Arizona Instruction — How to Serve Court Papers By Certified Mail is a legal process whereby a court document is sent to a defendant by certified mail. This process is sometimes referred to as “service by mail.” The document is typically a summons or complaint, but can also include other legal documents. The mailing is done through the United States Postal Service (USPS) using a form of certified mail that requires the recipient to sign for it. This ensures that the defendant has received the document and can not claim to have not been served. There are two types of Arizona Instruction — How to Serve Court Papers By Certified Mail: “Regular” and “Restricted.” The “Regular” version of certified mail is sent to the defendant’s last known address and can be delivered to any responsible adult at that address. The “Restricted” version of certified mail is sent to a specified address, such as the defendant’s place of work or place of residence, and can only be delivered to the defendant personally. When sending court papers by certified mail, the plaintiff must include a statement of service that includes the defendant’s name, address, date of service, and the content of the document being served. The plaintiff must also include proof of service, such as a copy of the certified mail receipt or signature card.