To open a virtual mailbox with YogoMailbox, you upload three documents: a government photo ID, a recent proof of address and a selfie holding your photo ID. If your mailbox is in the United States, you also upload USPS Form 1583, signed and notarized. A mailbox in Canada does not need Form 1583.
Which documents do you need, by country?
| Document | Mailbox in Canada | Mailbox in the United States |
|---|---|---|
| Government photo ID (passport, driver's license or national ID) | Required | Required |
| Proof of address (recent utility bill, bank statement or official document) | Required | Required |
| Selfie holding your photo ID | Required | Required |
| USPS Form 1583, signed and notarized | Not required | Required |
What counts is the country of the mailbox you choose, not the country where you live.
Why does a US mailbox need USPS Form 1583?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) treats a virtual mailbox provider as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA). Before a CMRA can receive mail for you, you complete PS Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent.
USPS rules in force since 1/7/2023 require two forms of identification. The signature must be witnessed by the CMRA owner or manager, an authorized employee, or a notary public. YogoMailbox asks you to upload the form already notarized. See how to notarize Form 1583 online.
Which IDs does USPS accept for Form 1583?
USPS lists acceptable identification in the Domestic Mail Manual, section 608.10. Every ID must be current, not expired.
Primary ID (with a clear photo):
- State, territory or tribal driver's license or non-driver ID card
- Uniformed Service ID card
- US passport, US passport card or foreign passport
- Matricula Consular issued by the Government of Mexico
- Public or private US university ID card
Secondary ID:
- A second primary ID from the list above, or
- A current non-photo document, such as a lease, mortgage or deed of trust, a voter or vehicle registration card, or a home or vehicle insurance policy
Not accepted: Social Security cards, birth certificates and credit cards.
If the information on your Form 1583 does not match your IDs, the CMRA must deny the application. Check names and addresses before you sign.
What counts as proof of address?
YogoMailbox accepts a recent utility bill, a bank statement or an official document that shows your current address. Tip: use a document in the same name as your photo ID to avoid back and forth.
I live outside the United States. Can I open a US mailbox?
Yes. The same documents apply, and a foreign passport is an accepted primary ID under USPS rules. Read Form 1583 for international users for the details.
How do you send your documents?
You upload them from your YogoMailbox account during sign up. The mail center that runs your mailbox reviews them. Your mailbox becomes active once every required document is approved.
FAQ
Do I need Form 1583 for a mailbox in Canada?
No. YogoMailbox only asks for Form 1583 when your mailbox is in the United States.
Can I use an expired passport for Form 1583?
No. USPS requires identification that is current when you apply.
Is a Social Security card accepted as ID?
No. USPS does not accept Social Security cards, birth certificates or credit cards as identification.
Can someone else receive mail at my mailbox?
Yes. You can add people from your account. See add an authorized recipient.
Ready to start?
Pick a location and a plan on the pricing page, then upload your documents in a few minutes. New to the form? Start with what is USPS Form 1583.
Sources
- USPS Postal Bulletin 22624, DMM revision: Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 608.10, forms of identification
- PS Form 1583 (PDF)
Last updated: 27/10/2026