An Act to authorize the use of certified mail for the transmission or service of matter required by certain Federal laws to be transmitted or served by registered mail, and for other purposes
PL 86-507 (H.R.10996), enacted 06/11/1960

200 
PUBLIC LAW 86-507-JUNE 11, 1960 
[74 STAT. 
Public Law 86-507 
June 11, I960 
AN ACT 
[H. R. 10996] 
rj,^ authorize the use of certified mail for the transmission or service of matter 
required by certain Federal laws to be transmitted or served by registered mail, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
ceruned^^ifi^by United States of A7nerica in Congress assembled, That (1) section 
Government agen- 12(b) of the Act of August 2, 1939, R
S added by section 4 of the Act 
of July 19,1940 (54 Stat 767; 5 U.S.C. 118k), is amended by inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail" wherever such words appear therein. 
(2) Section 6(b) of the Commodity Exchange Act (42 Stat. 1001, 
•1002; 7 U.S.C. 9) is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" 
immediately following the w^ords "registered mail". 
(3) Section 3 of the Act of March 3, 1927 (44 Stat. 1373; 7 U.S.C. 
473), is amended (A) by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately 
following the words "registered mail" and (B) by inserting "or receipt 
for certified mail" immediately following the words "registry receipt". 
(4) Section 6(c) of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 
1930 (46 Stat. 534; 7 U.S.C. 499f), is amended by inserting "or by 
certified mail" immediately follow^ing the words "registered mail". 
(5) Section 365 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (52 
Stat, 63; 7 U.S.C. 1365) is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" 
immediately following the w^ords "registered mail". 
(6) The proviso in the last sentence of section 373(a) of the Agri-
cultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as added by section 6 of the Act of 
June 13, 1940 (54 Stat. 394; 7 U.S.C. 1373), is amended by inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail". 
' 
(7) Section 409(d) of the Federal Seed Act (53 Stat. 1287; 7 
U.S.C. 1599) is amended (A) by striking out the words "registering 
and mailing a copy thereof" in clause (3) of the first sentence and 
inserting in lieu thereof "mailing a copy thereof by registered mail 
or by certified mail" and (B) by striking out the words "registered 
and mailed" in the last sentence and inserting in lieu thereof "mailed 
by r'^rristered mail or by certified mail". 
(8) Section 107(d) of the Soil Bank Act (70 Stat. 193; 7 U.S.C. 
1831) is amended by inserting "or certified mail" immediately fol-
lowing the words "registered mail" wherever such words appear 
therein. 
(9) Section 301 of the Act of March 9,1933 (48 Stat. 5), as amended 
(12 U.S.C. 51a), is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" im-
mediately following the w^ords "registered mail" in the first sentence 
thereof. 
(10) The last sentence of section 2(a) of the Act of August 17, 
1950 (64 Stat. 456; 12 U.S.C. 214a), is amended by inserting "or by 
certified mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(11) The last sentence in section 5(d)(1) of the Home Ow^ners' 
Loan Act of 1933, as added by section 503 of the Housing Act of 1954 
(68 Stat. 635; 12 U.S.C. 1464), is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail," immediately following "registered mail,". 
(12) Section 402(c) (4) of the National Housing Act, as amended 
by section 501 of the Housing Act of 1954 (68 Stat. 633; 12 U.S.C. 
1726), is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately fol-
lowing "registered mail". 
(13) Section 5 (f) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended 
(52 Stat. 113; 15 U.S.C. 45), is amended (A) by striking out the 
words "registering and mailing a copy thereof" in clause (c) of the 
74 S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 86-507-JUNE 11, 1960 
201 
first sentence and inserting in lieu thereof "mailing a copy thereof 
by registered mail or by certified mail" and (B) by striking out the 
words "registered and mailed" in the last sentence and inserting in 
lieu thereof "mailed by registered mail or by certified mail". 
(14) The first sentence of section 8(e) of the Investment Company 
Act of 1940 (54 Stat. 805; 15 U.S.C. 80a-8) is amended by inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail". 
(15) The second sentence of section 40(a) of the Investment Com-
pany Act of 1940 (54 Stat. 842; 15 U.S.C. 80a-39) is amended by in-
sertmg "or certified mail" immediately following the words "regis-
tered mail". 
(16) The second sentence of section 211(c) of the Investment Ad-
visers Act of 1940 (54 Stat. 855; 15 U.S.C. 80b-ll) is amended by 
inserting "or certified mail" immediately following the words "regis-
tered mail". 
(17) The first sentence of section 5 of the Act of March 29,1944 (58 
Stat. 133; 16 U.S.C. 583d), is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(18) Clause (2) of section 505(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (52 Stat. 1053; 21 U.S.C. 355) is amended by inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail". 
(19) Section 2284 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
^^ stat. 9 58. 
striking out "Such notice shall be given by registered mail by the 
clerk, and shall be complete on the mailing thereof." and inserting in 
lieu thereof the following: 
"Such notice shall be given by registered mail or by certified mail 
by the clerk and shall be complete on the mailing thereof." 
(20) The second sentence of section 2410(b) of title 28, United 
«2 stat. 972. 
States Code, is amended by inserting "or by certified mail," imme-
diately following "registered mail,". 
(21) The third sentence in the third paragraph of section 17 of the 
Mineral Lands Leasing Act of February 25, 1920, as amended by the 
Act of July 29, 1954 (68 Stat. 584; 30 U.S.C. 226), is amended by in-
serting "or by certified mail," immediately following "registered 
mail,". 
(22) The last sentence of section 207(b) of the Federal Coal Mine 
Safety Act, as added by the first section of the Act of July 16, 1952 
(66 Stat. 700; 30 U.S.C. 477), is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(23) The third sentence of section 207(i) of the Federal Coal Mine 
Safety Act, as added by the first section of the Act of July 16, 1952 
(66 Stat. 702; 30 U.S.C. 477), is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(24) The first sentence of section 208(b) of the Federal Coal Mine 
Safety Act, as added by the first section of the Act of July 16, 1952 
(66 Stat. 702; 30 U.S.C. 478), is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(25) Clause (1) of the last paragraph of section 7(a) of the Act of 
August 13,1954 (68 Stat. 713 • 30 U.S.C. 527), is amended bv inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail" wherever such words appear in such clause. 
(26) Clause (1) 6f the last paragraph of section 5(a) of the Act 
of July 23,1955 (69 Stat. 370; 30 U.S.C. 613), is amended by inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail" wherever such words appear in such clause. 
202 
PUBLIC LAW 86.507-JUNE 11, 1960 
[74 S T A T . 
(27) Section 2(b) of the Mining Claims Eights Restoration Act of 
1955 (69 Stat. 682; 30 U.S.C. 621), is amended by inserting "or certi. 
fied mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(28) The first sentence of section 3491(C) of the Revised Statutes, 
as added by the Act of December 23, 1943 (57 Stat. 608; 31 U.S.C. 
232), is amended by inserting "or by certified mail," immediately fol-
lowing "registered mail,". 
(29) Section 3491(D) of the Revised Statutes, as added by the Act 
of December 23, 1943 (57 Stat. 609; 31 U.S.C. 232), is amended by 
inserting "or by certified mail," immediately following "registered 
mail,". 
(30) The second sentence of section 19(c) of the Longshoremen's 
and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (44 Stat. 1435; 33 U.S.C. 
919) is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately fol-
lowing the words "registered mail". 
(31) Section 19(e) of the longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' 
Compensation Act (44 Stat. 1435; 33 U.S.C. 919) is amended by 
inserting "or by certified mail" immediately following the words 
"registered mail". 
72 Stat. 1165. 
(32) Scctiou 784(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting "or by certified mail" immediately following the words 
"registered mail". 
72 Stat. 1261. 
(33) gectiou 5226 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting "or by certified mail" immediately following the words 
"registered mail". 
(34) The second paragraph of section 2 of the Act of August 24, 
1912, as amended (47 Stat. 1486; 39 U.S.C. 233), is amended by 
striking out "by registered letter" and inserting in lieu thereof "by 
registered mail or by certified mail". 
(35) Section 205(d) of the Social Security Act, as amended (42 
53 Stat. 1370. 
U.S.C. 405), is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" imme-
diately following the words "registered mail" wherever such words 
appear therein. 
(36) The last sentence of section 4(d) of the National Science 
Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (73 Stat. 467; 42 U.S.C. 
1863(d)), is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately 
following the words "registered mail". 
(37) Section 12(a) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act 
(52 Stat. 1107; 45 U.S.C. 362) is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(38) The first sentence of section 19a(h) of the Act of February 
4, 1887, as added by the Act of March 1, 1913 (37 Stat. 702), and 
thereafter amended (49 U.S.C. 19a (h)), is amended by striking out 
the words "registered letter" and inserting in lieu thereof "registered 
mail or by certified mail". 
(39) Section 105(a) of the Renegotiation Act of 1951 (65 Stat. 12; 
50 U.S.C. App. 1215) is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" 
immediately following the words "registered mail" wherever such 
words appear therein. 
(40) Section 107(e) of the Renegotiation Act of 1951 (65 Stat. 20; 
50 U.S.C. App. 1217) is amended bv inserting "or by certified mail" 
immediately lollowing the words "registered mail" wherever such 
words appear therein. 
(41) The second sentence of section 9(b) of the Profess!dnal En-
gineers' Registration Act (64 Stat. 862; D.C. Code, sec. 2-1809 (b)) 
is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately following 
the words "registered mail". 
74 S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 8 6 - 5 0 7 - J U N E 11, 1960 
203 
(42) The first sentence of section 10 of the Act of March 19, 1906 
(34 Stat. 71), as amended (48 Stat. 845; D.C. Code, sec. 5-310), is 
amended by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately following 
the words "registered mail". 
(43) Clause (c) of the first sentence of section 3 of the Act of April 
14,1906 (34 Stat. 115; D.C. Code, sec. 5-315), is amended by inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail". 
(44) The first sentence of section 5 of the Act of December 24,1942 
(56 Stat. 1084; D.C. Code, sec. 5-321), is amended by inserting "or by 
certified mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(45) The Act of May 29,1928 (45 Stat. 953; D.C. Code, sec. 7-221), 
is amended by striking out "registered letter" wherever such words ap-
pear and inserting in lieu thereof "registered mail or by certified mail". 
(46) Section 5 of the Act of March 5,1938 (52 Stat. 103; D.C. Code, 
sec. 11-805), is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" immedi-
ately following the words "registered mail" wherever such words 
appear. 
(47) The first proviso in section 2 of the Act of April 11, 1935 
(49 Stat. 152; D.C. Code, sec. 16-613), is amended by mserting "or 
by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(48) The fourth sentence in the first paragraph of section 24 of the 
Life Insurance Act (48 Stat. 1137; D.C. Code, sec. 35-423) is amended 
(A) by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately following the 
words "registered mail"; and (B) by striking out the words "reg-
istered receipt" and inserting in lieu thereof "the return receipt for 
such registered or certified mail". 
(49) The third sentence of section 23(b) of the Fire and Casualty 
Act (54 Stat. 1075; D.C. Code, sec. 35-1327 (b)) is amended by insert-
ing "or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail". 
(50) The first paragraph of section 9 of the Act of August 25, 
1937 (50 Stat. 794; D.C. Code, sec. 45-1409), is amended by inserting 
"or by certified mail" immediately following the words "registered 
mail" wherever such words appear therein. 
(51) The last sentence of section 10(2) of the Act of August 25, 
1937 (50 Stat. 795; D.C. Code, sec. 45-1410), is amended by insert-
ing "or by certified mail" immediately following the words "regis-
tered mail". 
(52) The first proviso in section 3 of the Act of February 28, 
1898, as added by the Act of February 22, 1944 (58 Stat. 20; D.C. 
Code, sec. 47-1003)", is amended by inserting "or by certified mail" 
immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(53) The first sentence of section 2 of the Act of March 2, 1936 
(49 Stat. 1154; D.C. Code, sec. 47-1012), is amended by inserting "or 
oy certified mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(54) The first sentence of section 5 of title XII of the District 
of Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 352; 
D.C. Code, sec. 47-1586d) is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
(55) The first sentence of section 3(c) of the Act of April 23, 
1924, as added by section 3 of the Act of August 17, 1937 (50 Stat. 
678; D.C. Code, sec. 47-1903), is amended by inserting "or by certified 
mail" immediately following the words "registered mail". 
204 
PUBLIC LAW 86-508-JUNE 11, 1960 
[74 ST A T . 
R e c e i p t s 
p r i m a facie i 
dence. 
(56) The fifth, sentence of section 14(a) of title I X of the District 
of Columbia Revenue Act of 1937, as added by section 4 of the Act of 
July 10, 1952 (66 Stat. 546; D.C. Code, sec. 47-2413(a)), is amended 
by inserting "or by certified mail" immediately following the words 
"registered mail", 
SEO. 2. Eetum receipts for the delivery of certified mail which is 
utilized under any provision of law shall be received in the courts as 
prima facie evidence of delivery to the same extent as return receipts 
for registered mail. 
Approved June 11, 1960. 
June 11, 1960 
[H. J. Res. 208] 
West V irg i n i a 
Centennial 
C e l e -
bration, 1963. 
Study. 
Report to C o n -
gress. 
Appropriatioru 
Public Law 86-508 
JOINT RESOLUTION 
Providing for participation by the United States in tlie West Virginia Centennial 
Celebration to be held in 1963 at various locations in the State of West Vir-
ginia, and for other purposes. 
Whereas the State of West Virginia will celebrate the one-hundredth 
anniversary of its statehood during 1963; and 
Whereas the national commemoration of the Civil War will be con-
currently celebrated, and marked for public attention by the Civil 
War Centennial Commission during the years 1961 through 1965; 
and 
Whereas the State of West Virginia was created by Executive order 
of the President as a part of the Federal policy during that war and 
the origins of the State of West Virginia were heavily influenced by 
the activities of the United States Government: Therefore be it 
Resolved hy the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the United 
States of Atnerica in Congress assembled, That the Congress hereby 
recognizes the West Virginia Centennial Celebration (hereinafter 
referred to as the "celebration"), to be held at various locations in 
the State of West Virginia during 1963, as an event designed to rein-
force the national unity of purpose of the United States and the 
determination of the people of the United States to continue this 
Nation as a bulwark of individual freedom. 
SEC. 2. (a) To implement the recognition declared in the first sec-
tion of this Act, the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, 
shall cooperate with the West Virginia Centennial Commission in the 
planning of the celebration and shall conduct a study of the celebra-
tion to determine the manner in which and the extent to which the 
United States shall be a participant in and exhibitor at the celebration, 
(b) Such study shall be made, in the discretion of the Secretary of 
Commerce, by personnel of the Department of Commerce or under 
contract by one or more recognized professional experts in the field of 
industrial showmanship; and the findings derived from such study, 
together with such recommendations as the Secretary may deem ap-
propriate (including detailed recommendations with respect to the 
manner and extent of United States participation in the celebration 
and the estimated itemized cost of such participation) shall be sub-
mitted to the Congress at the first session of the Eighty-seventh 
Congress. 
SEC. 3. There is authorized to be appropriated the sum of $15,000 
to enable the Secretary of Commerce to carry out his duties under 
section 2. 
Approved June 11, I960.