---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 2554.12"
title: "45"
number: "2554.12"
heading: "How will the complaint be served?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/2554.12"
---

# §2554.12. How will the complaint be served?

- (a) The complaint must be served on individual defendants directly, a partnership through a general partner, and on corporations or on unincorporated associations through an executive officer or a director, except that service also may be made on any person authorized by appointment or by law to receive process for the defendant.
- (b) The complaint may be served either by:
  - (1) Registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) addressed to the defendant at his or her residence, usual dwelling place, principal office or place of business; or by
  - (2) **Personal delivery by anyone 18 years of age or older.**
- (c) The date of service is the date of personal delivery or, in the case of service by registered or certified mail, the date of postmark.
- (d) **Proof of service—**
  - (1) When service is made by registered or certified mail, the return postal receipt will serve as proof of service.
  - (2) When service is made by personal delivery, an affidavit of the individual serving the complaint, or written acknowledgment of receipt by the defendant or a representative, will serve as proof of service.
- (e) When served with the complaint, the defendant also should be served with a copy of this Part 2554 and [31 U.S.C. 3801-3812](/usc/31/3801-3812.md).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: Pub. L. 99-509, Secs. 6101-6104, 100 Stat. 1874 (31 U.S.C. 3801-3812); 42 U.S.C. 12651c-12651d.

### Source

Source: 72 FR 61912, Oct. 20, 2006, unless otherwise noted.