USPS Form 1583: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

‍USPS Form 1583 is a document required by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for any individual or organization that wishes to receive mail at a USPS Post Office Box. 

The form is used to verify the applicant's identity and provide authorization for the USPS to deliver mail to the designated Post Office Box.

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The USPS also stipulates procedures for a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA), which is a business that provides mailbox rental and mail forwarding services to individuals and businesses. CMRA services are often used by people who do not have a permanent mailing address or need to receive mail at a different location than their home or business. 

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What is the USPS Form 1583 used for?

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Overall, the USPS Form 1583 is an important document used by the USPS to ensure that mail is delivered securely and only to authorized individuals or organizations.

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Any individual or organization who intends to receive mail at a USPS Post Office Box must fill out the USPS Form 1583, which serves as a document to verify the recipient's identity. 

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Used to provide authorization for the USPS to deliver mail to the designated Post Office Box, the form must be completed and signed by the applicant. The form requires the applicant to provide personal information, such as their name, address, and date of birth, as well as the address of the Post Office Box where they wish to receive mail. 

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The applicant must also provide two forms of identification, such as a driver's license and a passport, as well as a witness who can verify the applicant's identity.

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Once the form has been completed and signed, the applicant must submit it to the USPS to obtain a Post Office Box. The USPS uses the information provided on the form to verify the applicant's identity and authorize mail delivery to the designated Post Office Box.

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Why do I need to complete a USPS Form 1583?

Essentially, you must complete a USPS Form 1583 to receive mail at a USPS Post Office Box.

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The USPS delivers a variety of items to Post Office Boxes, including letters, packages, and other mail. This may include personal correspondence, bills and statements, advertisements, and other mail addressed to the Post Office Box. Some Post Office Boxes may also be able to receive parcels and other larger items, depending on the size and type of box.

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People use USPS Post Office Boxes for various reasons, such as the following common examples.

• Receive mail at a different address than the home or business
• Protect privacy by using a confidential mailing address
• Avoid the inconvenience of receiving mail at a home or business address
• Provide a secure location for receiving mail, such as packages or sensitive documents
• Establish a professional mailing address for a business or organization
• Receive mail when away from home or traveling
• Open a business in the United States

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Key steps when completing USPS Form 1583

Are you wondering where to begin? The following steps are necessary when filling out USPS Form 1583 to receive mail at a USPS Post Office Box.

1. Access Form 1583

A clean copy of USPS Form 1583 can be accessed from the website of the United States Postal Service (USPS). To access the form, go to the USPS website and search for "Form 1583". This should bring up a link to the form, which you can download and print.

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Alternatively, you can visit your local USPS office and request a copy of the form. The USPS staff should be able to provide you with a copy of the form, which you can then fill out and submit in person.

2. Complete Form 1583

The form is broken down into three main sections, namely, the CMRA information, the mailbox details, and the owner information. There is also an optional section for business information. 

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CMRA information

Relevant CMRA information is completed in Box 4. The information is typically completed by the CMRA itself, and applicants usually don’t need to be concerned about the section.

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Mailbox and owner information

Boxes 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 16 require the completion of the mailbox and personal information, while Boxes 10a - 10e, 11, and 12 provide a space for optional business information. 

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Have the following information handy:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Address of the Post Office Box where you wish to receive mail
• Two forms of identification, such as a driver's license and a passport
• Signature of the applicant
• Signature and stamp of the notary public

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Most of these sections are self-explanatory, including optional business information. When completing a form on behalf of a business, it’s important to indicate what products or services your business provides, as well as the details of each employee who will have access to the mail.

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Take note that if you are linking a business to your mailbox, then you also need to complete Boxes 9-14. 

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Acceptable forms of identification

Depending on where you live in the world, different forms of identification may apply. In the United States, the following forms of identification are acceptable: 

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US Government ID (federal, state, or tribal-issued) such as:

• Valid driver’s license
• State non-driver’s identification card
• US Armed Forces card
• Uniformed Service ID Card
• Permanent resident card
• US certificate of citizenship or naturalization
• Identification card

• University Student ID
• US or international passport
• Matricula Consular for Mexican citizens
• NEXUS card for Canadian citizens
• Lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
• Home or vehicle insurance policy
• Vehicle registration card
• Voter registration card
• Form I-94 (arrival or departure)

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3. Notarize USPS Form 1583

USPS Form 1583 notarization is the process of having a notary public verify the identity of the person who is completing the form. The process typically involves the notary witnessing the applicant signing the form and then signing and stamping the form to certify that the signature is genuine. 

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Why do I need to notarize Form 1583?

The notarization process helps to ensure that the information provided on the form is accurate and that the applicant is who they claim to be. Notarization is an important step in obtaining a Post Office Box, as it helps to protect the security and confidentiality of the mail that is delivered to the box.

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Notarizing Form 1583 for international and non-US residents

If you are an international or non-US resident and need to notarize USPS Form 1583, you may have difficulty finding a notary. In this instance, banks and embassies usually provide notary services, and both U.S. and non-U.S. notary seals are accepted. 

However, if you cannot find a notary, you can go through a lawyer or bank official who can sign or stamp an official seal on the form. Government seals, such as those of the police, are also acceptable.

4. Submit USPS Form 1583

Several options are available for sending USPS Form 1583 to the USPS to start receiving mail. These options include mailing the form, delivering it in person, or using a CMRA to submit it on your behalf.

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Mail the form

Once you have completed and notarized the USPS Form 1583, you can mail it to USPS. Follow these steps for mailing the form:

1. Make sure the form is filled out completely, including all personal information, identification, and the signature and stamp of the notary public.
2. Place the completed original form in an envelope, along with any required documentation or fees.
3. Address the envelope to the USPS Post Office Box where you wish to receive mail. You can find the address of the Post Office on the form or by contacting the USPS.
4. Attach the correct postage to the envelope. You can calculate the postage online or at the post office.
5. Mail the envelope to the USPS Post Office Box. You can do this by dropping it in a mailbox or by bringing it to the post office in person.
6. Wait for a confirmation from the USPS that your form has been received and processed. The confirmation may take a few days, depending on the mail delivery schedule.
7. Once your form has been processed, you will be able to receive mail at your chosen Post Office Box. You can pick up your mail in person at the post office or arrange for it to be forwarded to another address.

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Email the form

If you are using a virtual mailbox provider, then it’s also possible to email your form and complete the application process. If you prefer this method, follow these steps.

1. Scan the original copy of the form and your two IDs
2. Email the attachments to the email address of your provider
3. In the subject line, include your name and the words Form 1583
4. Write a brief email explaining that all required documents are attached (make sure all documents are attached)
5. Keep a copy of your Form 1583 for your records
6. Wait for confirmation from the USPS that they have received your Form 1583. It may take a few days for them to process your form, so be patient and don't hesitate to contact them if you have any questions or concerns.

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Understanding the role of a CMRA

A CMRA provides businesses with a physical address to receive mail and packages, which can then be forwarded to the business's virtual mailbox for online access and management. 

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Hiring a formation agency outshines the benefits of a CMRA, offering a virtual mailing box, among other services such as business formation, assistance opening a bank account, and more.

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Using the services of a CMRA offers several benefits for international and out-of-state businesses. One of the primary benefits is that it provides a physical address in the United States for businesses to receive mail and packages, which is especially useful for businesses that do not have a physical location in the country or operate primarily online.

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A CMRA can also provide additional services such as package forwarding, mail holding and forwarding, and mail scanning and forwarding. This can be helpful for businesses that need to receive mail and packages regularly but may not have the resources or infrastructure to manage these tasks on their own.

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Another benefit of using a CMRA is that it can help businesses maintain their privacy. Many CMRAs offer private mailbox services, which provide businesses with a unique mailing address separate from their personal address. 

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Get a virtual mailing address with doola

Completing a USPS Form 1583 is an important step for businesses that need to receive mail and packages at a physical address in the United States. By providing the necessary information and following the steps outlined above, businesses can easily submit their completed Form 1583 to the USPS via email and begin using a CMRA to manage their mail.

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At doola, we offer assistance with a mailing address and virtual mailbox, helping to run and grow your business. Forming a US business has never been easier, with doola providing a fast and easy process, streamlining the business registration process. 

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Let’s join forces and start your business formation journey — including a virtual mailbox — today!