USPS Form 1583

All the details you need to know to get started with your virtual mailbox.

What is the purpose of USPS Form 1583?

Any person or company who rents a P.O. Box directly through the post office or a mailing address from an approved third party business location (called a CMRA) must fill this out. It is kept on file by the USPS United States Postal Service so they can keep track of the identity of those who use an address in the event a bad actor uses the address for an illegal purpose.

CMRA explained

This abbreviation stands for: Commercial Mail Receiving Agency. These are mail and parcel operations , printing centers. Cowork facilities and basically any type of private company that runs and manages mail operations on behalf of individuals and businesses separate from the national postal administration. CMRAs are able to also receive larger packages in addition to standard mail. A lot of business use this type of mailing address for a few reasons. If they receive a lot of physical packages it may be convenient for them depending on the location. Also having digital capabilities to sort and view mail from a browser or app if they have a virtual option can be a time saver also.

Notarize it online or in person

The cool fact is that yes you can get your identity verified digitally with an online notary. If you choose a traditional in person route, typically you would call your business center or notary of choice and ask them their availability and then go in person. One online vendor has a strong track record. For a nominal fee they can notarize any of your documents in minutes including the 1583.

Allowed identifications to get it notarized

For this particular form they need two pieces of identification. And believe it or not, credit cards, social security and birth certificates will not be accepted. And one of the pieces of identification must have a photo of you on it. Here is a list of what they will accept from you which is also written on the form itself:

  • Valid driver's license or state non-driver's identification card
  • Armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card
  • Passport
  • Alien registration card or certificate of naturalization
  • Current lease, mortgage or Deed of Trust
  • Voter or vehicle registration card
  • Home or vehicle insurance policy

Here is a downloadable pdf and embedded document as well: USPS Form 1583

It is easy to fill out either with Adobe Acrobat, PDFFiller, cloud based PDF editor, or with Adobe Reader which most windows and Mac based computers have.

What if I am not a U.S. Resident?

The easiest and most reliable service is through an online notary company for example. However, in most cases international embassies and financial institutions can act as a notary service in this case. There is no guarantee they will do this but there is a chance and you can ask them easily. It may be better to go this route as a non U.S. Resident as many U.S. based notaries will only stamp this document for citizens. And if the above avenues do not work, it may be best to consult with an attorney who specializes in international law and citizenship.

Traveling abroad and dual citizenship

In this case it may be easier to get an online notary to approve you. As long as you have a reliable internet connection and the proper required forms of id you should be able to get approved.

Does this document need to be renewed?

Keep up to date on the latest regulations. Your CMRA should be informing you whether by email or in your postal mailbox as well. Your fees for the mailbox do need to be renewed and once again that varies according to operator and location.

Virtual Mailboxes and the USPS Form 1583

The form is a vital element in getting a virtual mailbox set up in the United States. However, we have made the process super easy for domestic and international applicants to have it notarized right from your computer. All you need is access to a webcam and the relevant applicable IDs. Our notary is open 24/7, which means you can apply and get your digital mailbox in a matter of minutes. Just watch the video below for more details.

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

It is through a private company. Basically as mentioned above a CMRA is a designated private operator who is allowed to manage such services. However, they are responsible for the rules and regulations that come along with that duty as well as obtaining accurate forms for the USPS.

How many people can be on the same account or mailbox?

Usually an individual, a designated individual on behalf of a company or a company name must be in the address sent to in regards to the mail and parcels delivered consistently and opened by the entity renting an address. If it is a husband and wife or other legal designations it can vary. And each person who receives mail would need to fill out a form. Always consult with an attorney regarding these matters. Here are some of the rules from the USPS site and document 508 recipient services.

Do you just scan and forward my mail or is this for a real mailbox address?

Every mailing address through the platform of Anytime Mailbox and partner operators are actually real physical addresses. Each parcel and letter actually gets sent to the exact address that you see upon signing up. All mail is scanned from a designated person at that location and then either viewing by web browser or app only you decide to get mail forwarded somewhere else, have them open a piece of mail for you or to discard.

How does HIPPA security work with a virtual mailbox?

We have some operators who are HIPPA compliant but not all of them. However, if that is important to you we recommend checking with us first as well as with the policies of your company and legalities before starting an account.

Do a lot of people do this and how long has this type of service been around?

The form 1583 itself has been around for over 20 years. Being able to have a P.O. Box with online capabilities, that is newer within the decade. It is becoming more and more common due to the convenience.
  • Business people
  • Travelers
  • Expats
  • Military
  • Solo-preneurs
  • People with multiple businesses

How to get the form to Anytime Mailbox

If you use our online notary service you don’t have to submit your form and IDs as we get it automatically forwarded to us. In case you used your own notary, you can upload your notarized form 1583 and IDs once you have signed up for a digital mailbox. Lastly, you may opt to mail in to our processing center at Anytime Mailbox, 2831 St Rose Pkwy #278, Henderson, NV 89052, USA.

Step by Step Instructions on How to Fill Out the Form 1583

Box #1
This one is just like any document enter the date when you complete this.
Box #2
This is the name of who the mail will be sent to and can also be your doing business name (sometimes called a fictitious business name) if registered depending on which state you live.
Box #3
Use the exact mailbox address and number that you selected upon signing up with Anytime Mailbox. Remember, it has to be exactly the same so double check if necessary.
Box #4
Enter the name of the CMRA in section (a), your new address in section (b - e),Box #5 - If you would like your chosen CMRA operator to receive mail on your behalf, you have to sign separately in that box to authorize them to do so. We highly recommend filling this section out.
Box #6
Type the name exactly the same as the person or business name who will be receiving mail.
Box #7
Type your exact home or business address that corresponds to the applicant.
Box #8
Two forms of identification are required in this section and a reminder, one must be a picture ID. The agent must write in identifying information. Subject to verification.
Box #9
A business name either same or different as applicant as long as it corresponds to the entity opening up the mailbox.
Box #10
Not mandatory however if your business address is different and tied to this mailbox, please add it. Or your home address if an individual.
Box #11
Enter what your business does and type of product or service you manage and/or sell.
Box #12
This section is if your mailbox will be used by multiple people at your company or firm. You have to add each person who would receive mail. And the same rules apply each member needs to submit verifiable identification.
Box #13
This is for any member of a corporation who would receive mail at this address. It is even more stringent than a “firm” as you also need to add the address of each of the officers.
Box #14
If your business name is registered they actually need the country, state and date of registration. You may need to reference your DBA or doing business as files, also called a fictitious business name in some states.
Box #15
This is for the notary or authorized agent to sign. There is nothing for you to enter in this box.
Box #16
This is your signature to finalize. And if the applicant is a corporation or a firm, only an officer can sign. They also have to include their title.

Is form 1583 the same as a mail forwarding form?

It is definitely not a forwarding document and will not forward any mail on your behalf. Is you want the USPS to forward your mail you must fill out a separate change of address with them. They now offer an online option as well located here: Official USPS® Change of Address The form 1583 is strictly an authorization for the CMRA to receive mail on your behalf at the chosen address.