Complete step-by-step guide to signing up for a C-Band Mailbox account, including plan selection, location choice, identity verification requirements for Canada and the US, and payment setup.
How to Sign Up for a C-Band Mailbox
Getting started with C-Band Mailbox is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. Whether you need a personal mailbox for receiving mail while traveling or a professional business address in Canada or the United States, this guide walks you through every step of the signup process, from choosing your plan to receiving your first piece of mail.
Step 1: Choose Your Plan
C-Band Mailbox offers three plans designed to meet different needs and mail volumes. Visit our pricing page to compare all features and select the best option for you:
- Basic Plan: Ideal for individuals who receive occasional personal mail. Includes a physical mailing address, mail notifications, and a set number of included scans per month. This plan is perfect for digital nomads, travelers, or anyone who needs a reliable mailing address without high mail volume.
- Business Plan: Designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs who need a professional business address. Includes everything in the Basic plan plus additional scans, forwarding credits, and the ability to use the address for business registration and official correspondence.
- Premium Plan: Our most comprehensive plan for businesses and individuals with high mail volume. Includes unlimited scans, priority processing, discounted forwarding rates, extended storage, and dedicated support. Ideal for businesses receiving regular correspondence, checks, and legal documents.
Each plan is billed monthly, starting from the date you complete signup. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time from your dashboard.
Step 2: Select Your Address
After choosing your plan, you will select a physical address from our network of operator locations across Canada and the United States:
- Browse available locations on our locations page.
- Filter by country (Canada or United States), province or state, and city.
- Review each location's details, including the street address, services offered, and operating hours.
- Select your preferred location to claim your mailbox address.
Your mailbox address will include a unique suite number (Canada) or PMB/# number (United States) that identifies your specific mailbox at the operator location. For detailed guidance on address formats and considerations, see our guide on choosing your address.
Step 3: Create Your Account
With your plan and location selected, you will create your C-Band Mailbox account:
- Enter your full legal name as it appears on your government-issued identification.
- Provide a valid email address that you check regularly. This will be your primary login and notification email.
- Create a strong password that meets our security requirements (minimum 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character).
- Enter your phone number for SMS notifications and account verification.
- Review and accept the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
Identity verification is a legal requirement for virtual mailbox services in both Canada and the United States. The verification process differs by country:
For Canadian Mailbox Locations
- You must provide two forms of identification: a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and proof of address dated within the last 90 days (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence).
- You must complete a Canada Post authorization form, which authorizes the operator to receive mail on your behalf.
For US Mailbox Locations
- You must complete USPS PS Form 1583, which must be notarized. Notarization can be done in person at a notary public or through Remote Online Notarization (RON) services.
- You must provide two forms of identification: a primary government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport) and a secondary form of ID with proof of address (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or vehicle registration).
- The completed and notarized PS Form 1583 must be submitted to USPS as required by CMRA regulations.
For complete details on the verification process, required documents, and timelines, see our comprehensive guide on verifying your identity.
Step 5: Complete Payment
The final step is to set up your payment method and complete your first subscription payment:
- Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards with Visa or Mastercard logo.
- Currency: Canadian operators are billed in CAD; US operators are billed in USD.
- Payment processing: All payments are securely processed through Stripe. Your card information is never stored on C-Band servers.
- First charge: Your first monthly subscription fee will be charged immediately upon completing signup.
For more details on payment methods, see our guide on adding payment methods.
What Happens After Signup
Once you have completed the signup process, here is what to expect:
- Welcome email: You will receive a welcome email with your account details and your new mailbox address.
- Identity verification review: Your submitted identification documents will be reviewed. This process typically takes 1-5 business days. You will be notified by email when verification is complete.
- Account activation: Once your identity is verified, your mailbox is fully active and ready to receive mail.
- Dashboard access: You can log in to your dashboard immediately to explore features, configure your preferences, and set up mail forwarding. See understanding your dashboard for a complete tour.
- Start using your address: Begin sharing your new mailbox address with senders, updating your address with banks, government agencies, and online accounts, and registering it as your business address if applicable.
Tips for a Smooth Signup
- Have your ID documents ready before starting the signup process. This includes a clear photo or scan of your government-issued photo ID and proof of address.
- For US renters: Have your PS Form 1583 notarized in advance to avoid delays in the verification process.
- Choose your address carefully. Changing your address after signup is possible but involves updating all your senders and registrations.
- Set up mail forwarding early. If you know you want your mail forwarded to a specific address, configure this during setup so it is ready when your first mail arrives. See setting up mail forwarding.
Need help during the signup process? Visit our Help Center, contact our support team, or submit a support ticket.
