handdelivered

Hand delivered refers to the act of delivering a document or other item directly into the recipient’s hands, rather than by mailing, courier drop-off, or electronic transmission. A hand-delivered item is typically handed to the recipient in person by an authorized person and may require a signature, timestamp, or other confirmation of receipt as proof of delivery.

Common contexts include legal notices, court filings, confidential or time-sensitive documents, and formal correspondence in business or government. In many industries, hand delivery is chosen to ensure immediate possession, verify identity, and reduce the risk of interception or misdelivery. The process may be performed by a sender, a designated courier, or a company that provides hand-delivery services, and may involve an acknowledgment form or delivery log.

Benefits include greater certainty of receipt, stronger privacy for sensitive information, and the ability to deliver to a specific recipient or location. Limitations include higher cost, scheduling requirements, limited scalability, and the potential for disputes if the recipient is unavailable or if proof of delivery is incomplete.

Legislation and policy may govern hand-delivery requirements, including who may sign for a delivery and how promptly a delivery must be made. In some jurisdictions, certain notices require hand delivery to be legally effective, while others permit electronic or service-by-mail alternatives. Practitioners often document the delivery method to support enforceability or compliance.