Often yes, but the order matters. Your provider needs your signed USPS Form 1583 before it can receive mail for you, so finish that paperwork first. Then update your address directly with the senders that matter most, and treat any USPS change of address as a backup, not your main plan.
What a USPS Change of Address Really Does
A change of address tells the Postal Service where to send your mail when you move. It helps catch letters from senders who still use your old address, but it does not update those senders’ records. Think of it as a safety net that buys you time, not a replacement for telling banks, insurers, and agencies where to write to you.
The rules for forwarding, including how long it runs and what kinds of mail it covers, are set by USPS and can change. Check the current rules on the Postal Service’s website before you count on it. For a virtual mailbox, the cleanest approach is to update senders directly, so mail heads to the new address from the start. If you do use forwarding, set a reminder to review which senders still show your old address after a few weeks, so nothing slips through.
Why Form 1583 Comes First
Your mailbox provider receives mail for you only after you authorize it. That authorization is USPS Form 1583, which requires two types of ID and your signature, given in front of the provider by live video or in person, or acknowledged before a notary. The provider then uploads the signed original to the Postal Service’s CMRA Customer Registration Database.
Do not start redirecting mail until the paperwork is complete and your mailbox address is active. Mail that arrives before your provider is ready could be delayed or returned. Wait for confirmation, then begin your updates.
How to Update Your Address Step by Step
Work through your senders from most important to least:
- Banks, credit cards, and investment accounts
- Government and tax accounts
- Insurance policies and benefits providers
- Employers, clients, and payroll services
- Subscriptions, online stores, and loyalty programs
Update online accounts first, since changes there usually take effect quickly. Then watch your mail for a few weeks and note any sender still using the old address. Some institutions want written notice or a phone call for certain changes, so ask when you are not sure.
A simple spreadsheet helps. List each sender, the date you updated it, and a note once you see mail arrive at the new address. That record also helps you notice when a sender ignores your request.
Keep one more distinction in mind: an address for mail is not the same as an address for residence. Some agencies ask where you live, and a mailbox may not fit that question. Read each form’s wording before you enter your new address.
Mistakes to Avoid When Switching
The most common slip is forgetting a sender. Keep a running list of every company that mails you, and check them off as you go. Another is entering the mailbox address wherever the word “address” appears, even on forms that ask for your residence. Read the field labels carefully.
Also plan for the end of the relationship. The form says neither you nor the provider may file a change of address with USPS when the agency relationship ends, so if you ever close the mailbox, you will need to update your senders again. Give your provider new information whenever your own details change, too, since the form requires an updated application when required information changes. This article is general information, not legal advice. With a methodical approach, switching is straightforward.
Changing Your Address to a Virtual Mailbox FAQs
Do I Need Form 1583 Before I Change My Address?
Your provider needs your signed form on file before it can receive mail for you, so complete it first.
Will USPS Forward All My Mail to My Mailbox?
Forwarding rules and time limits are set by USPS and can change. Check the current rules, and update your senders directly.
What Happens to My Mail if I Close My Mailbox?
The USPS form says neither you nor the provider may file a change of address when the relationship ends, so update your senders again before you close.