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Process service · Midwest · United States

North Dakota Process Server

Service of process in all 53 North Dakota counties, including personal, abode and restricted-delivery mail service.

LAWSUIT BEGINS
On service
ABODE SERVICE
Age 14+
COUNTIES
53

Lawsuit begins

When served

Not when filed

Abode service

Resident aged 14+

At the defendant's dwelling

Mail service

Restricted delivery

With a signed receipt

Time to answer

21 days

After service

Overview

Process Server in North Dakota: How Service of Process Works

In North Dakota, a civil action is commenced by serving the summons, so service usually comes before filing. Any person 18 or older who isn't a party can serve. Papers can be delivered personally, left at the defendant's dwelling with a person 14 or older who lives there, or sent by mail with delivery restricted to the addressee and a signed receipt.

Who may serve

Who Can Serve Legal Papers in North Dakota

Under North Dakota Rule of Civil Procedure 4(d), any person who is at least 18 and not a party may serve process. North Dakota doesn't license process servers.

Because the action begins with service, the summons may be served before the complaint is filed.

Typical documents include summonses and complaints, small claims papers, eviction papers, subpoenas and divorce papers.

Proof you receive

The server signs an affidavit of service; for mail service, the signed receipt is attached.

Our services

Our North Dakota Process Serving Services

01

Commencement-ready service

Service in all 53 counties so your action starts on time.

02

Mail service support

Restricted-delivery mail service, with personal service as backup.

03

Fargo, Bismarck and statewide

Service in Cass, Burleigh, Grand Forks and every North Dakota county.

The rules

North Dakota Service of Process Rules

The North Dakota rules that matter most for service:

RuleWhat it covers
N.D.R.Civ.P. 3Action commenced by service of the summons
N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(d)Who may serve and methods
N.D.R.Civ.P. 12(a)21 days to answer

Service methods

How to Serve Legal Documents in North Dakota

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

1

Personal service

First choice

Delivering a copy of the summons and complaint to the defendant personally.

N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(d)(2)
2

Abode service

Standard alternative

Leaving copies at the defendant's dwelling with a person 14 or older who lives there.

N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(d)(2)
3

Mail with restricted delivery

Alternative

Mail requiring a signed receipt, with delivery restricted to the addressee.

N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(d)(2)

Courts

North Dakota 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 North Dakota (Fargo)

Quentin N. Burdick U.S. Courthouse, 655 1st Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102

(701) 297-7000M-F: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
State Supreme Court

North Dakota Supreme Court

State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505

(701) 328-2221M-F: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Court website
Family Law Court

North Dakota District Courts (Family Division) — By County

Family law matters are handled at the county District 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 North Dakota County

Process service in every North Dakota county, 53 in all. Choose a region, then click any county to view its courts and local service details.

Eastern North Dakota (Red River Valley)

12 counties
01Cass County
02Grand Forks County
03Pembina County
04Walsh County
05Traill County
06Richland County
07Ransom County
08Sargent County
09Steele County
10Barnes County
11Cavalier County
12Towner 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 North Dakota: What to Know

Service starts the case

North Dakota actions commence on service, so timing matters for limitation periods.

Abode from 14

Papers can be left with a resident 14 or older.

Restricted mail

Mail service needs restricted delivery and a signed receipt.

Long distances

Western and rural counties can need extra travel time.

FAQs

Process Server North Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions

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

When does a lawsuit start in North Dakota?

When the summons is served on the defendant, not when it's filed.

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

Yes, if they live there and are at least 14.

I was served in North Dakota. How long do I have to answer?

Generally 21 days after service. Check the papers for the exact date and talk to a North Dakota lawyer quickly.

How much does a process server cost in North Dakota?

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

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 North Dakota?

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