The United States postal service or the USPS is fully responsible for all the mail sent and received in the US. The USPS also regulates mails received by commercial mail receiving agencies (CMRA) and dictates procedures for the commercial agencies to abide by. The USPS form 1583 is an authorization to mailing agencies to manage and handle mail on behalf of a third party. The USPS dictates procedures for this agency or CMRAs to operate. These agencies are required to send a form to their customers and get it approved by the USPS before handling and receiving any mail from their customers. This form is called the USPS 1583 form. It is a form that is approved by the USPS and requested from all the commercial mail receiving agencies operating in the US. The USPS 1583 form is not complex, it is mainly used to authorize a commercial mail receiving agency to receive and handle customers’ mails on their behalf. It is a necessary procedure that must be followed by anyone who wants to either rent a P.O Box or use a virtual mailing address or mailbox for business purposes or personal use. The form is part of the requirements that must be met if an individual wants to have a virtual mailbox or a virtual mail address from a CMRA. The USPS for security reasons do not authorize an independent private agency that is not the owner of a mail to receive and handle other people’s mail on their behalf until authorized by that individual when he or she completes and sends back the USPS 1583 form.
Procedures to Follow for Filing out the USPS 1583 Form
A USPS 1583 form generally comes in 3 main sections: the first section is where the information concerning the CMRA is provided, the second section is for customer information, and the third section is for business information (optional).
The CMRA information, the mailbox owner or customer information, and business information sections must be filled out on the USPS 1583.
In the CMRA information section, the info concerning the CMRA of your choice must be written on the form. This section can be filled out by the agency. In the form, this section is used to show who you are authorizing to receive and manage your mail on your behalf.
The mailbox owner or customer section is where you are required to fill accurately. The information required is:
- The full names of the individual that CMRA will receive the mail on behalf.
- Write out your mailbox address and number received from your CMRA company.
- Indicate the person who is applying for the mailbox, the phone number, and current mailing address (not your virtual postal mail from CMRA)
- Write down the IDs that you can use to prove your identity.
- Then take the form to a notary, sign the form, and affix a notary stamp.
The business information section is optional, but it only requires that you write out all your business contact information, indicate your business services or products it provides, then include the names of the employees that will receive the mail as well as a verifiable identification.
Getting Your USPS 1583 form Notarized
Notarizing your USPS form is a major requirement that must be included in the form after filling it out. The USPS or CMRA may not be present with you when you are signing the form, so the notarized stamp guarantees that your signature authorizes your mail receiving agency to receive and manage your mail from USPS on your behalf.
Individuals can access a notary public from courthouses, law firms, or even their banks. It can be done at a $20 fee or less. Your USPS 1583 form will only be accepted when it is submitted with a notarized stamp affixed on the form.
For international or non-US residents notarization through your banks or embassies, is accepted. More so notary seals whether the US or non-US are accepted.
What is the list of IDs accepted when filling out a USPS 1583 form?
USPS 1583 requires two valid IDs when filling out the form. You can choose from the list of acceptable identification below.
A list of USPS 1583 form accepted means of identification includes the following: A passport, certificate of naturalization, Armed Forces ID, Government ID, University ID, a valid driver’s license, current lease, mortgage, deed of trust, voter or vehicle registration card, and home or vehicle insurance policy.
How long does it take to approve the USPS 1583?
After downloading your USPS form, fill it out, get it notarized and submit it to the CMRA website of your choice. It usually takes up to 2 to 3 days to get approved.
You can make your submission through different channels, email, mail, etc. You’re required to only send the signed original copy.
Conclusion
The USPS regulates how emails are sent and handled. A private agency that receives and handles emails on customers’ behalf is mandated to give out the USPS form 1583 for the customers to fill, sign and notarize. Any individual that wants to get a commercial mail receiving agency to manage and handle mail on their behalf must participate in this process. Filing out a USPS form 1583 is also necessary if you want to rent a P.O box or acquire a virtual mailing address.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I download a USPS form 1583?
The USPS form can be accessed or downloaded on their website. Most times the CMRA you plan on using will provide this form for you when you begin your application for your virtual mailing address.
- Can I fill out the USPS form 1583 on my own?
With the step-by-step guide provide above in this article, you can get your USPS form and fill it out on your own. Remember to pay attention to details, sign, and get notarized.
- Is notarization necessary for a non-US resident?
International or non-US residents applying to a CMRA in the US must fill the USPS 1583 and get it notarized. It can be notarized outside US, non-US notarized seals are accepted.
