¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Certificate of Service Template for United States

Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Let's create your document

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get your first 2 documents free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Certificate of Service

I need a certificate of service for a litigation case filed on March 15, 2025, confirming delivery of documents to opposing counsel via certified mail on April 10, 2025.

What is a Certificate of Service?

A Certificate of Service proves you've properly delivered legal documents to other parties in a court case. It's a simple but crucial record that tells the court "yes, I sent these papers to everyone who needed to get them," listing exactly when and how you did it.

Courts require these certificates to ensure fair play and due process - everyone involved in a lawsuit must get copies of important documents. You can serve papers through mail, email, hand delivery, or electronic filing systems, but you'll need to spell out these details in your certificate. Without this proof of service, courts may reject your filings or delay your case.

When should you use a Certificate of Service?

You need a Certificate of Service any time you file court documents or legal papers that must reach other parties in a case. This includes complaints, motions, responses, and even routine correspondence in federal and state courts across the U.S.

File your certificate right after serving the documents - timing matters here. Most courts require it within 24 hours of service. For example, when filing a motion to dismiss, attach your certificate showing you sent copies to the plaintiff's attorney. This proves everyone has fair notice and protects you from claims that others didn't receive crucial paperwork.

What are the different types of Certificate of Service?

  • Standard Mailing Certificate: Basic form proving delivery through postal mail - includes recipient addresses, mailing date, and sender details
  • Electronic Filing Certificate: Documents service through court e-filing systems, common in federal courts and many state jurisdictions
  • Personal Service Certificate: Details hand-delivery of documents, including time, location, and recipient information
  • International Service Certificate: Specialized form for serving documents abroad, following Hague Convention requirements
  • Multiple-Party Certificate: Expanded version listing multiple recipients, often used in complex litigation with numerous parties

Who should typically use a Certificate of Service?

  • Attorneys and Legal Staff: Prepare and file Certificates of Service for court documents, ensuring proper delivery to all parties
  • Court Clerks: Review certificates for completeness and maintain them as part of the official court record
  • Process Servers: Complete certificates when personally delivering legal documents, providing detailed proof of service
  • Self-Represented Litigants: Must file certificates when serving documents on other parties in their cases
  • Legal Administrators: Track and maintain service records, ensuring compliance with court filing deadlines

How do you write a Certificate of Service?

  • Document Details: List the exact title and date of each document being served
  • Recipient Information: Gather complete names and current addresses for all parties receiving the documents
  • Service Method: Note how you'll deliver documents (mail, email, hand delivery, or e-filing)
  • Timing Records: Track exact date and time of service for each recipient
  • Court Requirements: Check local rules for specific formatting and filing deadlines
  • Verification: Double-check all names, addresses, and dates before signing under penalty of perjury

What should be included in a Certificate of Service?

  • Case Caption: Full court name, case number, and parties involved in the litigation
  • Document Identity: Clear identification of which documents were served
  • Service Details: Specific method of delivery (mail, email, hand delivery, e-filing)
  • Recipient Information: Complete names and addresses of all parties served
  • Date and Time: Exact timing of when service was completed
  • Declaration Statement: Statement under penalty of perjury that information is true
  • Signature Block: Server's name, signature, and date of signing

What's the difference between a Certificate of Service and a Service Agreement?

A Certificate of Service differs significantly from a Service Agreement. While both documents relate to services, they serve entirely different legal purposes.

  • Purpose and Function: A Certificate of Service proves delivery of legal documents in court proceedings, while a Service Agreement outlines the terms and conditions between service providers and clients
  • Timing of Use: Certificates of Service are filed after delivering court documents, while Service Agreements are signed before work begins
  • Legal Context: Certificates operate within litigation procedures, while Service Agreements govern business relationships
  • Content Requirements: Certificates need delivery details and verification under penalty of perjury, while Service Agreements require detailed scope, payment terms, and performance standards

Get our United States-compliant Certificate of Service:

Access for Free Now
*No sign-up required
4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Find the exact document you need

No items found.

Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal

By providing your email address you are consenting to our Privacy Notice.
Thank you for downloading our whitepaper. This should arrive in your inbox shortly. In the meantime, why not jump straight to a section that interests you here: /our-research
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security

You retain IP ownership of your documents

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

Innovation in privacy:

Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London

Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts

Want to know more?

Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.