What Is the PS1583 Form and Can a Mobile Notary Notarize It?

The PS1583 form, officially titled “United States Postal Service Form 1583,” is a document required to authorize a third party to receive mail on your behalf through commercial mail receiving agencies (CMRAs). Whether you are a small business owner, a remote worker, or someone who travels frequently, understanding Form 1583 is essential to ensure that your mail is handled securely and in compliance with USPS regulations. In this post, we’ll explore the purpose of the PS1583 form, walk you through its key sections, and answer the question: can a Mobile Notary notarize it?

Understanding the Purpose and Importance of the PS1583 Form

The PS1583 form serves as a binding agreement between you and the CMRA, granting them the legal authority to receive mail addressed to you. Without a completed and notarized Form 1583, CMRAs are prohibited by federal law from accepting your mail. Filling out and notarizing this form protects both parties: it ensures that the CMRA is legally covered, and it safeguards you by requiring proper identification and verification.

Who Needs to Complete Form PS1583?

  • Businesses operating remotely: Companies without a brick-and-mortar office often use CMRAs as their official business address.

  • Frequent travelers and expatriates: If you don’t have a permanent street address, a CMRA can manage your mail forwarding.

  • Privacy-focused individuals: Those who prefer not to use their home address for business or public listings rely on CMRAs for confidentiality.

Key Sections of the PS1583 Form

  1. Applicant Information: Your name, address, and contact details.

  2. Agent Information: The name and address of the CMRA or agent authorized to receive your mail.

  3. Identification Verification: You must provide two forms of valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) and specify document numbers and issuing authorities.

  4. Signature and Notarization: You must sign the form in the presence of a commissioned notary public, who then notarizes your signature.

Can Other Notary Services Handle Your PS1583 Form?

Not all notarization needs are the same. Beyond a mobile notary, there are specialized environments where notarization takes place:

Hospital Notary Service for PS1583

In situations where you’re hospitalized or caring for a loved one in a medical facility, a Hospital Notary Service provides the convenience of on-site notarization. While hospital notaries routinely handle medical directives and power-of-attorney documents, they are equally qualified to notarize Form PS1583 if requested.

Jail Notary Service and Mail Authorization

For individuals legally detained, the mail system remains a critical lifeline. A Jail Notary Service can facilitate notarization of Form PS1583 within correctional facilities, ensuring that inmates can authorize third parties to manage their correspondence.

Emergency Notary Services for Time-Sensitive Mail

When you need to get Form PS1583 notarized at short notice—perhaps because you’re leaving town or facing a business deadline—an Emergency Notary Services provider can meet you almost anywhere, day or night, to notarize your signature quickly and efficiently.

Airport Notary Services for Travel Convenience

Travelers can arrange for a Airport Notary Services professional to meet at major airports. If your itinerary brings you through a hub city, you can use layovers to get your PS1583 form notarized without altering your travel plans.

How a Mobile Notary Simplifies the PS1583 Notarization Process

A mobile notary public travels to the signer’s chosen location—home, office, coffee shop, or virtually anywhere—to notarize documents. Here’s why this service is ideal for Form PS1583:

Three Major Advantages of Using a Mobile Notary

  1. Convenience: No need to rearrange your schedule or commute to an office; the notary comes to you.

  2. Flexibility: Appointments can be scheduled outside normal business hours, accommodating busy lifestyles.

  3. Compliance: Mobile notaries are commissioned and bonded, ensuring proper verification and adherence to state laws.

Mobile Notary Identification Requirements

Before notarizing your PS1583 form, a mobile notary will review your ID documents. Acceptable IDs typically include:

  • State-issued driver’s license or ID card

  • U.S. passport

  • Military ID
    Additionally, some states allow alternative forms like tribal IDs or consular identification documents.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing and Notarizing PS1583

Filling Out the PS1583 Form

  1. Enter Your Name and Address: This must match the name on your identification documents.

  2. Specify the Agent: Write the CMRA’s business name and address.

  3. List Identification Documents: Provide exact ID numbers and issuing authorities.

  4. Sign in Notary’s Presence: Do not sign beforehand; the notary must witness your signature.

The Notarization Ceremony

  1. Present Identification: Show original IDs to the notary.

  2. Oath or Affirmation: If required by state law, you may take an oath confirming the truthfulness of the information.

  3. Signature and Seal: You sign, and the notary completes the journal entry, affixes their seal, and signs.

Drafting a Statement of Acknowledgment (if required)

Some post offices or CMRAs request an acknowledgment clause on PS1583. A mobile notary can insert the required language, which typically reads:

“Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on [date] by [name of signer].”

Returning the Completed PS1583

Once notarized, return the form to your CMRA—usually via mail, fax, or in-person delivery—per their instructions.

Common Questions and Best Practices

What If My State Requires Additional Notarial Language?

State laws vary. If your jurisdiction mandates extra wording (such as a jurat or affidavit), confirm with your mobile notary in advance.

Can I Use Electronic Notarization?

Some states allow remote online notarization (RON). If your state permits RON, a qualified notary can notarize an electronic version of PS1583 via video conference, further enhancing convenience.

How Long Is the PS1583 Valid?

Typically, Form PS1583 remains valid for up to two years, but your CMRA may have shorter renewal requirements. Mark your calendar to renew before expiration.

Conclusion

The USPS PS1583 form is a vital document for authorizing mail acceptance by commercial agents. Thanks to the mobility and flexibility of a notary public, particularly a mobile notary, you can get your form notarized at your convenience—whether at home, in a hospital room, at a correctional facility, during a travel layover, or under emergency circumstances. By following the steps outlined above and choosing the appropriate notary service—whether Mobile Notary, Hospital Notary Service, Jail Notary Service, Emergency Notary Services, or Airport Notary Services—you’ll ensure your mail authorization is legally sound and handled without delay.

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