Last update on October 9th, 2022 at 01:48 pm
Handling your mail and packages efficiently should always be a top priority. USPS regulations and forms can get confusing without the proper assistance; any mistakes or misleading information won’t just prolong the process but may even result in criminal sanctions like fines or imprisonment. If you’re renting a PO Box or a virtual mailbox, you’ve probably come across the USPS Form 1583. We’ve made it easier for you and created a complete guide to everything you need to know about the USPS Form 1583, from why you need it to how to fill it out.
But first,
What Is a USPS Form 1583?
The USPS Form 1583 is an authorization form needed when you rent a PO Box from the Postal Office or rent a virtual mailbox from a CMRA (Commercial Mail Receiving Agent), a third party that receives your mail and packages on your behalf. By filling out and notarizing the USPS Form 1583 before sending it out, you authorize the CMRA to receive your mail. And so, the U.S. Postal Service regulates that this agent can legally receive your mail as well.
If you’re renting a PO Box, you should be able to get the form at the Post Office, fill it out, and give it back to the front desk agent. Otherwise, download a clean copy of the USPS Form 1583 here.
How to Fill Out the Usps Form 1583?
- Box 1: Current date
- Box 2: The full name of the applicant that is receiving the mail
- Box 3: The mailing address used for delivery (PO Box address or virtual mailbox address)
- Box 4: This box is the applicant’s authorization for the CMRA to receive their mail. Fill in the CMRA’s info in this section.
- Box 5: Place your signature here to approve deliveries, including restricted delivery mail, as well
- Box6: Add the full name of the applicant
- Box 7: Add the applicant’s detailed address and phone number
- Box 8: Add the two valid forms of ID that you will use to verify your identity. One of them must be a photo ID, we’ve added below all of the acceptable forms of ID.
- Box 9: If you’re using this mailbox for business – add the name of your business here
- Box 10: Add your business’s contact info, like the detailed address and phone number. Your business address can be your home address if it is a home-based business or your registered agent’s address.
- Box 11: Add the type of business (what industry is your business in? Retail, consumer goods, manufacturing, etc.)
- Box 12: Add the names of all the recipients or employees receiving mail at this address. All of the recipients listed must have verifiable identification.
- Box 13: If your business is a corporation, add the names and addresses of the officers
- Box 14: If your business is a corporation or registered, add the state and country where it is registered and the date of registration
- Box 15: Signature of notary agent, then add the notary seal (this form must be notarized before delivering)
- Box 16: Signature of applicant
What Are the Acceptable Forms of ID?
- Valid driver’s license
- State non-driver identification card
- The U.S. or foreign passport
- Armed forces, government, or university identification card
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
- Alien registration card or certificate of naturalization
- Current lease or mortgage documents
- Vehicle registration card
- Utility bill
Please note that credit cards, social security cards, and birth certificates are unacceptable forms of ID and will be rejected if presented.
How to Notarize the USPS Form 1583?
The form must be notarized before delivering it to the CMRA or the virtual mailbox provider. Notary services are available in multiple places now, like Police Stations, courthouses, and banks. You can also use a notary directory to find the closest notary to you. You will also be required to provide proof of identity to the notary. For a faster solution, you can look into an online notary service like NotaryCam. It may be slightly more expensive than in-house notary services, but it’s worth considering if you don’t have a notary nearby.
But first, check with your local bank for notary services. Some banks provide the service for free for their users.
Can an International or Non-us Resident Use This Service?
Travelers living abroad or foreigners can still sign up for a PO Box or virtual mailbox service. They can download the form online, fill it out, and get it notarized online or at local banks or embassies. In this case, a US notary or non-US notary seal is accepted.
What’s next?
And finally, send out the form, and you’re done! There are multiple ways to send the form to your CMRA; it can be by mail, email, fax, or even in person. Please get back to your virtual mailbox provider to find out the best way to send them the form. With this helpful guide, you’ll easily be able to understand, fill out, and send your USPS Form 1583.
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