Overview
Process Server in Oregon: How Service of Process Works
Oregon has no process server license. Under ORCP 7 E, any competent adult who lives in Oregon or in the state where service is made can serve, as long as they aren't a party or a party's officer, director, employee or attorney. Oregon offers two practical alternatives to personal service: substituted service on anyone 14 or older who lives at the defendant's home, and office service on the person apparently in charge of the defendant's office. Both need a follow-up mailing.
Who serves process
Who Can Serve Legal Documents in Oregon
Under ORCP 7 E, a summons may be served by any competent person 18 or older who is a resident of Oregon or of the state where service is made, and who is not a party or an officer, director, employee or attorney of a party.
Oregon doesn't license or register process servers. The server certifies their qualifications on the certificate of service.
Typical documents include summonses and complaints, family law petitions, FED (eviction) papers, subpoenas and restraining orders.
Proof you receive: a sworn affidavit of service
A server other than a sheriff completes a certificate of service stating the time, place and manner of service, their qualifications, and that they knew the person served was the one named. A separate certificate covers the follow-up mailing if someone else did it.
Substituted and office service done right
Service in all 36 counties with the follow-up mailing and certificates ORCP 7 requires.
Deadline-aware service
Priority service within 60 days of filing so your service relates back under ORS 12.020(2).
Portland, Eugene, Salem and statewide
Fast service in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Lane and every Oregon county.
The rules
Oregon Service of Process Rules
The Oregon rules and statutes that matter most for service:
| Rule | What it covers |
|---|---|
| ORCP 7 D(2)(a) | Personal service |
| ORCP 7 D(2)(b) | Substituted service on a resident aged 14+, plus mailing |
| ORCP 7 D(2)(c) | Office service, plus mailing |
| ORCP 7 D(2)(d) | Service by mail |
| ORCP 7 E | Who may serve |
| ORS 12.020(2) | Service within 60 days relates back to filing |
Treaties
Oregon and the Hague Conventions: Treaty Status
The Hague Service Convention lets member countries send documents to each other's Central Authorities for service. Oregon 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 Oregon's law and on what your court allows.
Oregon is not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, so requests for witness testimony or documents go through letters rogatory.
