Smooth Sailing Your Mail: Notarizing USPS Form 1583 in Orlando
- Olivia Sterling
- Dec 15
- 3 min read
In today's fast-paced world, many Orlando residents and businesses choose the convenience of a private mailbox (PMB) for mail security, flexibility, and a professional address. Whether you're a new small business in Baldwin Park or a busy professional near Lake Nona, opening a PMB requires a critical document: USPS Form 1583. To ensure uninterrupted mail service in 2025, getting this form correctly notarized is paramount. Don't let a simple oversight delay your important deliveries!
💡 Key Takeaways
Form Purpose: USPS Form 1583 authorizes a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) to handle your mail.
ID Requirement: Two valid forms of identification are required for notarization: one photo ID and one with your address.
Signature Required: The person signing as the "applicant" on the form is the one whose signature must be notarized.
Notarial Act: Confirm with your PMB provider whether they require an Acknowledgment or a Jurat for Form 1583.
Preparation: Ensure all sections of the form are completely filled out before your notary appointment to prevent delays.
Why is USPS Form 1583 So Important?
USPS Form 1583, officially titled "Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent," is the U.S. Postal Service's way of ensuring accountability and security when a third party receives your mail. This form legally empowers a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA)—like a local UPS Store or Mail Boxes Etc. in the Orlando area—to accept mail on your behalf. Without a properly completed and notarized Form 1583, your chosen PMB provider cannot legally handle your mail, potentially leading to significant delays and inconvenience.
The Golden Rule: Two Forms of Valid ID
When you visit an Orlando notary public to get your Form 1583 notarized, you must present two valid, unexpired forms of identification. This is a non-negotiable requirement to verify your identity. According to current USPS regulations for 2025:
📷 One ID must contain a photograph of the applicant (e.g., a Florida driver's license, state-issued identification card, U.S. armed forces card, or passport).
🏠 The second ID must include your home or business address as listed on Form 1583. This could be another photo ID if it has the address, or a non-photo ID like a lease agreement, vehicle registration, or a utility bill.
Ensure both IDs are original and legible. A notary cannot proceed without proper identification.
Applicant vs. Agent: Knowing Your Role
It's common to confuse the roles on Form 1583. The person whose signature requires notarization is the applicant—the individual or authorized representative of the business who will be receiving mail at the PMB. The CMRA (e.g., the manager of your local Orlando mail center) is the agent. While the agent also signs the form, their signature does not require notarization; only the applicant's does.
Acknowledgment or Jurat? What Your Notary Needs to Know
For most official documents like Form 1583, the notarial act typically involves an Acknowledgment. This means you are affirming to the notary that the signature on the document is indeed yours and that you signed it voluntarily. The June 2024 version of the USPS Form 1583 itself uses language that supports an acknowledgment ("acknowledge their signature").
However, some Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies may have specific internal requirements or preferences, occasionally requesting a Jurat. A Jurat means you are swearing or affirming that the contents of the document are true, not just that you signed it. While an Acknowledgment is generally sufficient, it's always a good practice to check with your specific PMB provider in Orlando beforehand to confirm their exact notarial certificate requirement. Your notary will then affix the appropriate wording and their official seal.
⭐ Learn more about Jurat's by checking out our blog post: What is a "Jurat"? Understanding This Florida Notarial Act
Before You Go: A Checklist for Success
To ensure a smooth notarization experience in 2025 for your PS Form 1583:
☑️ Completely fill out all sections of the form, except for the notary section, before your appointment.
☑️ Gather your two valid forms of ID as described above.
☑️ Do NOT sign the applicant section until you are in the presence of the notary.
☑️ Confirm with your CMRA if they have a specific preference for an Acknowledgment or Jurat.
Opening a private mailbox in Orlando is a convenient solution for many, but securing it requires the precise completion and notarization of USPS Form 1583. Understanding the ID requirements, your role as the applicant, and the type of notarization needed will prevent unnecessary delays and ensure your mail service starts without a hitch. If you're in the Orlando area and need your PS Form 1583 notarized correctly the first time, contact our professional notary service today to schedule your appointment and avoid any mail-receiving interruptions.
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