What is the USPS Form 1583?
Unlock the secrets of Form 1583 and speed up your virtual mailbox setup!
We don’t know about you, but when we hear Form 1583, our first thought is “what happened to the other 1,582 forms?” followed by “What is Form 1583 for?”
It would be a different world if government institutions gave us helpful names or better ways to understand legal documents, but unfortunately, we’re usually left to sort through pages of confusing text before hopping on a phone to speak with a robot. We can’t fix all complicated government paperwork, but we can help you navigate USPS Form 1583 while you set up your new virtual mailbox.
What is the USPS Form 1583?
USPS Form 1583 is a post office form that allows a third party to receive and handle your mail on your behalf. This form can also be referred to as the “Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent,” which makes sense since it authorizes Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs) to receive and handle your mail. CMRAs include a few different agencies, but in most cases, people use Form 1583 to set up a PO box or virtual mailbox service.
Common misconception: It’s important to note that Form 1583 is NOT an address change form! 1583 might allow someone else to handle your mail, but it doesn’t reroute your mail to them. For that, you’ll need to fill out a proper change of address form.
Why is the USPS Form 1583 important?
USPS Form 1583 protects your identity from would-be thieves! Virtual mailboxes might be convenient, but you need to be sure you’re the one sending your mail to a new address—not an imposter. The government uses Form 1583 and its required notarization as a way to protect you from fraud, theft, and identity crimes.
Form 1583 also authorizes a third-party service to sort through your mail. This becomes especially crucial when you’re looking at a virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service. Half the perks of using a virtual mailbox involve someone else handling your mail for you. They can’t do that without Form 1583. That means no scanning, no opening, no forwarding, no shredding, and no check deposits.
How do you fill out and file the USPS Form 1583?
Completing USPS Form 1583 happens in three simple steps:
- Fill out the form in your Traveling Mailbox account after you signup.
- Schedule a video call with the Traveling Mailbox team to verify your two forms of ID and E-Sign your form.
- Your all set! Now just complete a change of address online at USPS.com or contact senders of your mail and give them your new Traveling Mailbox address!
Government IDs: Form 1583 requires two forms of valid ID from each mailbox recipient. That means if more than one person plans on receiving mail through your new address, they each need to provide two forms of listed ID. We say “listed” because some common forms of ID don’t count in this particular case, including social security cards and birth certificates.
Acceptable forms of ID are:
- Valid Driver’s License or State ID Card
- Armed Forces, Government, University or Recognized Corporate ID Card
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Current Lease, Mortgage or Deed of Trust
- Voter or Vehicle Registration Card
- Home or Vehicle Insurance Policy
Let's Recap!
Step 1: Sign up for a Traveling Mailbox subscription!
Step 2: Fill out USPS Form 1583 ← You are here.
Step 3: Fill out a formal change of address form and update any accounts with your new virtual address.
Step 4: Start receiving mail at your new virtual mailbox!
Luckily, steps 3 and 4 happen pretty quickly, so you’re well on your way to making the most of your new virtual mailbox!
For a virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service that makes signing up a breeze, reach out to Traveling Mailbox. With live customer service agents on call 7 days a week, we’re ready to help you set up the ideal virtual mailbox for your lifestyle.
Sign up for Traveling Mailbox today and see just how fast your new address gets up and running.