When it comes to legal service in Texas, precision and documentation are essential. Rule 106 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure offers an alternative to traditional personal service, allowing for legal documents to be sent using USPS Certified Mail with the right court approval. This method, especially when paired with Return Receipt and Restricted Delivery, ensures proper notice and documentation for the sender and the courts.
Understanding Rule 106 and how Certified Mail fits within it is key for law firms, HR departments, and individuals navigating legal processes in Texas. This article walks through the process, legal requirements, and how Certified Mail Labels make sending Certified Mail letters easier and more efficient than ever.
What Is Rule 106 and When Can You Use Certified Mail?
Understanding Rule 106 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
Texas Rule 106 allows alternative service methods when personal service has failed. With court approval, a sender may send Certified letters to the defendant using USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This ensures the recipient is legally notified and the sender has proof of mailing and proof of delivery.
When Can Certified Mail Be Used?
You must first attempt personal service. If unsuccessful, a motion can be filed with the court to permit Certified or other methods, such as leaving a copy at the person’s residence or mailing it to a known address.
Certified provides a mailing receipt, mailing tracking, and in most cases, a Certified Mail receipt with a signature. All critical when filing affidavits of service.
Why Certified Mail Works in Legal Service
Proof of Mailing and Delivery
Certified Mail comes with a green card (or Electronic Return Receipt) that proves the piece was delivered. It also provides:
- A mailing receipt showing when the item entered the USPS system
- A tracking number that follows the mail piece through each scan
- A Return Receipt confirming who signed for the document
- A legally accepted proof of delivery for court proceedings
When personal delivery isn’t possible, having a documented trail, while skipping the trip to the Post Office, is a major advantage.
USPS and Legal Validity
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is recognized by Texas courts as a valid carrier for serving legal mail when approved under Rule 106. Since Certified comes with detailed records, it supports due process and meets documentation requirements, particularly when dealing with legal notices or mailing letters such as eviction notices, subpoenas, or contract disputes.
Use Cases for Certified Mail in Texas
Across industries, professionals use Certified Mail to remain compliant with legal and regulatory standards. Common use cases include:
- Law firms serving legal documents when defendants are evasive
- HR departments mailing termination letters and wage dispute communications
- Property managers sending lease violation or eviction notices
- Government offices mailing compliance forms, citations, or requests
- Individuals involved in small claims cases or contract enforcement
For example, a law firm in San Antonio may be unable to serve a defendant in person after multiple attempts. The firm can file a motion under Rule 106, and upon approval, send the complaint using Certified Mail. The mail carrier delivers the mail piece and the recipient signs. The Electronic Return Receipt serving as valid documentation.
How Certified Mail Labels Supports Texas Mailers
Certified Mail Labels offers an online platform to generate, manage, and track Certified letters. Users can print Certified Mail labels from their computer or upload documents for full-service processing with Send Certified Mail. Skipping the trip to the Post Office entirely.
Why Professionals Choose Certified Mail Labels
- Mail online from any device—no trip to the Post Office
- Save on postage and Certified Mail costs—up to $3.15 per letter
- Automatically track each sheet of paper mailed through USPS
- Get Electronic Return Receipts for easy digital recordkeeping
- Store documents and receipts in a 10-year compliance archive
- Use batch label creation for sending hundreds of legal or compliance documents at once
Whether mailing one letter or coordinating a high-volume project, Certified Mail Labels supports smooth, compliant delivery. Complete with class, Priority Mail, and Express Mail options.
Trusted by Legal and HR Professionals in Texas
Legal Professionals
Lawyers and legal assistants rely on Certified Mail receipts and tracking to prove service under Rule 106. The platform ensures each mailing letter is documented with a tracking number, mailing receipt, and delivery scan.
HR and Compliance Teams
Certified Mail is ideal for time-sensitive notices like layoffs, final paychecks, or WARN Act compliance. With proof of mailing and proof of delivery, HR teams protect themselves from legal disputes or regulatory fines.
Real Estate and Property Management
Landlords and managers often use Certified Mail to communicate with tenants about lease violations or eviction proceedings, which frequently require Return Receipt Requested.
Avoid Common Mistakes with Rule 106
- Don’t skip the step of filing a motion—court permission is required before serving by Certified Mail
- Ensure the address is current and correct—Certified Mail is only effective if the recipient can receive it
- Always request a Return Receipt to prove service
- Use Restricted Delivery if the court mandates it or you want added control over who signs
Certified Mail Labels helps you stay on track with automation tools and compliance features, including address validation and USPS tracking.
Start Compliant Mailing Today
Certified Mail under Rule 106 offers a court-approved, trackable way to serve documents when personal service fails. With the help of Certified Mail Labels, you can send legal documents with confidence. Using USPS-approved labels and tools to generate mailing receipts, delivery confirmations, and Return Receipts from your dashboard.
Schedule a Live Demo to explore the full platform today.