Registered post acknowledgement — usually called AD (Acknowledgement Due) — is an add-on service where the addressee signs a card on delivery, and India Post returns that signed card to you as legal proof of delivery. It is the cheapest way to get court-admissible proof that your letter reached its destination.
How Acknowledgement Due Works
- Book at the counter — ask for “registered post with AD” and pay the acknowledgement fee over the registered postage.
- The AD card travels with your letter — attached to the article through the delivery chain.
- Addressee signs on delivery — the postman collects the signature (and sometimes a seal for offices).
- The card comes back to you — India Post returns the signed AD card to the sender’s address by ordinary post.
What the AD Card Proves
The returned card carries the delivery date and the receiver’s signature — accepted by courts, government offices and employers as proof of delivery. This is why legal notices, job applications and official communications are routinely sent by registered AD rather than ordinary post. If the signed card never arrives, our complaint guide explains how to raise the issue.
Fees and Practical Points
- Extra fee: a small acknowledgement charge applies on top of registered postage — confirm the current rate at the counter.
- Return time: the signed card typically comes back 1–3 weeks after delivery, by ordinary (untracked) post.
- Lost AD cards: if the card doesn’t return in a month, the delivery post office can issue a certificate of delivery from their records.
- Track the outward journey: the registered article itself is trackable with its 13-character number; only the returning AD card travels untracked.
Registered AD vs Speed Post
Speed Post is faster but its delivery proof is just the online tracking status. Registered AD is slower but returns a physical signed card — stronger evidence. For legal notices and anything where you may need to prove delivery later, registered AD is the safer choice. See our Speed Post vs Registered Post guide for a detailed comparison. Current tariffs are listed on the India Post official website.
Registered Post Acknowledgement: Key Takeaways
To sum up, registered post acknowledgement gives you signed, physical proof of delivery for a small extra fee on top of registered postage. Book it at the counter by asking for registered post with AD, and the postman will collect the addressee’s signature on the attached AD card during delivery.
The signed card then travels back to you by ordinary post, usually arriving within one to three weeks. Keep your booking receipt safe — its 13-character tracking number lets you follow the outward journey, and it is also the reference you need if the registered post acknowledgement card goes missing or you must raise a complaint.
- Ask for “registered post with AD” at the counter.
- The signed AD card returns by ordinary post in 1–3 weeks.
- Use the tracking number to chase a missing card.
Keep this checklist handy whenever you book — it makes every registered post acknowledgement smoother and completely stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acknowledgement due in India Post?
An add-on to registered post where the recipient signs an AD card on delivery, which India Post returns to you as proof of delivery.
How long does the AD card take to return?
Usually 1–3 weeks after delivery, sent back by ordinary post.
Is the AD card valid as legal proof?
Yes — the signed card with the delivery date is widely accepted as proof of delivery, including by courts.
Can I track the returning AD card?
No — the AD card returns by ordinary post without tracking. Only the outward registered article is trackable.
Last verified: 16 October 2026. Confirm fees at your booking post office.