Adopted July 5, 1985 · Last amended June 14, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 403 provides that where a rule authorizes original process to be served by mail, a copy is mailed by a form of mail requiring a receipt signed by the addressee, and it sets what to do when the mail is refused or returned unclaimed.
If a rule of civil procedure authorizes original process to be served by mail, a copy of the process shall be mailed to the defendant by any form of mail requiring a receipt signed by the defendant or his authorized agent. Service is complete upon delivery of the mail.
(1)If the mail is returned with notation by the postal authorities that the defendant refused to accept the mail, the plaintiff shall have the right of service by mailing a copy to the defendant at the same address by ordinary mail with the return address of the sender appearing thereon. Service by ordinary mail is complete if the mail is not returned to the sender within fifteen days after mailing.
(2)If the mail is returned with notation by the postal authorities that it was unclaimed, the plaintiff shall make service by another means pursuant to these rules.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule supplies the mechanics for mail service of original process. Where another rule authorizes it, a copy of the process is mailed to the defendant by any form of mail requiring a signed receipt.
The rule handles failed delivery two ways. If the mail is returned marked refused, the plaintiff may serve by mailing an ordinary-mail copy to the same address; if it is returned unclaimed, the plaintiff must make service by another means the rules allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is original process served by mail?
By mailing a copy in a form of mail requiring a receipt signed by the addressee. If the mail is refused, the plaintiff may mail an ordinary-mail copy to the same address; if it is unclaimed, service must be made by another permitted means.
Official Note
Official Note: The United States Postal Service provides for restricted delivery mail, which can only be delivered to the addressee or his authorized agent. Rule 403 has been drafted to accommodate the Postal Service procedures with respect to restricted delivery.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 403 adopted July 5, 1985, effective January 1, 1986, 15 Pa.B. 2452; amended June 14, 1999, effective September 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3191. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (256955). (Editor’s Note: The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania suspended its order of June 14, 1999, published at 29 Pa.B. 3191 (June 26, 1999). See 29 Pa.B. 4859 (September 18, 1999).)
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:service by mailcertified mail servicereturn receipt