USPS Form 1583, explained
Every virtual mailbox in the United States requires this form. Here is what it is, what you need, and the two ways to get your signature witnessed.
What it is
Form 1583 is titled Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent. It is the document that authorises a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency — a CMRA, which is what a virtual mailbox provider is — to receive and handle mail on your behalf.
Without it on file, no CMRA can legally accept your mail. This is a USPS requirement, not a company policy, and every provider in the country has to collect it.
It does not expire. Complete it once and it remains valid as long as the service continues.
What you need before you start
- Two forms of identification. One must be a current, government-issued photo ID.
- The second ID must confirm your address — the residential or business address you list on the form.
- Your actual permanent address. A common mistake: the address field is your real home or business address, not the mailbox address you are applying for. That one goes in the agent section.
The two ways to get it witnessed
USPS accepts exactly two paths, and understanding the difference will save you time and money.
1. A CMRA witnesses it
The CMRA owner, manager or an authorised employee verifies your two IDs and witnesses your signature. Since a 2024 USPS rule change this can happen in person or over a live audio and video session.
No notary involved. No notary fee.
2. A notary witnesses it
A notary public commissioned in a US state, territory or the District of Columbia acknowledges your signature. Remote online notarisation is accepted where state law allows it.
Typically costs $5 to $25 per session.
One rule that catches people out: the signature has to be witnessed live. A form signed in advance and shown afterwards gets rejected, whichever path you use.
A notary commissioned outside the United States cannot witness this form, regardless of apostille.
How we do it here
Black Cactus is a CMRA, so we witness Form 1583 ourselves at the front desk. Bring your two forms of ID, sign in front of us, and it is done — no notary, no fee, no video call.
If you cannot get here, we can also witness over a live video session, or you are welcome to use a notary. All three routes are valid.
Then your mail comes to 6259 Adobe Rd, Twentynine Palms — a real street address, not a PO box.
Common questions
Do I need to be a business?
No. Individuals and businesses both use Form 1583. A business applicant lists an authorised officer or representative.
What happens to my ID documents?
The CMRA keeps copies of your identification and the completed form on file, as USPS rules require.
Can my spouse be on the same form?
Spouses may complete and sign one form together, provided each furnishes the required identification.
Does it ever need renewing?
No. It stays valid for as long as the service continues.
This page explains a USPS process and is not legal advice. Requirements are set out in the USPS Domestic Mail Manual and can change.
Related
The kind of business that files this form on your behalf, and what it is obliged to do.
Or outside the US. Why a foreign notary cannot witness it, and which address goes where.
Registered agent, principal office and mailing address are three different things.