Arizona: When Can I Request a Posting and Mailing Order?
A posting and mailing order is a court-approved form of alternative service used in Arizona when traditional service methods—such as personal delivery or service at a residence—cannot be completed, even after diligent efforts.
Before the court will authorize this method, you must demonstrate that standard service under Rule 4.1 is impracticable and that you made a genuine, good-faith effort to locate and serve the defendant using conventional means.
Posting and mailing is only available through a formal request to the court. It is not an option you can use on your own.
Fast Serve AZ prepares the detailed records and affidavits required to support motions for posting and mailing, and executes the service once the court grants approval.
When You Can Request a Posting and Mailing Order in Arizona
A posting and mailing order is appropriate when standard service has failed despite real effort. Arizona courts look for these conditions:
Standard Service Is Impracticable
- The defendant cannot be located
- Attempts at personal service have repeatedly failed
- The residence is inaccessible or the defendant will not answer
- Certified mail or other normal service methods are not viable
Courts require more than inconvenience—you must show that personal service simply cannot be accomplished through reasonable means.
Diligent Efforts Have Already Been Made
- Multiple service attempts at different times
- Attempts at all known addresses
- Verification that the address is valid
- Investigation of leads (relatives, employers, public data, skip tracing)
- Digital checks when appropriate
- Checks of incarceration records if relevant
If these measures fail, posting and mailing becomes a reasonable next step.
All Realistic Conventional Options Have Been Tried
- More than just a few attempts were made
- Attempts at varied times of day
- All leads were followed up
- Workplace attempts when workplace was known
- Address accuracy was verified
Posting and mailing is granted only when traditional avenues are exhausted.
The Defendant Cannot Be Reached Through Other Alternative Means
In some cases, courts may evaluate whether other alternatives (such as digital service or substitute service) are feasible before authorizing posting and mailing. If those methods are impractical or unavailable, posting becomes more likely to be approved.
Situations Involving Unknown Heirs or Real Property
In real property actions involving unknown heirs—when the defendant's identity or location cannot be determined—courts often rely on publication. Posting may be part of the court's ordered method if publication alone is insufficient or if property-specific posting is required.
How to Request a Posting and Mailing Order in Arizona
A posting and mailing order requires a formal, judge-approved process:
File a Motion with the Court
You must submit a written motion requesting authorization for alternative service. This motion should cite the circumstances that make standard service impracticable.
Include a Detailed Diligence Affidavit
- A sworn affidavit from the process server
- Logs of every attempt (dates, times, and results)
- Evidence that the address is valid
- Documentation of investigative steps
- Confirmation that personal service is not reasonably possible
This affidavit is the core of your request and must be precise.
Court Reviews Your Motion
- Standard service truly cannot be achieved
- Diligent efforts are clearly documented
- The alternative method is reasonably likely to give notice
If the court is satisfied, it will authorize posting and mailing with specific instructions.
Follow the Court's Instructions Exactly
- Posting the summons and complaint at the defendant's residence or at another approved location
- Mailing the documents—and the court's order—to the defendant's last-known address
You must complete both steps to finalize service, then file a proof of service affidavit.
Fast Serve AZ ensures every step matches the court's instructions precisely.
When You Cannot Request Posting and Mailing
Courts will deny requests when:
- Attempts are minimal or poorly documented
- The address has not been confirmed
- Reasonable leads were ignored
- Only one or two attempts were made
- Other available service methods were not explored
- The defendant may not live at the posting location
Posting and mailing requires complete, defensible diligence.
Why Posting and Mailing Orders Matter
Posting and mailing:
- Ensures the case moves forward when personal service fails
- Provides a legally recognized method of notice
- Prevents evasion from stalling litigation
- Establishes clear jurisdiction when all steps are performed correctly
Once the posting and mailing requirements are fulfilled and properly documented, service is complete and the case may proceed.
How Fast Serve AZ Helps with Posting and Mailing Orders
Fast Serve AZ provides:
We complete every step required to secure and fulfill a posting and mailing order.