Updated December 20, 2023
An affidavit (certificate) of service provides proof after documents have been delivered to a recipient. This is common when delivering court papers to parties of a case. It’s common to pay a process server or the local sheriff for delivery.
Also Known as
- Affidavit for Return of Service
- Certificate of Service
- Service of Process
- Proof of Service
- Proof of Delivery
- Return of Process
Table of Contents |
By State
Ways to Serve an Affidavit of Service (6)
- Deliver in person (and obtain a signature)
- Deliver to someone who lives at the residence
- Deliver to someone who works at the workplace
- Post or slide under the door
- Send by certified mail (with return receipt)
- Send by standard mail
When to Use an Affidavit of Service
An affidavit of service is used to verify that documents have been received by an individual. Common for notices and to notify of a court hearing.
It is commonly used for:
- Answers
- Complaints
- Court Hearing Dates
- Motions
- Notices (eviction)
- Orders
- Subpoenas
- Summons
Sample
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
County of [COUNTY]
State of [STATE]
Date: [DATE]
1. SERVER I, [SERVER NAME], declare under penalty of perjury that the following documents were delivered and served in the following manner:
2. DOCUMENTS. The documents served are described as: [DESCRIBE].
3. RECIPIENT. The above-mentioned documents were delivered to:
- Defendant/Respondent: [RECEIPIENT NAME]
- Address/Location: [ADDRESS]
- Date: [DATE], 20[YEAR] Time: [HOUR]:[MINUTE] ☐ AM ☐ PM
4. DELIVERY. The Recipient received the documents by: (check one)
☐ – Mail. The Server sent the documents in the mail by: (check all that apply)
☐ – Standard Mail
☐ – Electronic Mail (E-Mail)
☐ – Certified Mail (with return receipt)
☐ – FedEx
☐ – UPS
☐ – Other
☐ – Direct Service. The Server handed the documents to a person identified as the Recipient.
☐ – Someone at the Residence. The Server handed the documents to someone who identified as living at the residence and stated their name is: [NAME].
☐ – Someone at the Workplace. The Server handed the documents to someone who identified to be the Recipient’s co-worker and stated their name is: [NAME].
☐ – Leaving at the Residence. The Server left the documents in the following area: [AREA].
☐ – Recipient Rejected Delivery. The Server delivered the documents to the Recipient in-person and did not accept delivery.
☐ – Other. [DESCRIBE].
5. VERIFICATION. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws located in this State that the foregoing is true and correct.
Server’s Signature: ________________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: ________________________