To use an Earth Class Mail virtual mailbox, you must complete USPS Form 1583.
This is a required U.S. Postal Service authorization form that allows a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA), like Earth Class Mail, to receive and manage mail on your behalf.
USPS regulations require all virtual mailbox providers to collect a completed Form 1583 before they can accept mail for an individual or business.
Important: Completing Form 1583 does not change your mailing address or automatically forward your mail. It only authorizes Earth Class Mail to receive mail on your behalf.
Why do I need to complete Form 1583?
Completing Form 1583 authorizes Earth Class Mail to:
- receive mail addressed to you or your business
- open and scan mail according to your account settings
- securely store or forward mail as requested
The form is required by the USPS to help protect against unauthorized mail handling, identity theft, and mail fraud.
Without an approved Form 1583 on file, Earth Class Mail cannot legally receive mail on your behalf.
Why does the form need to be notarized?
USPS requires identity verification for anyone authorizing a third party to receive mail.
Notarization helps confirm that:
- you are the person completing the authorization
- your identification documents are valid
- the authorization complies with USPS regulations
Earth Class Mail offers online notarization during account setup for eligible customers.
Does Form 1583 change my mailing address?
No.
Completing Form 1583 does not:
- submit a USPS Change of Address request
- automatically forward your mail
- notify senders about your new address
The form only authorizes Earth Class Mail to receive mail for you.
To begin receiving mail at your Earth Class Mail address, you must:
- update your address directly with senders, or
- submit a Change of Address request with USPS
What identification is required?
USPS requires two forms of identification:
- one government-issued photo ID
- one additional document showing your residential address
Common examples include:
- driver’s license
- passport
- vehicle registration
- lease or mortgage statement
- insurance policy
For a complete list of accepted identification documents, see:
How do I complete Form 1583?
You can complete the process online through your Earth Class Mail account.
During setup, you will:
- enter your personal or business information
- upload identification documents
- complete identity verification
- electronically sign the form
- complete notarization if required
For detailed setup instructions, see:
Activate your Virtual Mail service
Frequently asked questions
Is USPS Form 1583 required for all virtual mailbox providers?
Yes. USPS requires all Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs) to collect this authorization form before accepting mail.
Can I complete Form 1583 online?
Yes. Earth Class Mail supports online completion and identity verification.
Can I mail in a paper copy of the form?
No. Earth Class Mail requires completion through the online onboarding process.
Can international customers complete Form 1583?
Yes. International customers can complete the verification process online, though additional identity verification requirements may apply.
Need Help?
Contact our Onboarding Team:
- Email: onboarding@earthclassmail.com
- Phone: (210) 802-5211
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST