International Service of Process & Worldwide Judicial Support — Since 1982 Submit a process service request International Docket: 855-505-9155
Click Here For A Free Quote
HomeAbout Us
Services We ProvideInternational Service of ProcessInternational/Domestic InvestigationsDomestication of Foreign SubpoenasService of Process by PublicationNative American ReservationsU.S. Nationwide Process ServiceTranslation Service
Areas We ServeNationwide Process ServiceInternational Process Service
BlogFAQsContact Us Submit a process service request Click Here For A Free Quote

Process service · West · United States

Arizona Process Server

Service of process in all 15 Arizona counties by private process servers certified under the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration, with affidavits that meet Rule 4.

Request service in Arizona 855-505-9155
TIME TO SERVE
90 days
PRIVATE PROCESS SERVERS
Certified
COUNTIES
15

Who may serve

Sheriff, constable or certified server

Or a person specially appointed by the court

Deadline to serve

90 days

From filing the complaint (Rule 4(i))

Substitute service

Allowed at the home

With an adult of suitable age who lives there

Alternative service

By court order

When normal methods are impracticable

Overview

Process Server in Arizona: How Service of Process Works

Arizona doesn't let just anyone serve papers. Under Rule 4(d) of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, process must be served by a sheriff, a constable, a private process server certified under Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 7-204, or a person the court specially appoints. A certified server can serve for any state court in Arizona. Plaintiffs have 90 days after filing the complaint to complete service, or the case can be dismissed.

Who may serve

Who Can Serve Legal Papers in Arizona

Rule 4(d) limits service to a sheriff or deputy, a constable or deputy, a private process server certified under Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 7-204 and Rule 4(e), or a person specially appointed by the court for that case. A party or their attorney may serve only where the rules expressly allow it.

Certification is handled through the Arizona Supreme Court's Private Process Server Program and requires passing an exam. Once certified, a server may serve process for any state court in Arizona, and their affidavit must identify the county where they are registered.

Typical documents include summonses and complaints, family court petitions, orders of protection, subpoenas, eviction papers and garnishment documents.

Proof you receive

The server signs an affidavit or return of service describing how, when and where the papers were delivered. A certified server's affidavit must identify the county where they are registered.

Our services

Our Arizona Process Serving Services

01

Certified process service statewide

Service in all 15 Arizona counties by servers certified under ACJA § 7-204, with affidavits that identify their registration county as Rule 4 requires.

02

Diligent attempts and alternative service support

Attempts at varied times, with a detailed log you can use to support a Rule 4.1(k) motion if the defendant can't be reached.

03

Phoenix, Tucson and Maricopa County

Fast service in the Phoenix metro, Tucson and surrounding areas, including corporate service on registered agents.

The rules

Arizona Service of Process Rules

The Arizona rules that matter most for service:

RuleWhat it covers
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 4(d)Who may serve process
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 4(e)Statewide certification of private process servers
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 4(i)Serve within 90 days of filing
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 4.1(d)Serving individuals: personal, at the home, or on an agent
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 4.1(k)Alternative means of service by court order
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 4.1(l)Service by publication
ACJA § 7-204Certification of private process servers

Service methods

How to Serve Legal Documents in Arizona

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

1

Personal service

First choice

Delivering the summons and complaint to the defendant personally.

Rule 4.1(d)(1)
2

Leaving at the home

Standard alternative

Leaving copies at the defendant's dwelling or usual place of abode with someone of suitable age and discretion who lives there.

Rule 4.1(d)(2)
3

Service on an agent

If an agent is authorized

Delivering copies to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service.

Rule 4.1(d)(3)
4

Alternative means

When the usual methods are impracticable

On a motion, the court can order another method, such as email; the server must also mail the papers to the last-known address.

Rule 4.1(k)
5

Publication

Last resort

Service by publication when even alternative means are impracticable and the rule's conditions are met.

Rule 4.1(l)

Courts

Arizona Courts for Civil Cases

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

Federal Court

U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (Phoenix Division)

Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse, 401 W. Washington Street, Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85003

(602) 322-7200M-F: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM

Court website
Federal Court

U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (Tucson Division)

Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse, 405 W. Congress Street, Suite 1500, Tucson, AZ 85701

(520) 205-4200M-F: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM

Court website
State Supreme Court

Arizona Supreme Court

1501 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 452-3300M-F: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Court website
Family Law Court

Arizona Superior Courts (Family Law Division) — By County

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

Varies by countyM-F: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (typical)

Court website

Statewide reach

Process Server Coverage in Every Arizona County

Process service in every Arizona county, 15 in all. Choose a region, then click any county to view its courts and local service details.

Central Arizona

3 counties
01Maricopa County
02Pinal County
03Gila 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 Arizona: What to Know

The 90-day deadline

Rule 4(i) requires service within 90 days after the complaint is filed; otherwise the court can dismiss the case. Ask for an extension before it runs out if you need one.

Use a certified server

Private servers must be certified under ACJA § 7-204; a friend or relative can serve only if the court specially appoints them.

If attempts keep failing

After repeated unsuccessful attempts, you can ask the court for alternative means of service under Rule 4.1(k), supported by the server's record of attempts.

Becoming a process server?

Certification is run by the Arizona Supreme Court's Private Process Server Program. This page is for people who need papers served.

FAQs

Process Server Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions

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

What are the rules for process servers in Arizona?

Under Rule 4(d), only a sheriff, constable, a private process server certified under ACJA § 7-204, or a person specially appointed by the court may serve process. Service must be completed within 90 days of filing, and the server files an affidavit describing how service was made.

How much does it cost to hire a process server in Arizona?

There's no single Arizona price: a routine service in Phoenix costs less than a rush job or a hard-to-find defendant in Western Arizona. We confirm the exact price before any work begins.

How many times will a process server try to serve you in Arizona?

Arizona's rules don't set a fixed number of attempts. Servers usually try at different times and days. If repeated attempts fail, the plaintiff can ask the court to approve alternative means of service under Rule 4.1(k), so avoiding the server doesn't stop the case.

Can someone else at my house accept papers for me in Arizona?

Yes. Rule 4.1(d)(2) allows the papers to be left at your home with someone of suitable age and discretion who lives there, and that counts as service on you.

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

Generally 20 days after being served in Arizona, and 30 days if you were served outside the state. Check the summons and speak to a lawyer promptly.

Who can serve papers in a Maricopa County case?

The same Rule 4(d) list applies statewide: the sheriff, a constable, a certified private process server, or someone the court specially appoints. The Maricopa County Superior Court publishes guidance for people serving their own cases.

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 Arizona?

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

Request service 855-505-9155

Process Servers in Other Western States

AlaskaCaliforniaColoradoHawaiiIdahoMontanaNevadaNew MexicoOregonUtahWashingtonWyoming
← All states