DA Form 4916: Certificate of Service Explained (2026) – DA Form 4916 is an official U.S. Army form titled Certificate of Service/Attempted Service. It is prescribed by Army Regulation (AR) 27-10, Military Justice, and used primarily in appellate processes following courts-martial. The form documents that a copy of a decision from the United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals (ACCA) has been properly served on the accused (or that service was attempted when the accused could not be located).
This form ensures compliance with procedural requirements for notifying the accused of appellate rights, including the opportunity to petition the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (USCAAF or CAAF). It is a critical document in the post-trial and appellate phase of military justice.
Download the latest DA Form 4916 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A4916.pdf
Purpose of DA Form 4916 in Army Military Justice
The primary purpose of DA Form 4916 is to create an official record of service (or attempted service) of ACCA decisions. This protects the integrity of the appellate process by proving the accused was notified of the court’s decision and their rights to further appeal.
Key uses include:
- Certifying personal (in-person) service of the ACCA decision.
- Documenting attempted service when the accused is absent without authority, escaped from confinement, or otherwise unavailable.
- Recording service by certified mail when personal service is not possible, including tracking return receipts or non-delivery.
Proper use of this form helps ensure timelines for petitions to CAAF (typically 60 days from notification) are accurately tracked and that due process is followed.
Sections of DA Form 4916 Explained
The form has three main sections for different service scenarios (complete only the applicable one):
Section A – Certificate of Service
Used when the ACCA decision is successfully served in person on the accused. The certifier (typically a Staff Judge Advocate representative or designee) confirms the date of service and that the accused was advised of their right to petition CAAF within 60 days by mailing five copies of the petition to the specified address.
Section B – Certificate of Attempted Service
Used when personal service was attempted but unsuccessful (e.g., the accused absented themselves without authority or escaped confinement). A copy of the pertinent DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) should be attached.
Section C – Certificate of Attempted Service (By Mail)
Used for service by certified mail, return receipt requested. It details mailing procedures, the address source (provided by accused or from official records), and outcomes such as:
- Successful delivery (with return receipt).
- Undeliverable mail.
- No response after 65 days.
The form requires the typed name, grade, and signature of the SJA representative or designee, along with unit and installation details and date.
Who Uses DA Form 4916 and When?
- Primary users: Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) offices, trial counsel, or their designees involved in post-trial processing.
- Context: After an ACCA decision in a court-martial case. It is forwarded to the Clerk of Court, U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, along with required copies.
It applies to the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve in military justice proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
How to Fill Out DA Form 4916 (Step-by-Step Guide)?
- Header: Enter Unit and Installation, and Date (YYYYMMDD).
- Select Section: Choose and complete only Section A, B, or C based on the service method.
- Case Details: Accurately enter the accused’s name and ACCA Docket No.
- Service Details: Provide specific dates, circumstances, and attachments as required.
- Certification: The authorized representative signs and prints their name and grade.
- Distribution: Follow AR 27-10 instructions—typically send the original and copies to the Clerk of Court.
Tip: Always cross-reference the current AR 27-10 (effective 8 January 2025, with updates) for exact procedural requirements, as military justice rules can evolve.
Importance of Proper Service in Appellate Rights
Accurate completion of DA Form 4916 safeguards the accused’s appellate rights while protecting the Army’s interest in finality of judgments. Failure to properly document service can delay proceedings or raise due process issues. It also supports the broader goals of AR 27-10 in administering fair and efficient military justice.
For official guidance, consult AR 27-10 Military Justice (latest version available on Army Publishing Directorate or JAGCNet) and coordinate with your local SJA office.
Additional Resources
- Official Form Download: DA Form 4916 PDF
- AR 27-10: Available through armypubs.army.mil or official JAG channels.
- Related Forms: DA Form 4917 (Advice as to Appellate Rights) is often used in conjunction.
This article provides general information based on publicly available official sources as of 2026. For case-specific advice, consult a qualified military legal professional. Procedures may be updated—always verify with current Army regulations.