How to Become a Texas Certified Process Server
The appearance of a process server is usually the first indication you have that you are being sued. A process server is authorized by the court to deliver official court documents. The proper delivery of court documents is essential in affording due process to the litigants. A defendant must be served notice of a pending legal action against them and given time to respond. Becoming a certified process server in Texas allows you to serve legal documents from any court within the state. You can become a certified process server by following the procedures set forth by the Supreme Court of Texas.
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Instructions
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Visit the website for Texas Courts Online. Type “process server” in the search box. The search box is at the right of the page near the top.
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Choose the link for "Process Server Review Board-Home Page." This link is at the top of the list. You will find links to all the information you need for becoming a certified process server on this page.
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Click on the link “Apply for Certification.” This will bring you to the Certification and Renewal page. Go to the "Forms" section and download the application form along with applicant checklist and instruction sheet. These documents are in formatted in pdf.
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Print out the application and fill it out. Follow the instruction sheet to ensure that the application is fully completed. The application must be typed and notarized.
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Obtain a copy of your criminal history records from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin. Visit the "Crime Records" section of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website to order a copy of your criminal record. You must have a copy of your criminal record mailed to you from the DPS Crime Records Service in Austin. The records fee is $15, as of the time of publication.
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Get a copy of your fingerprints. Visit the website of L-1 Identity Solutions to make an appointment to get fingerprinted at the nearest branch office. L-1 Identity Solutions provides electronic fingerprinting for the Texas DPS. The fingerprinting fee is $9.95, as of 2011.
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Attend the mandatory civil process server training course. Click on the “civil process server course” link in the Initial Certification section on the Certification and Renewal page. This will provide you with a list of approved schools offering process server courses. The locations and contact information of each school is provided. Contact the schools in your area for scheduling and pricing information.
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Submit your application, criminal history, fingerprints and an original certificate of completion of a civil process server course to the Process Server Review Board, Attention: Applications, P.O. Box 12066, Austin, Texas 78711-2066. You can also submit your packet by certified mail to the Process Server Review Board, 205 W 14th Street, Suite 600, Austin Texas, 78701
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Tips & Warnings
Your criminal history record must be dated within 90 days of the date of your application. Criminal records that are older than 90 days will are not accepted.
Use the application checklist to ensure that your application packet is complete. Incomplete application packets will be returned.
