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Starting a business in New York can feel confusing at first. There are many rules to follow, and addresses often bring up the most questions. You may work from home or run your business online. Because of this, you might wonder if you really need a physical office. Many business owners ask, “Can I use a New York virtual address for my business license?”
The answer is not the same for everyone. It depends on where you apply for your license. It also depends on what kind of business you run. Some companies can use a virtual address with no problem. Others must have a real location that city or state offices can inspect.
Don’t worry, though. Once you understand the basic rules, things become much clearer. Let’s break it down step by step and keep it simple.
First, let’s talk about what a virtual address is. A virtual address is a real street address you can use for your business, even if you don’t work there every day. Because of this, many business owners choose a virtual address to help manage their companies.
For example, people often use virtual addresses to:
While virtual addresses are standard in New York, they’re not always accepted for every license.
New York State is generally flexible with virtual addresses, especially for:
If your business does not need inspections or special equipment, a virtual address usually works for state registration and many licenses.
However, some businesses (like medical services, food-related companies, or childcare) may need a physical location that can be inspected. In those cases, a virtual address may not be allowed.
Cities in New York, especially New York City, have stricter rules.
Local licenses often depend on:
If your business:
Then, a city permit or licensing office may not accept a virtual address. Always check with the city agency before applying.
A virtual address is usually a good fit if your business:
It’sinvaluablel for home-based business owners who want to protect their privacy.
Before you choose a virtual address, keep these tips in mind:
In New York, using a virtual address for a business license is often allowed, but it depends on your business and location. Many online and service-based companies have no problem using one, while customer-facing businesses usually need a physical space.
Always do a quick check with state or city offices to help you avoid delays and stay compliant from day one.
Here are some of the sales tools and answers you may be looking for from a potential partner:
Sign up for a virtual office in New York City with a local business address for correspondence and marketing collateral. Use a dedicated local phone number with a live answering service. Schedule face-to-face meetings and access business equipment when needed.
A virtual office can be used for setting up a business bank account. We suggest checking the requirements at your bank of choice. Many financial institutions may have unique requirements, but you can use a virtual business address to open a business account at many banks.
Virtual Offices of NYC is a commercial mail-receiving agency registered with the United States Postal Service (USPS). To receive mail on our clients’ behalf, a USPS application must be appropriately completed and submitted.
The form can be viewed here.
This form can be conveniently notarized online. We can also assist you with this form in our office.
Virtual Offices of NYC accepts deliveries from companies such as FedEx, UPS, and Amazon for envelopes, packets (business documents), and handheld items. However, we have strict mail processes and cannot accept items weighing over 10 lbs or containing dangerous, live, or perishable goods.
Unfortunately, the Virtual Offices of NYC phone number assigned to your account is owned by our telecommunications service provider. You have the right to use this number under our Service Agreement, but only while your account remains valid and active. It is important to note that these numbers are exclusively available to clients and cannot be shared or transferred.
A virtual mailbox gives your business a real address, not just a P.O. Box or home location, and it can be used for tax and legal needs. Mail and packages are sent to a professional site, and can be scanned or forwarded to you. This makes it easy to check important mail online, stay organized, and keep your business looking professional from anywhere.
A free virtual office address can seem like a good deal at first, but many growing businesses decide to pay for better service. A paid virtual office plan offers more support, dependability, and useful features. Instead of being limited by a free option, choosing an affordable plan gives your business space to grow and helps build a stronger future.
Yes, in most cases, you can use a virtual office address to start your LLC. States require a real street address, and a virtual office provides one that can receive official mail. This service also helps protect your home privacy, looks more professional, and costs less than renting an office.
A virtual address helps you skip expensive leases and high monthly costs. There’s no need to worry about utilities, cleaning, or upkeep. These services make it simple to explore new markets and grow at a pace that feels right. With month-to-month plans from Virtual Offices of New York City, you can adjust your services as your business changes and keep control of your budget.
All types of businesses can benefit from a virtual office, including small business owners working from home who want to appear professional when meeting clients, traveling business professionals who need office amenities on the go, start-up companies with limited funds, and businesses looking to expand into new territories and test the waters before committing large amounts of capital.
After purchasing your service package online, you will receive an email with a New Account Setup Packet. This packet includes the service agreement, required information forms, and USPS Form 1583. If Form 1583 is not completed in the office, it must be notarized. All other documents can be submitted online. Once approved, your account will be set up within 24 to 48 business hours.
To help us set up your services, please provide the following:
1. A copy of the credit cardholder’s verifiable identification (driver’s license, passport, current lease, etc.).
2. The setup fee and first month’s service fee.
3. A fully completed New Account Packet, including the Service Agreement.
4. A fully completed and notarized USPS Form 1583.
Virtual Offices of NYC keeps you informed of the process and sends email communications alerting you of the account’s status and the office’s service details.
Additional charges are based on usage of services, including mail forwarding, staff handling of mail, call overages, international long-distance charges, and use of facilities. No additional charges apply if none of these situations occur. If you’re ever unsure if a service incurs an extra charge, please ask our friendly office staff.
Yes! You can pick up your mail during our regular weekday office hours: Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. To make your visit quicker and more convenient, we suggest calling or emailing us first to check if any mail is waiting for you. This helps save time and ensures your trip to the office is smooth and efficient.
A mobile office lets you work from many places instead of one fixed office, making it great for people who are always on the go. If you want your business to look more polished and professional while using a mobile office, you can get a virtual office without paying rent like you would for a traditional office. Many small and home-based businesses like virtual offices because they are affordable, convenient, and help build trust.
A P.O. box is a small, locked box at a post office where you pick up mail sent by the U.S. Postal Service. A virtual mailbox works differently. It gives you a real street address where mail from many delivery companies can arrive. Trained staff handle your mail by scanning it, forwarding it to you, or safely shredding it when asked.
Our New York City office is located at a prestigious address directly across from the Empire State Building. This is an excellent midtown address at our most reasonable price, designed exclusively as a mail-handling facility with a reception area but no meeting or office space. Our Las Vegas location offers private offices and conference rooms ideal for one-on-one interviews or larger meetings. These spaces are available by reservation and are subject to availability.
A virtual office can help grow your business by making it look more professional while keeping costs low. A real New York City address builds trust with customers and lets you enter new markets without renting space. Flexible plans, mail handling, and phone services help you stay organized, responsive, and ready to scale as your business grows.
If you have any further questions, please email us at info@bssivirtual.com, call us at 212-213-3810 or 888-909-2774, or use our Contact Us form.
