Virtual Mailbox for U.S. Expats: Keeping a U.S. Address Abroad (2026)
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Why expats keep a U.S. address
U.S. banks, brokerages, the IRS, and state agencies still mail letters. A virtual mailbox scans them so you can read them abroad, and forwards anything you need internationally.
Which mailbox fits
| Need | Option |
|---|---|
| Lowest monthly cost | iPostal1 from $9.99/mo, or Anytime Mailbox from $9.99/mo |
| Scan almost everything | Traveling Mailbox $15/mo with 35 page scans |
| Business mail and check deposits | VirtualPostMail from $20/mo |
Sources and details: virtual mailbox comparison.
Finishing Form 1583 from abroad
USPS Form 1583 authorizes the mailbox to receive your mail. You'll need two forms of ID; one must have a photo. A foreign address is fine on the form. You can usually verify through the provider's own process or a U.S. notary. Online notaries can do this from overseas: Notarize · OneNotary · NotaryLive. See PS-1583 notarized online.
Things to check
- Banks: some flag commercial mailbox addresses. Ask before you change your address.
- State residency: a mailbox address isn't a domicile and doesn't change your state tax residency.
- Documents for use abroad may need an apostille. See what is an apostille.
Disclosure: some links above are referral links. They don't change your price.
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