How to receive mail at a PO Box, using a different name

No, I do not mean by using fake ID, which would be a serious offense. The example I list below is the correct way to do it. Let’s say your name is Gnaneshwar Brahatheeswaren Palaniyandi. You are new to the area. You prefer to be known by the American-sounding name of James Martin Rogers and to receive mail in that name.

First, you order a New Mexico limited liability company in the name of James Martin Rogers LLC. Then, once you receive the Articles of Organization for the New Mexico LLC, you fill out PS Form 1093 (April 2011). You give your name as Gnaneshwar Brahatheeswaren Palaniyandi and show your passport and driver’s license. You list the additional name of James Martin Rogers LLC, naming yourself as owner. On line one, check the box “Residential/Personal Use.” Your new box number will be 1200.

So far, so good, but don’t give out your new name quite yet. Instead, for the first couple of weeks, send letters addressed to James Martin Rogers LLC, PO Box 1200. Then begin to alternate. One day it’s James Martin Rogers LLC and another day, just James Martin Rogers. (Looks as if you forgot the “LLC,” right?)

Once you see that mail lacking “LLC” is nevertheless arriving smoothly, you can give out your new name. For the next few months, I suggest you continue to send letters to James Martin Rogers LLC, just to offset the other letters addressed to your new name. Throw in a few “J M Rogers LLC” and “James Rogers” just to muddy the waters.

For additional information about receiving mail in other names, see Chapter 4 of How to Be Invisible.