What document traditionally certifies someone to serve legal papers?

The document that traditionally certifies someone to serve legal papers is a license. This certification is important because it grants the individual the legal authority to deliver court documents such as summonses, complaints, and subpoenas. Licensing requirements can vary by jurisdiction but generally involve background checks, training, and adherence to state or local laws governing process serving. This ensures that the process servers understand the legal framework and procedures necessary to conduct their duties properly.

Other terms like accreditation, charter, or contract do not serve the same purpose as a license in this context. Accreditation may refer to a recognition of quality or competence but does not provide the legal authority to serve papers. A charter generally refers to the founding document of an organization, and a contract is a legal agreement between parties, none of which directly certify someone for the role of serving legal papers.