Connecticut Small Claims Service of Process: Certified Mail, Marshals, and Proof

Serve First, Then File

Connecticut's small claims procedure reverses the order most people expect. You don't file with the court and have them serve the defendant. You arrange service through a permitted method, keep proof, and then file everything with the court.

This sequence trips up first-time filers constantly. If you send your writ to the clerk before completing service, they'll return it.

Choose a Permitted Service Method

Connecticut permits four service methods for a small claims writ: priority mail with delivery confirmation, certified mail with return receipt requested, a nationally recognized courier with delivery confirmation, or service by a proper officer such as a State Marshal. For an out-of-state business, service by a proper officer is required. Here's the step-by-step:

1. Complete Form JD-CV-40 (the writ) and attach Form JD-CV-121 (Instructions to Defendant)
2. Make a complete copy of the writ, defendant instructions, and supporting documents for service
3. Deliver the defendant's packet using one of the permitted methods
4. Keep the delivery confirmation, signed return receipt, courier tracking, or officer's return for the method you used
5. After service, complete Form JD-CV-123 (Statement of Service) and attach the proof required for that method

The $95 entry fee does not include service. You pay the service cost separately and serve the defendant before filing with the court.

When Certified Mail Fails

If you do not receive the delivery confirmation required for your selected method, do not file based on that attempt; use another permitted method or verify the address. Because service happens before filing, the court will not notify you if the required proof is missing.

Your options:

Find a better address. Check the Secretary of the State business registry (business.ct.gov) for business entities, or the local Town Clerk for sole proprietor trade name registrations. These records often list a different address than the one you tried.

Hire a State Marshal. Marshals are authorized under CGS § 52-50 to serve process. The initial service fee is $40, plus mileage and any other applicable charges; ask for an itemized estimate.

If you qualified for a fee waiver (Form JD-CV-120), the court may order the state to pay a State Marshal's service cost up to the amount stated in the signed order. Give the marshal that order before service; postage and costs beyond the stated amount may not be covered.

Serving Businesses

For corporations and LLCs, serve the registered agent listed with the Secretary of the State. The writ must name the exact legal entity — "Acme Services, LLC," not "Acme Services."

For sole proprietorships operating under a trade name, you serve the individual owner personally. The writ should read "Jane Smith d/b/a Smith Plumbing."

An out-of-state business must be served by a proper officer; follow Form JD-CV-122 for the required service details. An out-of-state individual generally cannot be sued in Connecticut small claims unless that person owns property in Connecticut.

Proving Service

Form JD-CV-123 is your statement that service was completed. Attach the proof required for the method you used:

• State when and how service was made
• For priority mail, attach delivery confirmation; for certified mail, attach the signed return receipt or electronic delivery confirmation
• For a nationally recognized courier, attach tracking information showing delivery
• For service by a proper officer, attach the officer's return of service

Keep the delivery confirmation or return of service required for your selected method; the court needs proof of delivery before it can consider a default judgment.

File JD-CV-123, proof of service, JD-CV-40, and the $95 fee together. That's your complete filing package.

The Connecticut Small Claims Filing Guide includes a certified mail tracking log and step-by-step service instructions, so you can keep everything organized from mailing through proof of service.

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