Short answer: Every member can receive packages from online stores. Receiving mail, such as letters, USPS mail, magazines and catalogs, is a VIP-only feature. Letters and other USPS mail also need an approved USPS Form 1583.
What each plan can receive
| What's being sent | Free and Premium | VIP |
|---|---|---|
| Packages from online stores, shipped by a carrier such as UPS, FedEx or DHL | Yes | Yes |
| Personal letters, bank and legal mail, other USPS mail | No | Yes, after Form 1583 is approved |
| Magazines and catalogs | No | Yes |
You may have seen older information saying magazines and catalogs are available to all members. That's no longer the case. They're part of VIP mail receiving.
Packages (all members)
If you order from an online store and it ships to your ForwardMe address with your suite number, you don't need to do anything else. We log the package into your account and email you when it's there.
Mail and letters (VIP members)
Receiving US mail on someone's behalf requires written authorization under US federal regulations. This isn't a ForwardMe rule. It applies to every mail forwarding company in the US. The authorization is USPS Form 1583 (Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent).
How to activate mail receiving
- Download USPS Form 1583 from the USPS website.
- Fill it in and have it notarized. You must sign it in front of a licensed notary. Many banks and online notary services offer this.
- Prepare two forms of ID, for example a passport, a national ID card or a driver's license. Check the form's instructions for the IDs it accepts.
- Send the notarized form and copies of your IDs to our support team.
- Wait for our confirmation. We review your documents and let you know when mail receiving is active. We can't accept mail on your behalf before then.
Not a VIP member?
You can upgrade at any time. Compare plans and benefits on our membership page.
Common questions
Can I have magazines sent to my address on a Free or Premium plan? No. Magazines and catalogs are part of VIP mail receiving.
I'm a VIP member. Can I receive letters right away? Not yet. Mail receiving starts after we approve your notarized USPS Form 1583.
Why do I need a notarized form? US federal regulations require written authorization before a company can receive mail for you. The notarized Form 1583 is that authorization.
I'm on a Free plan. What happens if a letter is sent to my address? Letters and other mail are only received for VIP members with an approved Form 1583. If you're expecting important mail, upgrade to VIP and complete the form first, or contact our support team.
Still need help?
Our support team is available on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 ET at [email protected].