USPS Form 1583 is the form used to authorize a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency, also known as a CMRA, to receive mail on your behalf. If you are signing up for a virtual mailbox, private mailbox, or mail forwarding service in the United States, you may be asked to complete this form before your mailbox can be activated.
In simple terms, USPS Form 1583 tells the United States Postal Service that you have given a specific mail receiving agency permission to accept mail for you. It also helps verify your identity so mail is not released to someone who is not authorized to receive it.
For many people, the form appears during virtual mailbox setup. A remote worker, small business owner, digital nomad, frequent traveler, or person using a mail forwarding service may need to complete USPS Form 1583 before their provider can receive mail in their name.
Depending on how the form is completed, you may need to sign it in the physical or virtual presence of the CMRA or acknowledge your signature before a U.S.-commissioned notary public. When notarization is required or preferred by your mailbox provider, online notarization can make the process easier.
Key Takeaways
- USPS Form 1583 authorizes a CMRA, such as a virtual mailbox provider, to receive mail on your behalf.
- The form is commonly required when opening a virtual mailbox, private mailbox, or mail forwarding account.
- USPS requires identity verification to help ensure mail is delivered only to an authorized person or business.
- You generally need two forms of identification: one government-issued photo ID and one address ID.
- USPS Form 1583 may be completed through CMRA identity verification or by acknowledging your signature before a notary public.
- Completing the form accurately helps avoid delays in activating your virtual mailbox or mail receiving service.
What Is USPS Form 1583?
USPS Form 1583, officially titled “Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent,” authorizes a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) to receive mail on your behalf. In this case, the “agent” refers to the mailbox provider that has been authorized to accept your mail.
A CMRA is a business that receives U.S. Mail on behalf of another person or company. This can include:
- Virtual mailbox providers
- Private mailbox companies
- Mail forwarding services
- Office business centers
- Some coworking or business address providers
- Reshipping or redelivery businesses
When you complete USPS Form 1583, you are giving that provider permission to receive mail addressed to you or your business at the mailbox address.
This form matters because mail can contain sensitive information, including bank statements, government notices, business records, legal documents, tax forms, checks, and personal correspondence. USPS requires the form so there is a clear record of who is authorized to receive mail through a CMRA.
Think of it this way: the mailbox provider is not simply giving you an address. It is agreeing to receive mail in your name. USPS Form 1583 connects that mailbox to a verified person or business.
Who Needs USPS Form 1583?
You may need USPS Form 1583 if you are using a third-party service to receive U.S. Mail for you.
Individuals Opening a Virtual Mailbox
If you are signing up for a virtual mailbox, your provider will usually ask for USPS Form 1583 before it can receive, scan, store, or forward mail for you.
For example, if you live in Texas but want a virtual mailbox address in Florida, the provider needs your authorization before accepting mail addressed to you.
Small Business Owners
Small business owners often use virtual mailboxes to separate business mail from personal mail. A freelancer, consultant, LLC owner, or online business may use a CMRA address to receive business correspondence.
If the mailbox is for business use, the form may require business information in addition to personal information.
Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
Remote workers and digital nomads may not have a stable physical mailing address. A virtual mailbox can provide a consistent place to receive mail while they travel.
USPS Form 1583 allows the provider to receive that mail on their behalf.
Frequent Travelers
People who travel for extended periods may use a mail forwarding service to avoid missing important mail. The form helps authorize the provider to receive and, where applicable, transfer mail to another address.
Anyone Using Mail Forwarding Services
If a company is receiving mail for you and then sending it somewhere else, USPS Form 1583 may be part of the setup process. This helps USPS and the CMRA maintain a record of who is responsible for the mailbox.
How to Complete USPS Form 1583
USPS Form 1583 can look confusing at first, but the process is easier when you understand what each step is trying to accomplish.
1. Get the Correct Form
Use the current USPS Form 1583 provided by USPS or your mailbox provider. Avoid outdated or altered versions. USPS rules do not allow the CMRA to modify or alter the form.
2. Confirm the CMRA Information
Your mailbox provider usually completes or supplies the CMRA address and private mailbox details. This includes the address where your mail will be delivered and your private mailbox number.
3. Choose the Type of Service
The form asks whether the mailbox is for business or residential/personal use.
If the mailbox is for personal use, each adult who will receive mail at that private mailbox generally needs a separate form. If the mailbox is for business use, the form may require business or organization information.
4. Complete Your Applicant Information
You will need to provide your full legal name, phone number, email address, and home address. Your home address should match the address shown on the identification you provide for address verification.
5. Add Authorized Individuals, if Needed
If someone else is allowed to pick up mail for the mailbox, they may need to be listed as an authorized individual and provide identification details.
6. Provide Identification
You will need information from two forms of identification: one government-issued photo ID and one address ID. Copies of the identification documents are generally submitted with the completed form.
7. Sign or Acknowledge the Form Properly
USPS Form 1583 must be signed or acknowledged in an approved way. Depending on your provider’s process, this may happen through the CMRA or through a notary public.
8. Submit the Completed Form
Once completed, the form and identification documents are submitted to your mailbox provider. The CMRA is responsible for uploading the completed form into the USPS CMRA Customer Registration Database and retaining a copy at its business location.
Does USPS Form 1583 Need to Be Notarized?
USPS Form 1583 does not always have to be notarized in every situation, but notarization is commonly used and may be required by your virtual mailbox provider.
Under current USPS Form 1583 instructions, the applicant must either:
- Sign or confirm their signature in the physical or virtual presence of the CMRA or the CMRA’s authorized employee, or
- Acknowledge their signature in the physical or virtual presence of a notary public commissioned in a U.S. state, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia.
This means there are two common ways to complete the identity and signature step:
- Through the mailbox provider’s approved verification process; or
- Through notarization.
Many virtual mailbox users choose notarization because they are not physically present at the CMRA location. If your provider asks for a notarized USPS Form 1583, you can meet with a notary and acknowledge your signature before submitting the form.
If your mailbox provider accepts online notarization, it can simplify the process by allowing you to connect with a notary through secure audio-video technology. This can be especially helpful if you are travelling, working remotely, living outside the state where your mailbox is located, or trying to activate your mailbox quickly.
Before booking, confirm your mailbox provider’s requirements and whether they accept online notarization.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
USPS Form 1583 requires two types of identification for the applicant and, if applicable, for an authorized individual.
Photo Identification
One ID must be a government-issued photo ID. Examples listed on the form include:
- U.S. state, territory, or tribal driver’s or nondriver’s ID card
- Passport
- Uniformed service ID
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card
- Matricula Consular
- U.S. Access Card
- U.S. University ID Card
- NEXUS Card
Address Identification
The second ID must confirm the address listed on the form. Examples listed on the form include:
- Current lease
- Mortgage or deed of trust
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
- Vehicle registration card
- Voter card
- U.S. state, territory, or tribal driver’s or nondriver’s ID card
One important rule: if you use your driver’s or nondriver’s ID as your photo ID, you generally cannot use the same ID again as your address ID. You need two separate identification documents.
The address on your address ID should match the address listed on USPS Form 1583. If the information does not match, your application may be delayed or denied.
Common Mistakes That Delay USPS Form 1583 Approval
USPS Form 1583 is not difficult, but small mistakes can delay mailbox activation.
Common mistakes include:
- Using expired identification
- Submitting blurry or unreadable ID copies
- Leaving required sections blank
- Using a nickname instead of your legal name
- Listing an address that does not match your address ID
- Forgetting to sign the form
- Using the same ID for both photo ID and address ID
- Submitting an outdated or altered version of the form
- Forgetting business information when using the mailbox for a company
- Not listing authorized individuals correctly
For example, a small business owner may complete the personal section but forget to complete the business information section. A traveler may submit a passport as a photo ID but forget to include a separate document confirming their home address. These mistakes can prevent the mailbox provider from approving the account.
Before submitting, review the form carefully and confirm that your name, home address, mailbox provider information, identification details, and signature are complete.
USPS Form 1583 and Virtual Mailboxes
Virtual mailbox providers rely on USPS Form 1583 to verify your identity and obtain authorization to receive mail on your behalf. Without an approved form, most providers cannot begin accepting, scanning, forwarding, or storing your mail.
While you may be able to create your account before completing the form, your mailbox typically won’t become fully active until your USPS Form 1583 and identification documents have been reviewed and accepted.
To avoid delays, gather your identification in advance, complete the form carefully, and confirm whether your provider requires notarization or another approved identity verification method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USPS Form 1583 used for?
USPS Form 1583 is used to authorize a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency to receive mail on behalf of an individual or business.
Do I need USPS Form 1583 for every virtual mailbox?
In most cases, yes. If a virtual mailbox provider is acting as a CMRA and receiving U.S. Mail for you, you should expect to complete USPS Form 1583.
Does USPS Form 1583 always need to be notarized?
Not always. USPS allows the applicant to sign or confirm their signature in the physical or virtual presence of the CMRA or its authorized employee, or acknowledge their signature before a qualified notary public. Your provider may still require notarization as part of its process.
What identification do I need?
You generally need two forms of ID: one government-issued photo ID and one address ID that confirms the address listed on the form.
How long does approval take?
Timing depends on your mailbox provider and whether the form and IDs are complete and legible. Incorrect information, expired ID, poor-quality images, or missing signatures can delay approval.
Can USPS Form 1583 be notarized online?
Yes, if online notarization is available and accepted for your situation. Many users choose online notarization because it allows them to complete the notary step remotely before submitting the form to their mailbox provider.
Complete USPS Form 1583 with Confidence
USPS Form 1583 authorizes a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) to receive mail on behalf of an individual or business. Completing the form accurately helps verify your identity, protects your mail, and prevents delays in activating your virtual mailbox.
Before submitting your form, make sure you have the required identification, review your mailbox provider’s instructions, and confirm whether notarization is required.
If you need a notarized USPS Form 1583, NotaryPro’s online notary services provide a secure and convenient way to complete the process where online notarization is available and accepted.
