What are the rules for process servers in Texas?

Under Rule 103, only a sheriff, a constable, a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, or a person authorized by written court order may serve citations. Service generally can't happen on a Sunday, and the server must file a return of service that meets Rule 107.

How much does a process server cost in Texas?

There's no single Texas price: a routine service in Austin costs less than a rush job or a hard-to-find defendant in West Texas & Panhandle. Sheriffs and constables charge set fees, while private certified servers quote their own prices. We confirm the exact price before any work begins.

What happens if you don't answer the door to a process server in Texas?

Avoiding the door doesn't stop the case. The server documents each attempt, and the plaintiff can ask the court under Rule 106(b) to approve alternative service, such as leaving the papers with someone over 16 at the home, attaching them to the door, or serving electronically. The case can then move forward, including to a default judgment.

Can you refuse a process server in Texas?

Refusing to take the papers doesn't usually defeat service. Courts generally accept service where the server identifies the person and leaves the documents in their presence after they refuse.

I was served in Texas. When is my answer due?

In district and county courts, the answer is generally due by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days have passed since service. Justice court cases have a shorter 14-day deadline. Check the citation for the exact court and date.

Who can serve papers in Texas?

A sheriff or constable, a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, or a person authorized by written court order, under Rule 103. Parties and anyone interested in the outcome can't serve.

Can papers be served on a Sunday in Texas?

Generally no. Rule 6 bars service on Sundays, with exceptions for matters such as injunctions, attachment, garnishment, sequestration and distress proceedings.

Is substituted service allowed in Texas?

Only with a court order. After unsuccessful attempts, you file a motion with an affidavit under Rule 106(b), and the court can authorize service by leaving the papers with an adult at the home or another method, including electronic service.

What must a Texas return of service include?

Rule 107 requires details such as the date and time the papers were received and served, the method, and, for a certified server, their certification number and its expiration date. The return must be verified or signed under penalty of perjury.

How long do I have to serve a Texas lawsuit?

Texas doesn't set a fixed number of days, but service must be made with due diligence, especially near a limitations deadline. Delays can lead to dismissal for want of prosecution.

Texas Process Server | Serve Legal Papers in Texas

Overview

Process Server in Texas: How Service of Process Works

Texas is stricter than most states about who may serve. Under Rule 103 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, citations are served by a sheriff or constable, by a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC), or by someone a court authorizes in writing. There is no such thing as a 'licensed' process server in Texas, only certified ones. Texas also bars service on Sundays in most cases, and requires a detailed return of service under Rule 107 before a default judgment can be granted.

Who may serve

Who Can Serve Legal Papers in Texas

Under Rule 103, process may be served by a sheriff or constable, by a process server certified by the JBCC under order of the Texas Supreme Court, or by a person authorized by written court order. Anyone who is a party to the case or interested in its outcome can't serve.

Certain process, such as writs that require taking possession of a person or property, may be served only by a sheriff or constable unless a court orders otherwise. The Texas Supreme Court amended Rules 103 and 107 in 2024.

Typical documents include citations with the original petition, subpoenas, family law and protective order papers, eviction citations and notices.

Proof you receive

The server files a return of service under Rule 107, stating the date and time the papers were received and served, how they were served, and the server's certification number and expiration, verified or signed under penalty of perjury.

Our services

Our Texas Process Serving Services

JBCC-certified process service

Personal service by Texas process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, with returns that meet the 2024 version of Rule 107.

Rule 106(b) alternative service support

Documented attempts and a detailed affidavit to support a motion for alternative service when the defendant can't be reached in person.

Serving Texas companies

Service on a company's registered agent, with a Secretary of State registry check first, or substituted service on the Secretary of State where the law allows.

The rules

Texas Service of Process Rules

The Texas rules that matter most for service:

Rule	What it covers
TRCP 103	Who may serve (amended 2024)
TRCP 106	Methods of service, including alternative service by court order
TRCP 107	Return of service and its required contents (amended 2024)
TRCP 107(h)	Return must be on file 10 days before a default judgment
TRCP 6	No service on Sunday, with limited exceptions
TRCP 109	Citation by publication

Texas Process Server

Process Server in Texas: How Service of Process Works

Who Can Serve Legal Papers in Texas

Proof you receive

Our Texas Process Serving Services

JBCC-certified process service

Rule 106(b) alternative service support

Serving Texas companies

Texas Service of Process Rules

How to Serve Legal Documents in Texas

Personal delivery

Certified or registered mail

Alternative service

Publication

Texas Courts for Civil Cases

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (Dallas)

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (Houston)

U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas (San Antonio)

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas (Tyler)

Supreme Court of Texas

Texas District Courts (Family Division) — By County

Process Server Coverage in Every Texas County

East Texas & Piney Woods

North & Central Texas

South Texas & Rio Grande Valley

West Texas & Panhandle

Serving Court Papers in Texas: What to Know

Certified, not licensed

No Sunday service

Default judgments wait 10 days

Alternative service needs a motion

Verify a server's certification

Becoming a process server?

Process Server Texas: Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and further reading

Need a Process Server in Texas?

Process Servers in Other Southern States