The Basics: What is Form 1583 and why do I need it?
Form 1583 is a USPS document that gives US Global Mail legal authorization to accept mail and packages on your behalf at your virtual mailbox address. Without a valid, signed Form 1583 on file, USPS does not permit us to receive your mail.
The form requires your name, your address, and a copy of two forms of ID — a primary government-issued photo ID and a secondary ID. Every mailbox name on your account (including any company or trust names) requires its own Form 1583, each listing you as the account holder.
Why did USPS update the form in 2024?
USPS periodically updates Form 1583 to tighten identity verification standards and reduce mail fraud. The 2024 update introduced a new form format and revised the list of accepted ID types. USPS requires all virtual mailbox providers — including US Global Mail — to migrate existing customers to the new format and collect updated documentation where needed.
This is a federal compliance requirement. It applies to all customers regardless of how long you've been with us or whether your account was in good standing before.
Will my mailbox be affected while I complete this?
Your mailbox will continue to receive mail normally while your documents are under review. However, if the required documents are not submitted and approved within the deadline shown on your account, USPS regulations require us to suspend mail receipt until the account is brought into compliance.
Completing the steps promptly keeps everything running without interruption.
YOUR ID DOCUMENTS
Why is my primary ID being flagged as expired?
The government-issued photo ID you originally submitted when opening your account has since passed its expiration date. USPS requires that all ID documents on file be current and valid — an expired ID is no longer acceptable under their regulations.
You'll need to upload a new, non-expired government-issued photo ID.
Why is my secondary ID being flagged if it hasn't expired?
The 2024 USPS update revised the list of document types accepted as secondary ID. If the document you originally submitted is no longer on that list, it will be flagged — even if the document itself hasn't expired and even if we accepted it when you first signed up.
This is not a reflection of any problem with your account. It is simply a change in what USPS now permits. You'll need to upload a replacement secondary ID from the currently accepted list.
Note: your secondary ID cannot be the same document type as your primary ID.
I have multiple mailbox names on my account. Do I need to upload an ID for each one?
No. You only upload your ID once — as the primary account holder. That single upload automatically applies to every mailbox name on your account, including any company or trust names registered under you.
Why do I see multiple names listed? Each company or trust mailbox requires its own Form 1583 under USPS rules, but each form uses the same Primary account holder information and the same IDs. The names are listed so you know which signature requests to expect — not because each requires a separate upload.
RECIPIENTS ON YOUR ACCOUNT
I have company or trust names/recipients on my account. Do they each need their own IDs?
No. Company and trust names do not require their own IDs. Your ID as the account holder covers them. However, each company or trust name does require its own signed Form 1583 — USPS mandates one per mailbox name regardless of whether it's a person or a business entity.
After your ID is approved, we'll generate the updated Form 1583s and send you e-signature requests — one per company or trust name on your account. No additional ID upload is needed for any of them.
Why is your name on a company's Form 1583? USPS requires every business mailbox to have a named individual as the responsible account holder — the person whose ID is on file and who is legally authorized to receive mail for that entity. If you registered the company mailbox, that person is you. This is a USPS requirement, not something USGM adds. For more detail, see Do I need a Form 1583 for family members or my business? →
There are other adult names on my account. Do they need to upload their own IDs too? It depends on whether those names are recipients or users — these are two different things:
Recipients are people whose mail USGM receives — for example, a spouse, family member, or business partner listed on your mailbox. Each adult recipient needs their own 2 IDs and their own signed Form 1583. If any adult recipient's ID is flagged, they will see a separate action needed item on the account.
Users are people who have login access to manage the account — for example, an employee or assistant who helps you handle mail. Users do not receive mail in their own name and do not need a Form 1583 or any ID on file.
If you're unsure which category someone on your account falls into, see What are the ID requirements for additional recipients and users? →
Minors are listed on a parent's Form 1583 and do not need their own IDs.
I have multiple mailbox recipients on my account. Do I need to upload an ID for each one?
For company and trust names — no. You upload your ID once as the account holder and it covers all of them. Each will still require a signed Form 1583, but no additional ID upload.
For adult individual names — yes, if they are recipients. Each adult recipient listed on the account is responsible for their own ID upload. Their action needed items will appear separately on the account.
AFTER YOU UPLOAD
What happens after I upload my new documents?
Once you submit, here's what happens:
We review your document — typically within 1 business day. You'll receive an email confirmation when it's approved.
Form 1583 signature requests are sent — once your ID is approved, we'll generate updated Form 1583s and email you e-signature requests. You'll receive one per mailbox name on your account.
You sign the forms — each takes about a minute. Once all are signed, your account is fully compliant.
Why am I getting e-signature requests for company names on my account?
USPS requires a separate signed Form 1583 for every mailbox name — including each company or trust name registered to your account. Each form lists you as the account holder and references the same ID you uploaded. You are not being asked to upload additional documents.
The number of signature requests you receive will match the number of mailbox names on your account. Each e-signature takes about a minute to complete. Once all are signed, no further action is needed.
My ID was rejected. What do I do?
If your ID is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason — for example, the image was unclear, the ID type isn't accepted, or the document appears expired. Your account page will also return to the upload state so you can resubmit.
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them:
Blurry or dark upload — rescan the ID in good lighting, ensuring all four corners of the ID are visible
ID type not accepted — check the accepted ID types listed on the upload form and select a qualifying document
Expired document — use a current, valid ID
Name mismatch — the name on the ID must match the name on your USGM account
If you're unsure why your document was rejected or need help, contact our support team.