Here's what you need to know
Harvard Business Services, Inc. is becoming a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) which is an agency officially authorized by the US Postal Service to receive mail on behalf of other businesses. When you choose Harvard for your mail forwarding service, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) now requires you fill out the USPS Form 1583 which authorizes us to receive, open, scan, and forward your mail. The USPS Form 1583 may seem complicated at first, but we are here to make it simple for you.
What is USPS Form 1583?
The U.S. Postal Service requires each mail forwarding client to fill out the USPS Form 1583 to verify the client's identity and authorize the CMRA to handle mail on their behalf. This form must be completed, notarized, and submitted with two forms of identification before your mail forwarding service can begin.
Follow this simple process!
Fill out USPS Form 1583
Log in to MyControlDesk and we will help you fill out the form.
Get it notarized
Once your form is completed, get it notarized by Proof or any notary of your choice.
Upload the form
After getting the form notarized, securely upload your form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to complete the USPS Form 1583?
The USPS wants to ensure mail forwarding service isn't used as a method to steal someone else's mail. The USPS Form 1583 verifies your identity and authorizes Harvard Business Services, Inc. to receive mail on your behalf.
What forms of identification are acceptable for the USPS Form 1583?
The USPS requires two forms of identification when submitting Form 1583.
The first form of identification is a photo ID and has to be one of the following:
- U.S. State/Territory/Tribal Driver's or Nondriver's ID Card (if not used as your address identification)
- Uniformed Service ID
- U.S. Access Card
- U.S. University ID Card
- Passport
- Matricula Consular
- NEXUS Card
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card
The second form of identification is an address ID and has be one of the following:
- U.S. State/Territory/Tribal Driver's or Nondriver's ID Card (if not used as your photo identification)
- Current Lease
- Mortgage or Deed of Trust
- Home or Vehicle Insurance Policy
- Vehicle Registration Card
- Voter Card
Per the U.S. Postal Service, a valid foreign passport and a proof of address is acceptable.
Do I need to have the USPS Form 1583 notarized?
Yes, at this time, our clients must have the USPS Form 1583 notarized.
When do I need to resubmit the USPS Form 1583?
Anytime any information on the form changes for you or your business, you must complete a new 1583 within 30 days. This is a regulation of the USPS CMRA program that Harvard Business Services, Inc. and our customers must follow.
Do I need to submit a USPS Form 1583 for each of my companies if I have more than one?
Yes, every business of yours that has active mail forwarding with Harvard Business Services, Inc. will need to complete and keep the USPS 1583 Form current at all times.
How does HBS ensure the security of my information and files?
We take security seriously. All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect your information from unauthorized access. Files are stored in a highly secure repository. This repository ensures that all files remain encrypted at rest and in transit, meeting industry best practices for data protection.
If you have any further security concerns, feel free to reach out to our team.