got good news: it’s a very simple process.
Here’s how to do it step by step.
1. Determine your business needs
Do you just need privacy? Do you want mail scanned and uploaded so you can check it from anywhere? Or do you want to look established in a certain city? Nail down your priorities first. They’ll shape everything else.
2. Research virtual address providers
Not all digital address providers are created equal. Some are glorified mail drops. Others, like Launch Workplaces, operate out of real, professional, top-tier buildings in major markets with staff on-site, secure processes, and the option to scale into meeting rooms, coworking, or even a private office if your business needs change.
3. Choose your desired location
Your address sends a message. A central business district says you’re serious. A random strip mall says you’re probably cutting corners. Pick a location that reflects the reputation you want to project.
4. Sign up and complete verification
Providers need to verify your identity for compliance, usually through USPS Form 1583 and a government-issued ID.
It’s quick, but it’s non-negotiable.
5. Start using your new virtual address
Once you’re verified, you’re good to go. Update your website, registrations, and invoices. From that moment on, you’re running your business with a professional presence, without a traditional lease.
How much does a virtual address cost?
If you’ve been curious about how to get a virtual address at a price that works, here’s the good news: it isn’t a bank-breaker. Virtual addresses are one of the most affordable ways to give your business a professional upgrade.
How much does a virtual address cost?
At Launch Workplaces, virtual office services start at $39/month with the Basic Mail Package.
That includes staff-received mail and secure handling.
Need more?
You can upgrade to tiers that include scanning, forwarding, and even meeting room access. It’s flexible by design, so you’re only paying for the features you actually use.
Pro tip: you’ll find national providers offering stripped-down plans for $20–$30, but those often come with fewer features and less credibility. With Launch, you get more than a mailbox. You get a professional presence you can trust.
What drives the price of a virtual address?
People often ask how to get a virtual address that balances cost and credibility. Before you fixate on the number, it’s worth knowing what actually makes one virtual address more expensive than another.
Here’s what really moves the needle.
The provider you choose
Are you signing up with a faceless online mailbox service or a professional coworking space with staff on-site? The latter typically comes with better service, security, and flexibility, which is reflected in the price.
The services you need
Scanning, forwarding, and package handling save time but add to the cost. Some providers also include access to coworking space or meeting rooms. The more features you bundle in, the more you can expect to pay.
The location itself
A prestigious downtown address will always cost more than one in the suburbs. But if your clients are Googling your address, that extra polish could be priceless.
What you actually get with a virtual address at Launch Workplaces
Wondering how to get a virtual address that delivers more than just mail? Here’s what you really sign up for when you choose a Launch Workplaces virtual address.
TL;DR: it’s more than just a line on your letterhead.
Real street address
Your business gets a legitimate, professional street address in a respected building, not a P.O. Box or an unmarked office suite.
Mail scanning
Stay on top of your mail wherever you are. Staff can scan and upload documents so you don’t have to wait until you’re back in town.
Mail forwarding
If you’re traveling or working from home, Launch forwards your mail directly to you, reliably and securely.
Privacy protection
Your personal address stays off public filings and websites. Your business looks professional. You stay protected.
Scalability
Maybe today you just need a mailing address. Tomorrow, you might need a coworking pass, a private office, or a conference room. Launch makes it easy to scale up when you’re ready.
Where you can get a virtual address with Launch Workplaces
If you’ve been wondering how to get a virtual address in Maryland, DC, or Virginia, the answer is right here.
Launch Workplaces offers virtual office services at nine premium locations across these three markets.
Each site is staffed, modern, and designed to give your business credibility the moment someone looks you up.
And if you ever want to step beyond a virtual plan, every location offers coworking spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms you can grow into.
Is a virtual address the right move for your business?
If you’re tired of your home address doubling as your company HQ—or you’re sick of a P.O. Box that screams “temporary”—a virtual address is the smarter play.
It’s affordable, professional, and keeps your business flexible.
FAQs about getting a virtual address
Not sure if a virtual address checks all the boxes? Here are answers to the most common questions we hear.
How do I get a virtual address for my business?
Pick a provider, choose a location, complete verification, and start using your new address. It’s that simple.
Can I use a virtual address for taxes?
Yes—as long as it’s a real street address from a legitimate provider.
Is a virtual address legal for business?
Absolutely. It’s recognized by regulators and perfectly valid for business registration.
What documents do I need to sign up?
You’ll need government-issued ID and USPS Form 1583 to authorize mail handling.
Is a virtual address worth it?
If you value privacy, professionalism, and flexibility, then yes, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make.
Launch Workplaces offers plans that give you the credibility of a real business address, backed by a team and community you can grow into. Explore your options and make the move today.