To use a virtual mailbox service, you must authorize your service provider to receive and open your mail on your behalf. You do this with an official form called a USPS 1583 Form.
This form allows us to open and scan the contents of your mail, and lets you check your mail from anywhere.
- The form authorizes us to accept mail in your name and gives us the authority to open your mail. However, be aware: It does not change your address with the USPS or tell us where to forward your mail.
- The postal service requires all Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRA), like Earth Class Mail, a LegalZoom Company, to collect a notarized USPS 1583 Form from every customer who opens up an account with us. The form ensures that you, and only authorized parties, can access mail addressed to you.
- Due to USPS regulations, you need to have the 1583 form notarized. The notary's seal proves that you are the person who is authorizing us to receive mail in your name or your company's name.
- Please note we do not accept mailed-in 1583 forms and our online notarization service must be used to complete this process.
Your personal information will never be public, used on your account, or even impact your mailing services. The information requested on this form is strictly used to complete the USPS Form 1583.
Why do I need to complete a USPS 1583?
The government wants to make sure that no one signs up for a virtual mailbox as a method to steal someone else’s mail -- which is why they need an official form to be notarized and only allow certified companies to handle other people’s mail.
The form ensures that you, and only authorized parties, can access mail that is addressed to you.
USPS regulations require the 1583 form to be notarized. The notary's seal proves that you are the person who is authorizing Earth Class Mail, a LegalZoom Company, to receive mail in your name or your company's name.
How to complete a USPS 1583
The two-part process to complete and notarize the form can be done through the Earth Class Mail, a LegalZoom Company website after you sign up for an account.
The form is just two pages long and requires you to have selected your new address, the company you want to use to receive your mail, and, if you are a business, list company officers.
On the new address area of the form, you will list one of our PO box addresses or a real street address, depending on the virtual address you select.
What forms of ID can be used for a USPS 1583?
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Acceptable Identification for USPS 1583 - SSN Holders
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Acceptable Identification for USPS 1583 Non-SSN Holders
How to submit a USPS 1583
Once you have your identification ready, you can start the onboarding process. You’ll be guided in a step-by-step process that will give you clear instructions for completing the form. You don’t have to worry about finding a notary because we offer free online notary services.
The notary will walk through the form with you to ensure you understand what you are signing and then ask for two forms of identification. Earth Class Mail, a LegalZoom Company pays for the notarization services so there is no additional cost for your notarization.
Please note that your personal information will never be public, used on your account, or even impact your mailing services. The information requested on this form is strictly used to complete the USPS form 1583.
What do I do after I complete a USPS 1583?
Once you’ve submitted your form online, you can begin using your private virtual mailbox.
That doesn't mean you’ll automatically start collecting mail or packages at your new virtual address, however.
The 1583 Form authorizes us to accept mail in your name. It does not change your address with USPS or tell us where to forward your mail.
Instead, you’ll need to inform your senders of your new address and change your address with any important senders, such as banks and business registries. You can also fill out a change of address form with the postal service, which will automatically forward your mail to your new virtual address.
Once you do this, you’ll receive notifications when your mail arrives and you won’t have to sift through your junk mail again.
Still have questions? Our customer service department offers live help with virtual mailbox set-up, too.
Customer Support
Email: onboarding@earthclassmail.com
Call: (210) 802-5211