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Process service · Northeast · United States

Pennsylvania Process Server

Service of original process across all 67 Pennsylvania counties, by the sheriff where the rules require it and by competent adults where they allow it, including Philadelphia.

Request service in Pennsylvania 855-505-9155
TIME TO SERVE
30 days
TRADITIONAL SERVER
Sheriff
COUNTIES
67

Who may serve

Sheriff (and competent adults in some cases)

Any competent adult in Philadelphia

Time to serve

30 days

Reinstate if it passes (Rule 401)

Residence service

Adult family member

Or adult in charge of the residence

Alternative service

By court order

Rule 430, when other methods fail

Overview

Process Server in Pennsylvania: How Service of Process Works

Pennsylvania is one of the few states where the sheriff has traditionally served original process in most civil cases. The main exception is Philadelphia, where Rule 400.1 lets either the sheriff or any competent adult serve. Pennsylvania's Supreme Court has been expanding the cases in which competent adults can serve elsewhere, so we confirm the current rule for the county involved. Original process must generally be served within 30 days of filing, and can be reinstated if that window passes.

Who may serve

Who Can Serve Legal Papers in Pennsylvania

Under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, original process has traditionally been served by the sheriff, with competent adults (anyone 18 or older who isn't a party) allowed only in certain kinds of action. In Philadelphia, Rule 400.1 allows service by the sheriff or a competent adult in all actions.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's Civil Procedural Rules Committee has proposed and adopted changes to widen service by competent adults across the state. Because the rule has been evolving, we confirm which servers are permitted for your case and county before serving.

Typical documents include complaints and writs of summons, landlord-tenant papers, subpoenas, family law papers and protection from abuse orders.

Proof you receive

The sheriff or competent adult files a return of service under Rule 405 stating the date, time, place and manner of service and the identity of the person served. A return by someone other than the sheriff must be sworn.

Our services

Our Pennsylvania Process Serving Services

01

Philadelphia process service

Service of original process in Philadelphia by competent adults under Rule 400.1, with returns on the court's required form.

02

Sheriff coordination statewide

Where the rules require the sheriff, we prepare and track the sheriff's service in all 67 counties so deadlines aren't missed.

03

Subpoenas and later papers

Service of subpoenas and other papers after the original process, which competent adults can generally serve.

The rules

Pennsylvania Service of Process Rules

The Pennsylvania rules that matter most for service:

RuleWhat it covers
Pa. R.C.P. 400Who serves original process within Pennsylvania
Pa. R.C.P. 400.1Philadelphia: sheriff or competent adult
Pa. R.C.P. 76Definition of "competent adult" (18 or older, not a party)
Pa. R.C.P. 40130 days to serve, and reinstatement
Pa. R.C.P. 402Manner of service on individuals
Pa. R.C.P. 405Return of service
Pa. R.C.P. 430Service by court order

Service methods

How to Serve Legal Documents in Pennsylvania

From the first choice to the last resort, with the rule that allows each one.

1

Personal service

Standard method

Handing a copy to the defendant personally.

Pa. R.C.P. 402(a)(1)
2

At the residence

Standard alternative

Handing a copy to an adult family member the defendant lives with, or if none is found, to an adult in charge of the residence.

Pa. R.C.P. 402(a)(2)(i)
3

At a hotel or business

Where applicable

Handing a copy to the clerk or manager of the defendant's lodging, or to the agent or person in charge of their office or business.

Pa. R.C.P. 402(a)(2)(ii)–(iii)
4

Court-ordered service

When the usual methods fail

Service as the court orders, such as posting and mailing, after a good-faith investigation and practical efforts.

Pa. R.C.P. 430

Courts

Pennsylvania Courts for Civil Cases

Contact details for the courts that handle most civil litigation in the state.

Federal Court

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)

James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 597-7704M-F: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Court website
Federal Court

U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh)

Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse, 700 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

(412) 208-7500M-F: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
State Supreme Court

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Judicial Center, 601 Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17106

(717) 231-3000M-F: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
Family Law Court

Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas (Family Division) — By County

Family law matters are handled at the county Court of Common Pleas level; see each county's page for its exact courthouse address

Varies by countyM-F: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (typical)

Court website

Statewide reach

Process Server Coverage in Every Pennsylvania County

Process service in every Pennsylvania county, 67 in all. Choose a region, then click any county to view its courts and local service details.

Southeast Pennsylvania

11 counties
01Philadelphia County
02Montgomery County
03Bucks County
04Delaware County
05Chester County
06Berks County
07Lehigh County
08Northampton County
09Carbon County
10Monroe County
11Pike County

Every assignment is completed under this state's rules of civil procedure and returned with a sworn proof of service for your court.

Good to know

Serving Court Papers in Pennsylvania: What to Know

Sheriff vs. private server

Outside Philadelphia, check whether your type of case allows a competent adult to serve original process; otherwise, the sheriff must.

Reinstate before you serve

If original process isn't served within 30 days, it must be reinstated under Rule 401 before service; serving expired process can be challenged.

Philadelphia is different

Rule 400.1 allows any competent adult to serve original process in Philadelphia actions, and the court publishes a return of service form.

Alternative service needs proof

Rule 430 requires a good-faith investigation and practical efforts before the court will order alternative service.

FAQs

Process Server Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your answer? Call 855-505-9155.

Who can serve papers in Pennsylvania?

Original process has traditionally been served by the sheriff, with competent adults (18 or older, not a party) allowed in certain actions. In Philadelphia, either the sheriff or a competent adult can serve. Because the rules have been expanding, we confirm the current requirement for your case.

Can a private process server serve a complaint in Pennsylvania?

In Philadelphia, yes, under Rule 400.1. Elsewhere it depends on the type of action and the current version of Rule 400, which the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has been widening. Later papers in a case, such as subpoenas, can generally be served by a competent adult.

How long do I have to serve a complaint in Pennsylvania?

Original process must generally be served within 30 days of filing under Rule 401. If that passes, the plaintiff asks the prothonotary to reinstate the writ or complaint, which restarts the time.

Can a family member accept papers for me in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Under Rule 402, papers can be handed to an adult member of the family you live with, or if none is found, to an adult in charge of the residence.

I was served in Pennsylvania. How long do I have to respond?

Generally 20 days after service of a complaint containing a notice to defend, under Rule 1026. Read the notice to defend carefully and speak to a lawyer promptly.

How much does it cost to serve papers in Pennsylvania?

Prices in Pennsylvania depend on where the person is, from Harrisburg to Western Pennsylvania, how fast you need it, how many attempts it takes and whether we need to find a new address first. Sheriffs charge fees set by each county, while private servers set their own where they're allowed. You get a fixed quote before we start.

Sources and further reading

This page is general information, not legal advice. Court rules change, so we confirm current requirements for every assignment.

Need a Process Server in Pennsylvania?

Send us the documents and the address. We'll confirm cost and timing before we start.

Request service 855-505-9155

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