Overview
Process Server in Arkansas: How Service of Process Works
In Arkansas, a summons is served by the sheriff or by a private person 18 or older who isn't a party and has been appointed by the court, often through a standing appointment. The plaintiff or their attorney can also serve by certified mail with delivery restricted to the addressee. Papers can be left at the defendant's dwelling with a person 14 or older who lives there. Service must be made within 120 days of filing the complaint, unless the court extends the time.
Who serves process
Who Can Serve Legal Documents in Arkansas
Under Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 4, service is made by the sheriff of the county where the defendant is found, or by a person at least 18 who isn't a party and has been appointed by the court to serve process. Many courts issue standing appointments for private servers.
The plaintiff or their attorney may also serve by certified mail with a return receipt and delivery restricted to the addressee.
Typical documents include summonses and complaints, unlawful detainer (eviction) papers, small claims papers, subpoenas and divorce papers.
Proof you receive: a sworn affidavit of service
An appointed server files an affidavit of service; the sheriff files a return. For mail service, the signed return receipt is filed as proof.
Court-appointed process service
Service in all 75 counties by appointed servers, with affidavits that meet Rule 4.
Certified mail support
Restricted-delivery certified mail when it's the faster route, with personal service as backup.
Little Rock, Fayetteville and statewide
Fast service in Pulaski, Benton, Washington and every Arkansas county.
The rules
Arkansas Service of Process Rules
The Arkansas rules that matter most for service:
| Rule | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Ark. R. Civ. P. 4(e) | Who may serve: the sheriff or a court-appointed person |
| Ark. R. Civ. P. 4(f) | Personal and abode service |
| Ark. R. Civ. P. 4(g) | Certified mail and warning orders |
| Ark. R. Civ. P. 4(i) | Serve within 120 days of filing |
| Ark. R. Civ. P. 12(a) | 30 days to answer |
Treaties
Arkansas and the Hague Conventions: Treaty Status
The Hague Service Convention lets member countries send documents to each other's Central Authorities for service. Arkansas has not joined it, so that route isn't available, and the Convention's Article 10 rules on postal and private service don't apply. Whether those methods are acceptable depends on Arkansas's law and on what your court allows.
Arkansas is not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, so requests for witness testimony or documents go through letters rogatory.
