USPS Form 1583 | Anytime Mailbox

What is the USPS Form 1583?

The USPS Form 1583, or Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent form, is a document that authorizes a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) to handle and receive mail on a customer’s behalf.

Any person or company who wants to rent a Private Mailbox (PMB), like a virtual mailbox, must fill out and submit the USPS Form 1583. The United States Postal Service keeps the form on file to track the identity of those who use an address if a bad actor uses it for illegal purposes.

Where do I get a copy of the new USPS Form 1583?

You can download the new USPS Form 1583 from the USPS website: new USPS Form 1583 (as of April 2023).

The form is free to download. However, you will need to pay a fee when you have it notarized before you submit it to the CMRA.

Updated USPS Form 1583 (April 2023)

USPS recently released an updated version of Form 1583. The Postal Service updated the form to align with the recent changes in their Domestic Mail Manual. These changes aim to better collect and manage information from the form using an electronic database (CMRA Customer Registration Database).

The new form makes it easier for Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies to process the application and information of their PMB customers digitally.

Comparison of the new and updated versions of the USPS Form 1583.

Changes to the old USPS 1583 Form include the addition of the USPS logo and form name, checkbox options for IDs, and the general order of the questions.

When you fill out the USPS Form 1583, make sure that you have downloaded the updated April 2023 version. It should say PS Form 1583, April 2023, at the bottom of the form.

Bottom label of new USPS Form 1583 states April 2023.

What is a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency or CMRA?

CMRAs are mail and parcel operators, printing centers, coworking facilities, and any private company responsible for running and managing mail operations on behalf of individuals and businesses, separate from the USPS. CMRAs can receive larger packages in addition to standard mail. Many businesses opt for this type of mailing address for several reasons.

Depending on the location, it can be convenient for them, particularly if they receive a significant volume of physical packages. Moreover, the availability of digital capabilities to sort and view mail from a browser or app, especially when a virtual option is provided, can save time.

Is it safe to authorize a CMRA to open my mail?

Yes, it is safe to trust CMRAs with your mail. The USPS has rules and regulations that govern CMRAs.

The USPS Form 1583 ensures that the post office will have a record of your application and enrolment for a Private Mailbox and which CMRA is authorized to handle your mail. It allows them to keep track of the identities of anyone who uses an address.

What Do I Need to Complete the USPS Form 1583?

You will need two (2) forms of identification — a photo ID and an address ID. You must also have the form notarized before submitting it to the CMRA.

What IDs and Proof of Address Can I Use for the USPS Form 1583?

Examples of accepted identification cards for USPS Form 1583 verification

You must provide two (2) forms of identification— at least one primary photo ID and a secondary form of ID that verifies your current address.

The following primary forms of photo identification are acceptable:

U.S. Government I.D.: This may be federal, state, or tribal-issued and can include a
- State-issued driver's license
- Non-driver's identification card
- Uniformed Service ID card
- U.S. Access Card
- U.S. permanent resident or other identification card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
- An identification card issued by a federally or state-recognized tribal nation.
Passport
- This can be a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, or foreign passport.
Matricula Consular (Mexico)
- This is an identification card issued by the Government of Mexico through its consulate offices to Mexican nationals residing outside Mexico.
NEXUS (Canada)
- This is a trusted traveler and expedited border control program operated by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. To be accepted, the NEXUS card must contain an identification number.
U.S. University Identification
- This can be a public or private U.S. university identification card.

The following address forms of identification are acceptable:

An additional primary form of ID (with an address)
Current lease
Mortgage or deed of trust
Voter card
Vehicle registration card
Home or vehicle insurance policy

The following forms of identification are NOT acceptable:

Social Security cards
Birth certificates
Credit cards
Corporate identification card
Utility bill

Can I Have the USPS Form 1583 Notarized Online?

Online notarization of the USPS Form 1583 is secure and convenient and allows mailbox renters to process their application faster.

Yes, getting your identity verified online through an online notary is possible. We highly recommend opting for the online option due to its convenience. Our trusted online notary partners have an excellent track record, and for a nominal fee, they can notarize your USPS Form 1583 within minutes!

However, if you prefer the traditional in-person method, you would typically contact your preferred business center or notary to inquire about their availability, schedule an appointment, and then visit them in person.

How Do I Process the USPS Form 1583 if I’m Not a U.S. Resident?

The simplest and most trustworthy method to have your USPS Form 1583 notarized if you’re not a U.S. resident is to have it notarized using our online notary partner.

Foreign IDs are accepted as long as they correspond to one of the abovementioned IDs and are in English.

How Do I Complete the USPS Form 1583?

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to complete the updated USPS Form 1583. The numbers correspond to the boxes in the form.

Box 1

If applicable, include house, street, and apartment/suite numbers.

Box 2

For Business/Organization Use, complete item 7.

Box 3

For Residential/Personal Use, complete a separate PS Form 1583 for each adult using this PMB.

Box 4

The address must match the document provided in item 9b.

Box 5

The Applicant authorizes mail to be collected by the individual noted in item 5.

Box 6

The address must match the document provided in item 11b.

Box 7

Complete item 6 if the mail addressed to this PMB will be transferred, mailed, shipped, or emailed to another address.

Box 8

The place of registration is the county and state (if domestic), or the country (if foreign).

Box 9

Two types of identification are required for both the Applicant and if listed, the Authorized Individual. One ID must be a government-issued photo ID. The second must confirm the Applicant’s or Authorized Individual’s address listed on this form.

Box 10

Although the driver’s/nondriver’s ID is listed in 8e and 9g as an option for both the Applicant’s photo ID and address ID, it may be used for only one of the IDs (either photo ID or address ID), not for both.

Box 11

The acceptable types of address verification are listed in items 9g and 11g. Attach a copy of the photo and address ID documents.

Box 12

Although the driver’s/nondriver’s ID is listed in 10e and 11g as an option for both the Authorized Individual’s photo ID and address ID, it may be used for only one of the IDs (either photo ID or address ID), not for both.

Box 13

For Business/Organization Use: List members who will be receiving mail at this PMB. Each person listed must, upon request, present two forms of valid ID to the Postal Service. For Residential/Individual Use: A parent or guardian may receive the mail of a minor by listing the minor’s name — the minor’s ID is not required.

Box 14

By signing this form, the applicant certifies the following (for Business/Organization Use, an officer must sign the application and provide their title):

I certify that all information furnished on this form is accurate, truthful, and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or omits information requested on this form may be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Box 15

The witness can be the agent, an authorized employee, or a Notary Public.

USPS Form 1583 FAQs

Do I need to renew the USPS Form 1583 regularly?

No, you will only be required to complete a new USPS Form 1583 if there are any changes to the information you provided (or if the USPS changes the regulation around the Form 1583). For instance, if any IDs you initially submitted have expired, you must submit a new USPS Form 1583.

Is my mailbox by the U.S. Postal Service or by a private company?

In essence, your mail will be directed to a CMRA, which is a private entity approved by USPS to handle such services. The CMRA assumes the responsibility of adhering to the applicable rules and regulations and obtaining the necessary forms from USPS to facilitate the service.

How does HIPAA security work with a virtual mailbox?

We have some HIPAA-compliant operators, but not all of them are. If that is important to you, we recommend checking with us first and your company's policies before opening a virtual mailbox account.

Do many people use delivery of mail through an agent? How long has this type of service been around?

The USPS Form 1583 itself has been around for over 20 years.

The use of virtual mailboxes has become more common over the past 10 years due to the convenience of the service and freedom it enables. There are many reasons consumers are turning to virtual mailboxes. Some examples are:

Individuals starting companies or engaging in side jobs
Families who want to keep their home address safe
Travelers, expats, and digital nomads
Freelancers and remote workers
Those with multiple businesses
Members of the military

Is Form 1583 the same as a mail forwarding form?

No, the USPS Form 1583 is different from the USPS mail forwarding form. It is not a forwarding document, and the CMRA operator will not forward any mail on your behalf. Form 1583 is strictly an authorization for the CMRA to receive mail on your behalf at the chosen address.

If you want USPS to forward your mail, you must complete a separate Change of Address form. You can download the form here: Official USPS® Change of Address.

Is the USPS Form 1583 Required to Open a Virtual Mailbox?

The USPS Form 1583 is essential for setting up a virtual mailbox in the United States. We have streamlined the process for domestic and international applicants by offering an option to have the form notarized directly from their computers. All you need is a webcam or a smartphone that supports video calls and the necessary identification documents.

Anytime Mailbox notary service partners operate 24/7, enabling you to apply and obtain your digital mailbox within minutes. For further information, please watch the video below.

How do I get the USPS Form 1583 to Anytime Mailbox?

If you use our online notary service, you don’t have to submit your form and IDs. They will be automatically forwarded to us by our notary partners.

If you used your own notary, upload your notarized Form 1583 and IDs when you log in to your Anytime Mailbox account.

The Ultimate Guide to the USPS Form 1583

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