USPS Form 1583: How to Fill It Out (Guide)

1. What Is USPS Form 1583?

USPS Form 1583, officially titled "Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent," is a United States Postal Service form that authorizes a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) to receive mail on your behalf. In plain language: it is the legal document that lets a virtual mailbox service accept your mail.

If you use a virtual mailbox service like Anytime Mailbox, iPostal1, Traveling Mailbox, PostScan Mail, or any other CMRA, you are required by federal law to complete and submit Form 1583 before the CMRA can accept any mail for you. This is not optional — it is a USPS regulation (Domestic Mail Manual Section 508.3).

The form serves two purposes: (1) it authorizes the CMRA to receive your mail, and (2) it verifies your identity to prevent mail fraud. The USPS requires that the form be notarized and that you provide two forms of identification.

2. Who Needs to File Form 1583?

You need to file Form 1583 if you use any commercial mail receiving agency to receive mail. This includes:

• Digital nomads who use a virtual mailbox as their US mailing address while traveling or living abroad
• Expats who maintain a US address through a virtual mailbox service for banking, government correspondence, and tax filings
• Remote workers who have established domicile in a new state (like Florida or South Dakota) and use a virtual mailbox there
• Full-time RVers who use a CMRA as their permanent mailing address
• Small business owners who use a virtual office or virtual mailbox for their business address
• Anyone who receives mail at a UPS Store, Postal Connections, or similar commercial mail receiving location

You do not need Form 1583 if you:

• Rent a PO Box directly from the US Post Office (PO Boxes are run by the USPS itself, not a third-party CMRA)
• Receive mail at your own home address
• Have mail forwarded by the USPS through a standard change-of-address form

For a comparison of the best virtual mailbox services for digital nomads and expats, see our mail forwarding guide.

3. How to Fill Out Form 1583: Step by Step

Form 1583 is a one-page form. Here is how to complete each section:

Step 1: Download the form

Download USPS Form 1583 from the USPS website (usps.com). Search for "Form 1583" or go directly to the USPS forms page. The form is a fillable PDF. You can also pick up a copy at any US Post Office.

Step 2: Fill in your personal information (Section 1)

• Name: Your full legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID.
• Address: Your current residential address. If you do not have a permanent address (e.g., you are a full-time traveler), some CMRAs will advise you on what to enter here. Typically, you can use the CMRA's address as your "address" since that is where you are establishing your mailing address.

Step 3: Identify the CMRA (Section 2)

• Name of agent (company): The name of the virtual mailbox or CMRA company (e.g., "Anytime Mailbox," "iPostal1," "The UPS Store #1234").
• Address of agent: The full street address of the CMRA location where your mail will be received.

Step 4: Select the type of mail you authorize (Section 3)

Check the box for the types of mail you authorize the CMRA to receive on your behalf. In most cases, you will check "All mail" to authorize the CMRA to receive all classes of mail (letters, packages, certified mail, etc.).

Step 5: List authorized representatives (Section 4, if applicable)

If other people (such as a spouse or business partner) will also receive mail at the same CMRA address under your account, list their names here. Each person listed must also provide two forms of ID.

Step 6: Sign and date the form

Sign the form in the presence of a notary public. The form requires your signature to be notarized — a regular signature alone is not sufficient.

Step 7: Get the form notarized

This is the step that trips up most people. The form must be notarized by a notary public. You have several options:

• In-person notarization: Visit a UPS Store, bank, FedEx Office, or any notary public. Many banks offer free notary services to account holders. UPS Stores typically charge $5-$15 per notarization.
• Online notarization: If you are abroad or cannot easily access a notary in person, you can use an online notary service. Notarize.com is one of the most popular options and is accepted by many CMRAs. The process takes about 15 minutes: you join a video call with a licensed notary, show your ID, sign the form electronically, and receive a notarized PDF. Cost is typically $25-$30.
• US Embassy or Consulate: If you are abroad, US consular officers can perform notarial acts. However, the fees are higher ($50+) and you need an appointment.

Step 8: Provide two forms of identification

The USPS requires that you provide two forms of identification with your Form 1583. At least one must be a photo ID. Acceptable forms include:

• Valid US passport or passport card
• Valid US driver's license or state ID
• Valid foreign passport
• US military ID
• University or college ID (with photo)
• Corporate ID (with photo)
• A valid ID from a recognized government entity

Most CMRAs require you to upload clear scans or photos of your two IDs through their online portal.

Step 9: Submit the form to your CMRA

Once the form is completed, notarized, and you have copies of your two IDs, submit everything to your CMRA. Most virtual mailbox services have an online submission process: you upload the notarized form (PDF or photo) and your ID copies through their website or app. The CMRA will review the documents and, once approved, activate your mailbox. This typically takes 1-5 business days.

4. How Long Is Form 1583 Valid?

Form 1583 does not expire. Once filed and accepted, it remains valid for as long as you use that specific CMRA. However, you will need to file a new Form 1583 if you:

• Switch to a different CMRA (each CMRA needs its own Form 1583)
• Change your name (you must update the form to reflect your new legal name)
• Add or remove authorized representatives

If you close your account with a CMRA, the CMRA is required to keep your Form 1583 on file for two years after the account is closed.

5. What Happens If You Don't File Form 1583?

If you attempt to use a CMRA without filing Form 1583:

• The CMRA cannot legally accept your mail. They will not receive or hold mail for you until the form is completed and processed.
• Your mail will be returned to sender. Any mail sent to the CMRA address in your name will be returned as undeliverable.
• You may not be able to use the address for official purposes. Banks, government agencies, and other institutions may reject the address if the CMRA cannot confirm that you are an authorized recipient.

In short: Form 1583 is a prerequisite. You cannot use a virtual mailbox without it.

6. Common Mistakes When Filing Form 1583

1. Forgetting to get it notarized — This is the most common mistake. A signature alone is not enough. The form must be notarized by a licensed notary public. If you submit an un-notarized form, it will be rejected.
2. Using only one form of ID — The USPS requires two forms of identification. At least one must be a photo ID. If you only provide one, the form will be rejected.
3. Name mismatch — The name on the form must match the name on your IDs exactly. If your driver's license says "Jonathan Smith" but you sign the form as "John Smith," it may be rejected. Use your full legal name as it appears on your primary ID.
4. Not listing all authorized recipients — If your spouse, business partner, or family member will also receive mail at the CMRA, they must be listed on the form (or file their own Form 1583). Mail addressed to unlisted persons will be returned.
5. Submitting a blurry or incomplete scan — If you upload your notarized form and ID copies electronically, make sure the scans are clear, legible, and complete. Cropped, blurry, or partial scans will be rejected.
6. Confusing Form 1583 with a change of address — Form 1583 authorizes a CMRA to receive mail for you. It does not forward your mail from your old address. You still need to file a USPS change-of-address form (Form 3575) or update your address directly with each sender to start receiving mail at your new CMRA address.

7. Form 1583 and Domicile Change

If you are changing your domicile to a new state — especially to a no-income-tax state like Florida or South Dakota — Form 1583 is often one of the first forms you will complete. Here is why:

Many people who change their domicile use a virtual mailbox (CMRA) in their new state as their mailing address. This gives them a real street address in Florida or South Dakota that they can use for their driver's license application, voter registration, bank accounts, IRS filings, and other official purposes.

The process typically goes like this:

1. Sign up for a virtual mailbox service in your new state (e.g., Anytime Mailbox in Florida)
2. Complete and submit USPS Form 1583 to authorize the CMRA to receive your mail
3. Once your mailbox is active, use that address to register to vote, update your bank accounts, and file your Declaration of Domicile
4. Visit the state to get your driver's license (note: the DHSMV may require a residential address, not a CMRA address — see our Florida Residency Guide for details)

Form 1583 is the gateway to using a virtual mailbox, and a virtual mailbox is often the first step in a domicile change for digital nomads and expats.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize Form 1583 online?

Yes. Online notarization services like Notarize.com are accepted by most CMRAs. The process involves a video call with a licensed notary, where you show your ID and sign the form electronically. It takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately $25-$30. This is the most convenient option for people living abroad.

What two forms of ID do I need for Form 1583?

You need two forms of identification, and at least one must be a government-issued photo ID. Common combinations include: (1) US passport + US driver's license, (2) US passport + state ID, (3) US driver's license + Social Security card, or (4) foreign passport + US driver's license. The IDs must be valid (not expired).

Do I need a separate Form 1583 for each CMRA?

Yes. Each CMRA requires its own Form 1583. If you switch virtual mailbox providers, you will need to complete a new form for the new provider. The form from your old provider does not transfer.

Can I use Form 1583 for a PO Box?

No. Form 1583 is specifically for Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs) — private companies that receive mail on your behalf. PO Boxes are operated by the USPS itself and require a different form (Form 1583 does not apply). If you are renting a PO Box directly from the Post Office, you fill out Form 1583-A or the application at the Post Office counter.

How long does it take to process Form 1583?

Once you submit the completed, notarized form and your ID copies to your CMRA, processing typically takes 1-5 business days. Some CMRAs process it within 24 hours. During this time, the CMRA cannot accept mail for you — so submit the form as early as possible before you need to start receiving mail.

Is Form 1583 required by law?

Yes. USPS regulations (Domestic Mail Manual Section 508.3) require that every person who receives mail through a CMRA must have a completed, notarized Form 1583 on file with that CMRA. This is a federal requirement, not a CMRA policy. CMRAs that accept mail without a valid Form 1583 on file are violating postal regulations.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. USPS regulations and form requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the USPS or your CMRA provider. The notarization options described (including online notarization) may vary by state and provider. Confirm that your CMRA accepts online notarization before using that method.