How Americas Mailbox Works – A Complete Review

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Updated April 15, 2024

You’ve been planning to live in your RV full-time for months now. You check off everything on your to-do list and have everything packed. But now you realize you have no idea how you’re going to get your mail. Without a physical address, how are you going to receive your necessary documents?

Luckily, there’s a solution for you! Americas Mailbox provides customers with hassle-free mail forwarding service, regardless of location.

When it comes to mail forwarding services, there are many options to consider. Ideally, you want to get the best service at the lowest price. So, the following information gives you a complete review of how America’s Mailbox works.

And we have a YouTube video we made about America’s Mailbox at the end of the article.

How Does America’s Mailbox Work?

It’s surprising how many people do not have a physical address. Full-time RVers, traveling doctors and nurses, truck drivers, and other remote dwellers need a way to retrieve their mail and packages. America’s Mailbox serves all their mail delivery needs and, as a result, gives them the freedom they desire.

America’s Mailbox is a mail-forwarding service that sorts your mail and sends it to your physical location. The process is rather simple. First, sign up for the company through their website. Upon doing so, you will obtain a physical address in South Dakota. Change your address through your local post office, and voila! You can now receive your mail no matter where you are.

Choose how often, where, and how you want your mail. If you’re in Florida for a couple of days, then set up a shipment to have it sent to your local postal facility. Or let’s say you have a detailed schedule of where you’ll be for the next three months. Then create a series of shipments via their scheduling system. You can also stop by America’s Mailbox’s physical location in South Dakota to retrieve your mail in person.

The company recommends signing up at least two months before leaving your physical address. That way, you can adjust to the new process and eliminate any kinks. The initial changeover can be tough. But when you get used to it, you will be a pro in no time.

What Is A Domicile?

Your domicile is the place you call home, permanently. You may be on the road all year long, jumping from campground to campground, but you still have to have a permanent address on the record books. Normally, domicile is established when you move into a new home and get your first bit of mail and a driver’s license from the DMV.

Failure to properly establish your domicile could lead to a number of problems. For instance, let’s say you move your address from Alabama to Florida. Now, let’s say you do very little to nothing about permanently establishing your new domicile. Years down the road, Alabama can come after you for all those years of back taxes. 

It’s not to be confused with residence. You reside in your RV. Your domicile is your permanent home that’s listed on your driver’s license, tax paperwork, etc. Some states are confused on the matter, using the terms “residency” and “domicile” interchangeably, or choosing one over the other.

Do I Have to Live in South Dakota?

You do not have to live in South Dakota to receive the great benefits of America’s Mailbox. New members can join long-distance using U.S. mail, UPS, FedEx, email, or fax.

Begin by sending electronic documents to obtain your unique South Dakota address. Later, you will sign physical papers and send them to Americas Mailbox’s office to officially open your account.

Some members end up becoming residents of South Dakota, others do not. Each state has different laws, as some require a physical address to maintain residency. South Dakota, Florida, and Texas are a few that do not follow this policy. You may want to consider claiming residency in those areas if you’re a full-time RVer.

You only need your current driver’s license to sign up for America’s Mailbox. Once you receive your physical South Dakota address, you can establish residency in the state. Many choose to transfer this location to their driver’s license, voter registration, passport, and much more.

South Dakota laws do not require a state license for vehicle registration. Instead, they use your social security number. There are some restrictions, however. First, you cannot obtain a specialty plate. Second, you must renew your physically disabled parking permit every six months.

South Dakota does not require vehicle inspections or proof of insurance for vehicle registration. Therefore, you do not need to be there physically. By filling out a notarized power of attorney, America’s Mailbox will acquire your plates and vehicle registration for you. Residents pay about $100 to $150 per year for their car or vehicle.

America’s Mailbox can also set up your voter registration in South Dakota too!

Can Anyone Register A Vehicle In North Dakota?

According to North Dakota law, your vehicle must be registered in North Dakota when you establish residency or become an employee for a business within state lines. North Dakota sticks with the 90-day rule, meaning you are considered a resident once you have been in-state for three months. 

North Dakota exempts full-time students and military service members from the rule. Non-residents of North Dakota cannot register a vehicle through the normal means. However, if you are a non-resident and working in the state, you can temporarily register your vehicle. You will also be required to carry your original registration from the state in which you have established your domicile.

Who Is America’s Mailbox Best For?

America’s Mailbox is best for full-time RVers and RVers who head out over the horizon on a more seasonal basis. It makes sense because America’s Mailbox is only designed to cater to those who don’t want their mail piling up at home or who aren’t willing to ask friends and family members to deal with it. 

Plus, if you’re like most Americans, you don’t want your mail piling up anyway. You need to see it, even if three-quarters of it is junk mail. Not only does America’s Mailbox provide mail forwarding services, but it also offers various products for RVers, insurance, and warranties. 

How Does America’s Mailbox Get Mail to My Location?

Americas Mailbox works closely with mail providers to send your mail in a time-efficient and effective way. To fully understand how this process works, here is a basic play-by-play.

When you sign up for the service, you receive a physical address. Forward your mail to your new address by filling out a change of address form on the USPS website. Now, it automatically goes to this location. Always use this address when ordering packages or when giving others your postal information. You also need to take some time and change your address with all companies and institutions so they have your new address and begin sending your mail there.

So, now your mail has been sent to America’s Mailbox headquarters. Their shipment facility sorts and stores it in a designated area. It will stay here until you set up a delivery. To schedule one, you must go online or call to transfer the mail to your physical location. You can also send it to a local post office and pick it up.

Depending on the mode of shipment, your mail will arrive at different times. For example, if you choose overnight FedEx shipping, you can receive your mail as soon as the next day. Standard shipping, on the other hand, varies daily. These services include tracking information, so you know when it will arrive. Keep in mind that planning makes the process run much smoother.

Pros and Cons of America’s Mailbox

Thousands of people in the United States trust America’s Mailbox for all their mailing needs. Whether you’re traveling locally or internationally, this provider guarantees to get the job done. With only 24-hour notice, you can receive your mail the next day at your exact location. Or if you want to plan three years out, you can also do that. There are few restrictions when it comes to America’s Mailbox.

Furthermore, a membership gives you the chance to become a South Dakota resident. There are many benefits to having South Dakota as your home base, such as:

• No state income, property, or wheel taxes
• No safety inspection
• No smog inspection
• Only 4% sales tax on vehicles
• Among the least expensive states for vehicle insurance
• Low crime rate
• Quality healthcare access

While America’s Mailbox has many positive aspects, it also has some downsides. To maintain residency, you must stay in South Dakota for at least one night every five years. Those looking to obtain a pistol permit must live in the state for at least thirty days. However, there are no limitations as to where you must stay.

You can spend your time in any area, as long as you remain within the state’s borders. In fact, if you need a place to stay can stay right at America’s Mailbox RV Park with full hookups for a night or two while becoming a resident of South Dakota.

Furthermore, any mail-forwarding service is bound to make a few mistakes. Workers handle millions of pieces of mail daily. Therefore, it is common for some envelopes or packages to get lost in the shuffle. Members must keep this in mind and be understanding during potential mix-ups.

How Much Does America’s Mailbox Cost?

America’s Mailbox has five different plans. Rates vary and become more expensive with added features. Moreover, each package has one-lifetime start-up fee of $25 per account.

They offer additional payment methods if you do not wish to pay an annual fee. If you’re looking to travel for at least three months, you can choose a monthly rate. Also, be sure to consider adding postage funds to cover shipping costs.

UPDATE: Since we originally wrote this article in August 2019, prices have increased by $20 a year across the board. It’s not a huge price increase, considering the inflation we have experienced over the past five years. We are showing the 2024 prices below.

The bronze package has the lowest cost at $169.99 plus tax per year. This plan is the most basic, as it includes vehicle registration and a physical address for legal residence. You can also receive up to seven pieces of mail annually.

The next step up is the silver plan at $189.99 plus tax per year. This package includes everything listed above, but instead forwards all mail to your location. They will also handle most packages for no additional fee and offer protected online access.

Choosing a gold package costs $209.99 plus tax per year. It has all the benefits of bronze and silver but includes more. This plan offers pre-forwarding with junk mail removed, package handling, and secure encrypted online account access.

Small businesses often choose platinum since they have a large volume of shipping packages. Paying $249.99 plus tax per year gives you this access.

Similarly, the titanium scanning package includes these amenities. However, they also have mail and exterior scanning and special handling for packages. The rate for this plan is $248.99 plus tax per year.

There are also quarterly vacation plans available for those folks who are taking an extended vacation and wish to have their mail, USPS UPS, or Fed Ex packages forwarded while they are on the road.

What Other Services Does America’s Mailbox Offer?

Americas Mailbox goes above and beyond to give its customers everything they need. As a family business, they provide others with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. From advice to having resident agent service available, this company makes sure they serve you right.

They handle all your vehicle insurance requests through their onsite independent insurance agents. These employees will help you attain insurance for your trailer, RV, truck, car, or motorcycle.

Their headquarters in Box Elder, South Dakota also has a hotel and campground. These sites are perfect for that required one-night stay every five years! Plus, you will feel right at home in one of their 82 hookup sites.

Living in your RV full-time increases the likelihood of a breakdown or repair. Therefore, America’s Mailbox offers RV extended warranties. They have partnered with Wholesale Warranties to give you the best deal possible.

While America’s Mailbox does not provide Health Insurance they will put you in contact with a Health Insurance agent in South Dakota.

Final Words About America’s Mailbox

So, there you have it! Retrieving your mail has never been easier. Whether it’s a bill, postcard, or package, America’s Mailbox has you covered.

Enroll in any of their various plans to receive benefits. Representatives will also happily assist you with insurance, warranties, and even hotels or campgrounds!

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Related Reading:

– 10 Best Tips for Living In a Camper Full Time
– Full-Time RV Costs to Consider
– Is The Good Sam Extended Service Plan Right For You?
– Coach-Net Roadside Assistance Review

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Do you have any experience with America’s Mailbox to share? Or any questions? Please leave your comment or question below!

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