How to Become a Civil Process Server

Process servers work for courts, law-enforcement agencies, and law firms, among others.

"Service of Process" is the procedure by which court documents---subpoenas, writs, summonses---are delivered to people named in a court proceeding. Documents must be served by individuals who are not a party to the case. Most states and local jurisdictions require process servers to serve a named individual in person; others allow for "sub-serving," such as delivering the documents to a member of the named person's household. Laws governing the conduct and requirements of process servers vary widely from state to state, but courts, law-enforcement officials and law firms all use process servers.

Things You'll Need

• Photo identification
• Fingerprints
• Processing and other fees
• Surety bond
• Background check

Instructions

1. Investigate the laws in your state governing process-serving requirements. Most states have minimum requirements, such as being 18 years old. Some states are more rigid in their requirements. In Florida, for example, you must complete an application, pay processing and background-check fees, file a certificate of good conduct, pass a background check, attend a seminar, pass an exam, secure a surety bond and take an oath. In Georgia, on the other hand, you simply have to be 18 and have been appointed a permanent process server of the court.

2. Get bonded, if your state requires you to do so. A surety bond is a third-party guarantee of your performance. The underwriter basically is assuring the obligee (the court, for instance) that a second party (you) will perform your duties or fulfill your obligations. A bond agent's evaluation may include information about your integrity, financial stability and past work history. Your state or local jurisdiction may require a certain bonding amount ($5,000, for example), and the bonding agent determines whether you're a good risk for that amount. You can get bonded as a process server without a prospective employer, at which point you have the bond in hand when applying for a job.

3. Attend or take classes either online or in person. Regardless of your state's requirements for being a process server, you'll want to know the ins and outs of the job.

4. Gather the paperwork and documentation required by your state. You may need to provide photo ID and even pay for and provide your own fingerprints (usually from a security company). A background check may be necessary before you take a test or even apply for a license.

5. Complete the application and, if required, take the written test. Visit the county clerk's office or investigate the online application possibilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you're licensed, take advantage of professional organizations that provide ongoing training, education, information and job opportunities.

References

• The 15th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida: Process Servers
• Serve Now: Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure
• JW Surety Bond Consultants: How to Qualify for a Surety Bond
• Training Classes: Process Server - Training Resources
• National Association of Professional Process Servers

Resources

• Serve Now: About Process Serving
• National Association of Professional Process Servers: State Laws Licensing Process Servers