USPS Form 1583 for Foreigners: Online Notary Guide

Can a person outside the United States complete USPS Form 1583 for a U.S. virtual mailbox? Yes, a foreign applicant can use the form. A current foreign passport is an accepted photo ID, but you also need a separate acceptable ID that confirms the home address written in items 4f-4j and 9b-9f. If you choose a U.S. notary for the signature acknowledgment, USPS requires a physical appearance or a real-time audio and video appearance. Notary20 offers eligible online notarization for $20 per document; confirm your mailbox provider accepts the electronic result before ordering.

Why Foreign Applicants Need Form 1583

USPS Form 1583 authorizes a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA), such as a virtual mailbox provider, to receive mail for you. Your nationality alone does not prevent you from applying. The CMRA checks the completed form and identity documents before activating mail delivery. Ask your specific provider about its submission format and acceptance requirements.

Which IDs Can a Foreigner Use?

The form requires two types of ID: one government-issued photo ID and one address ID. A passport without a separate qualifying address document is insufficient. The same driver's or nondriver's ID cannot fill both slots. A bank statement or utility bill is not among the address-ID boxes on the current Form 1583, so do not assume it qualifies; ask your CMRA about any alternate document before paying. See the official USPS Form 1583 and instructions and USPS identification rules.

How to Fill Out Form 1583 from Abroad

• Items 1-2: Item 1 records the PMB opening and closing dates. The CMRA completes its delivery address and PMB information in item 2.
• Item 3: Select business/organization or residential/personal use.
• Item 4: Enter your name and contact information. Put your actual residential street address in 4f-4j; it must match your address ID and item 9b-9f. Answer 4k truthfully; check No only if you are not a court-ordered protected individual.
• Items 5-7: Complete only the applicable authorized-person, forwarding, or business information. For a business, item 7i asks for the country of registration if registered abroad.
• Item 8: Enter your passport name, number, issuing authority, expiry, and check the Passport box.
• Item 9: Enter the same residential address as item 4f-4j, supported by your separate address ID, and check the matching ID type in 9g.
• Item 13: Sign and date as the applicant. A business applicant's officer signs and provides a title. Coordinate the timing and signature method with the notary or CMRA.
• Item 14: Leave the CMRA or authorized employee signature to that person; the notary completes the notarial area when used.

The instructions require a separate form for each adult receiving mail for a personal mailbox. If another person is authorized under item 5, the applicable photo and address ID sections for that person also require attention.

Does Online Notarization Require a Live Video Call?

Yes, for the remote notary route. USPS says the applicant must acknowledge the signature in the physical or virtual real-time audio and video presence of a notary commissioned in a U.S. state, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia. The alternative is to sign or confirm the signature in the physical or virtual real-time audio and video presence of the CMRA owner, manager, or authorized employee. Sending a pre-signed form and passport by email alone does not satisfy this appearance requirement. See the current USPS CMRA rule.

If using a Virginia electronic notary, the act must follow Virginia's identity and electronic certificate rules. A provider should explain the live session, identity checks, signature process, and what the mailbox provider receives. Confirm the CMRA accepts the resulting notarized PDF.

Common Problems to Avoid

• Uploading only a passport with no separate address ID.
• Using a home address that differs from the address ID.
• Putting "passport" in item 8c instead of its issuing authority.
• Checking an ID type in 9g that does not describe the submitted document.
• Assuming an emailed signature replaces the required live appearance.
• Entering a U.S. virtual mailbox address as your residence.

Use Notary20 for an Eligible Form 1583

Have your completed form, current photo ID, separate address ID, and device with working camera and microphone ready. Ask your mailbox provider whether it accepts remote electronic notarization and the completed PDF. Notary20's stated rate is $20 per eligible document. For general price context, see the online notary cost guide.

FAQ