AR24 (Docaposte): The electronic registered mail solution
AR24, developed by Docaposte (a subsidiary of La Poste group), has become a benchmark in the world of electronic registered mail. This digital platform revolutionizes the way you send official documents, offering a modern, secure alternative to traditional mail.
What is AR24 (Docaposte)?
AR24 is an electronic registered letter (ERL ) service offered by Docaposte, the digital subsidiary of La Poste group. This solution makes it possible to send digital documents with the same legal value as a conventional postal registered letter, while complying with RGPD compliance for the protection of personal data.
The AR24 service guarantees the identity of the sender, the integrity of the transmitted document and proof of receipt, thanks to qualified eIDAS certification recognized in the 27 countries of the European Union. This European certification provides users with probative value recognized by the French courts, and full traceability of each shipment. AR24 also offers secure legal archiving of electronic documents and evidence for a period of 10 years, guaranteeing the longevity of evidence.
AR24 benefits for legal professionals
For lawyers and legal professionals, AR24 offers considerable advantages. The first advantage is speed of transmission: your documents arrive instantly, compared with 1 to 3 working days for traditional registered mail. This responsiveness is crucial to meeting strict procedural deadlines.
The savings achieved are substantial and quantified. With rates starting at €3.50 ex. VAT per mailing, compared with €4.50 to €6 for registered mail, AR24 generates savings of 20 to 30% per mailing. Law firms also save on ancillary costs: printing, envelopes, trips to the post office and administrative processing time.
Full traceability offers optimum legal security while reducing environmental impact. Every stage of the dispatch process is documented: acknowledgement of dispatch, acknowledgement of receipt, delivery attempts. This electronic evidence is admissible in court, while dematerialization helps reduce your firm’s carbon footprint.
How does AR24 Docaposte work?
Theonline registered mail process with AR24 takes just a few simple steps. You log in to your AR24 customer area, then upload your document in one of the accepted formats: PDF, Word, Excel or images (JPEG, PNG). The platform accepts files up to 20 MB in size, enabling you to send large documents including appendices and attachments.
Then enter the recipient’s contact details (up to 50 recipients per mailing) and validate the mailing. AR24 automatically generates a time-stamped acknowledgement of dispatch. The recipient receives notification by e-mail and SMS that a registered letter is waiting for him/her.
To consult the document, the recipient must authenticate himself via a code received by SMS or email. This strong authentication guarantees that only the legitimate recipient has access to the content. Once consulted, an electronic acknowledgement of receipt is generated. AR24 also offers integration APIs enabling law firms to connect the solution directly to their business software to automate mailings.
AR24 rates and offers
AR24 offers several price formulas to suit different needs, with a significant cost advantage over traditional mail. The single item offer at €3.50 ex. VAT per item represents a substantial saving compared with registered mail, which costs €4.50, not including ancillary costs (printing, envelopes, post office visits). This difference generates average savings of €1 to €2 per item, while eliminating logistical constraints.
Monthly packages offer even more attractive sliding-scale rates: €25 ex. tax/month for 10 shipments, €45 ex. tax/month for 25 shipments, €85 ex. tax/month for 50 shipments. These subscriptions are ideal for law firms with a regular volume of mailings. For example, a law firm sending 50 registered letters a month will save around €75 a month compared with traditional postal solutions, giving an immediate return on investment.
Additional options enhance the service: acknowledgement of presentation (€2 excl. VAT), hand-delivery (€5 excl. VAT), orregistered mail with advanced electronic signature. Subscriptions are flexible, and can be cancelled at any time at no charge, giving you the flexibility to adapt the service to the evolution of your business.
AR24 vs. other electronic registered mail solutions
AR24 stands out from the competition in a number of ways. Its affiliation with La Poste gives it the institutional legitimacy appreciated by legal professionals. The user interface is intuitive and ergonomic, making it easy to learn.
Compatibility with leading business software is a competitive advantage. AR24 integrates easily into law firms’ IT ecosystems via dedicated APIs.
However, some competitors offer more aggressive pricing or specialized features. The choice depends on your specific needs: volume of mailings, budget, technical integrations required.
AR24 (Docaposte) represents a mature and reliable solution for dematerializing your registered mail. Its recognized legal value, competitive rates and ease of use make it a relevant choice for modernizing your professional practice, while maintaining the legal security you need.
Regulatory compliance and safety
AR24 stands out for its high level of regulatory compliance and rigorous security standards. The solution benefits from qualified eIDAS certification, guaranteeing legal recognition of its shipments throughout the European Union. This certification attests that the service meets the most stringent requirements for electronic identification and trust services.
In terms of data protection, AR24 ensures full compliance with the RGPD thanks to:
– End-to-end encryption of transmitted data
– Exclusive hosting on servers located in France
– Strict policies on confidentiality and the processing of personal data
The durability of evidence is another pillar of the Docaposte solution. All documents and acknowledgements linked to registered mailings are securely archived for a minimum of 10 years, guaranteeing their availability in the event of a dispute or subsequent legal proceedings.
To maintain these high standards, AR24 undergoes regular audits conducted by the Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d’Information (ANSSI). The platform also holds ISO 27001 certification, an international standard attesting to the excellence of its information security management system. These certifications testify to Docapost’s commitment to offering a service that combines legal compliance with first-rate technical security.
Frequently asked questions
Find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about AR24 Docapost and its use in the legal context.
What is AR24 Docaposte?
AR24 Docaposte is an electronic registered mail solution developed by La Poste. It enables official documents to be sent with the same legal value as traditional registered mail. This platform offers proof of deposit and electronic acknowledgement of receipt, guaranteeing full traceability of mailings. For legal professionals, AR24 represents a modern, efficient alternative to conventional postal dispatch.
How do I use AR24 Docaposte in a law firm?
To use AR24 in a law firm, you need to register on the Docaposte platform. Once logged in, you can upload your documents, enter the recipient’s contact details and select the level of recommendation required. The system automatically generates the necessary legal proof. Lawyers can thus send formal notices, notifications or official correspondence while retaining full digital traceability.
What are the advantages of AR24 for legal professionals?
AR24 offers several advantages to legal professionals: speed of dispatch (instant vs. several days), reduced postal costs, complete digital traceability, automatic archiving of evidence, and compatibility with legal requirements. The solution also enables real-time tracking of acknowledgements of receipt, and integrates easily into the digital workflows of modern law firms.
Does AR24 Docaposte comply with legal requirements?
Yes, AR24 Docaposte complies fully with French legal requirements. The solution complies with Decree no. 2011-144 on sending registered letters by electronic mail. It qualifies as a “Prestataire de Service de Confiance” (PSCo) and its acknowledgements of receipt have the same probative value as a traditional postal registered letter before French courts.
What security guarantees does AR24 offer?
AR24 offers several levels of security: data encryption during transport and storage, strong user authentication, qualified time-stamping of shipments, and secure storage of evidence for 10 years. The platform is hosted in France and complies with the RGPD. For sensitive documents, AR24 offers options for enhanced encryption and authentication by SMS or electronic certificate.
Are there any alternatives to AR24 Docaposte for lawyers?
Several alternatives exist: Certigna from Dhimyotis, LRE (Lettre Recommandée Électronique) from other qualified providers, or integrated solutions in certain legal software packages. However, AR24 remains one of the most widely recognized solutions used by legal professionals in France, thanks to its ease of use and established legal recognition.