Key Takeaways
- Form 1583 authorizes a mail receiving service to accept mail on your behalf
- The form must be notarized - remote online notarization (RON) is accepted
- You'll need two valid forms of ID to complete the form
- Form 1583 is valid indefinitely until you cancel with the mail service
What is Form 1583?
USPS Form 1583, officially titled "Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent," is a federal form that authorizes a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) or mail forwarding service to receive mail on your behalf. This form is required by federal law before any third party can accept your mail.
Why It's Required: The USPS requires Form 1583 to prevent mail fraud and ensure that only authorized parties receive mail. Without it, the postal service cannot legally deliver your mail to a forwarding service.
When Do You Need Form 1583?
You need to complete Form 1583 when:
- Setting up mail forwarding with a commercial mail receiving service
- Using a virtual mailbox service
- Establishing a business address at a mail center
- Having mail delivered to Your Tax Base's Florida address
You do NOT need Form 1583 for:
- Regular USPS mail forwarding (change of address)
- Mail delivered to your own physical residence
- PO Boxes rented directly from USPS
Form 1583 Requirements
Personal Information Needed
- Your full legal name
- Current mailing address
- The address where mail will be received (the mail service address)
- Two forms of identification
Acceptable Forms of ID
You must present two forms of ID. At least one must contain a photograph:
Primary ID (with photo)
- Valid driver's license or state ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- University/college ID with photo
- Corporate ID card with photo
- Alien registration card
Secondary ID
- Social Security card
- Major credit card
- Voter registration card
- Vehicle registration
- Birth certificate (certified copy)
- Any ID from the primary list
Notarization Requirements
Form 1583 must be notarized before it's valid. This means a certified notary public must:
- Verify your identity using your two forms of ID
- Watch you sign the form
- Apply their notary seal and signature
Notarization Options
In-Person Notarization
- Bank or credit union: Many offer free notary services to customers
- UPS Store / FedEx Office: Typically $5-15 per signature
- Law offices: Usually have notaries available
- Mobile notary: Notary comes to you ($50-100)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
The USPS now accepts Remote Online Notarization, allowing you to get Form 1583 notarized via video call from anywhere in the world.
Your Tax Base Integration: We partner with online notarization services to make completing Form 1583 easy. You can get notarized in about 15 minutes via video call, no need to find a local notary.
RON Process
- Schedule an online notarization session
- Have your two forms of ID ready
- Join the video call at your scheduled time
- The notary verifies your identity (may include knowledge-based questions)
- Sign the form electronically while on camera
- Receive notarized document via email
How to Fill Out Form 1583
Step-by-Step Instructions
Section 1: Applicant Information
- Name: Your full legal name as it appears on your ID
- Address: Your current mailing address (will change to FL address after setup)
Section 2: Agent Information
- Name of agent: The mail receiving service name (we provide this)
- Agent's address: Your Florida residential address with us
Section 3: Identification
- List both forms of ID with issuing state/agency and ID numbers
- Write "See attached" if providing copies of IDs
Section 4: Signature
- Sign and date in the presence of the notary
- Do NOT sign before the notary session
Common Form 1583 Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing before notarization: The notary must watch you sign - if you pre-sign, they cannot notarize it
- Using expired IDs: Both forms of identification must be current and valid
- Name mismatches: Your name must match exactly across both IDs and the form
- Missing information: All fields must be completed; leave nothing blank
- Wrong notary type: Some states have specific notary requirements - ensure your notary is properly certified
How Long is Form 1583 Valid?
Form 1583 remains valid indefinitely until:
- You submit a written cancellation to the mail service
- You move and change your mail service
- The mail receiving agent ceases operations
You do NOT need to renew Form 1583 annually. However, you may need to complete a new form if:
- Your legal name changes
- You add additional names/aliases to receive mail under
- You switch to a different mail service provider
After Completing Form 1583
Once your Form 1583 is notarized and submitted:
- The mail service files a copy with the local post office
- You receive confirmation that mail delivery is authorized
- The USPS begins delivering your mail to the service address
- You can start using your new Florida address immediately
Processing Time: Form 1583 is typically processed within 1-3 business days. Once processed, your mail service can begin receiving mail on your behalf.