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USPS Form 1583, explained in plain English
The one form that lets a mail service receive mail for you — why it exists, what it asks for, and how the identity step works.
If you sign up for any virtual mailbox or mail-forwarding service, you will meet USPS Form 1583. It has an intimidating name and a page of small print, but the idea behind it is simple: it is the form that gives a mail company legal permission to receive mail addressed to you. Nothing arrives at your new address until it is on file.
This guide walks through what the form is, what it asks for, and how the identity-verification step works — so there are no surprises when it is your turn to fill one out.
Why the form exists
A virtual mailbox is a type of business the U.S. Postal Service calls a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency, or CMRA. Because a CMRA accepts mail on behalf of other people, USPS requires a completed Form 1583 — officially the Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent — for every recipient before the agent can receive their mail. It confirms who you are, records the address being served, and authorizes the agent to accept mail in your name. It exists mostly to prevent fraud and to keep a clear record of who is receiving mail where.
What the form asks for
Most of Form 1583 is straightforward identity and contact information:
- Your name and current home (physical) address — not the mailbox address.
- The name and address of the CMRA that will receive your mail.
- Two forms of identification (covered below).
- The names of anyone else who will receive mail at the same box, such as a spouse or a business.
If you are setting up a box for a business or a household, each person or entity receiving mail generally needs to be listed and identified. That is normal, and a good service will guide you through adding recipients rather than making you decode the form alone.
The two forms of ID
USPS asks for two pieces of identification. One must be a photo ID; the other verifies your home address. Commonly accepted examples include:
- Photo ID: a state driver's license or ID card, or a passport.
- Address verification: a lease or mortgage document, a vehicle registration, or a recent utility bill in your name.
At least one of the two must show your current physical address. The exact accepted list can change, so treat these as examples and confirm the current requirements with your provider before you submit.
The identity step: notarization or in-person verification
Historically, Form 1583 was signed in front of a notary. Today there is usually more than one path. USPS allows a CMRA to verify your identity in person as its authorized agent, and it permits certain approved remote identity-verification methods. Which options are available to you depends on your provider and can change over time.
Because the accepted methods vary and USPS updates its rules periodically, the honest answer to "how exactly do I verify?" is: follow the specific instructions your mail service gives you. Do not assume a particular method (like fully remote notarization) will be available until your provider confirms it.
How this works with MyEverAddress
MyEverAddress is designed around current USPS CMRA requirements, and onboarding walks you through Form 1583 step by step — collecting the right information, checking your IDs, and completing identity verification through a supported method. You can read the specifics in our Form 1583 guidance and our CMRA onboarding disclosure. We show your status at each stage — application started, documents submitted, under review, and so on — so you always know where things stand. We do not activate an address or claim approval before verification is complete.
- Form 1583 is what lets a mail service legally receive mail for you.
- It needs your info, the agent's info, and two IDs (one showing your physical address).
- Identity is confirmed by notarization or an approved in-person / remote method — options vary.
- It authorizes mail delivery; it does not settle domicile, residency, or institutional acceptance.
Common questions
Do I have to get Form 1583 notarized?
Traditionally the form is notarized, but USPS also allows a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency to verify your identity in person as its authorized agent, and permits certain approved remote identity-verification methods. The accepted options vary by provider and can change, so follow the exact steps your mail service gives you rather than assuming one path.
What identification does Form 1583 require?
USPS asks for two forms of identification: one that is a photo ID (such as a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport) and one that verifies your home address (such as a lease, vehicle registration, or a recent utility bill). One of the two must show your current physical home address. Confirm the current accepted list with your provider before you submit.
Does completing Form 1583 make the mailbox my legal address?
No. Form 1583 authorizes an agent to receive your mail; it does not by itself establish legal domicile, residency, or acceptance by any bank, agency, or state program. Those are separate determinations with their own rules that vary by institution and jurisdiction.
How long does the Form 1583 step take?
It depends on how you complete identity verification and how quickly your documents are reviewed. We do not promise a specific turnaround, because timing depends on your verification method and USPS requirements. We show you the current status at every step.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and USPS requirements can change. For your own situation, rely on your provider's current instructions and, where it matters, a professional.