Service of Process

Current Processing Times
We are currently processing mailed documents received August 19, 2024.

• Service of Process Request Form
• Service of Process Search
• Rule 71.21
• Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
• Texas Statutes Designating Secretary of State as Process Agent
• Payment Form (PDF)
• Service of Process FAQs

Service is “the formal delivery of a writ, summons, or other legal process or notice” according to Black’s Law Dictionary. A number of Texas statutes designate the Secretary of State as a process agent, authorizing the Secretary of State to accept service on behalf of another person. Statutes Designating Secretary of State as Process Agent.

In addition to the statutes designating the Secretary of State as process agent, the procedures for serving a person through the Secretary of State are governed by Rule 71.21 of the Secretary of State’s administrative rules, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the local court rules, and any other applicable law.

Generally, service on the Secretary of State may be made by:

• A sheriff or constable
• A person over 18 years of age authorized by written order of the court
• A person certified under order of the Supreme Court
• The clerk of the court in which the case is pending (by certified mail, return receipt requested)
• The party or the representative of the party (by certified mail, return receipt requested)
• Any other person authorized by law

See Tex. R. Civ. Proc. Rule 103; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 17.026.

Addresses for Service on the Secretary of State

The law generally requires service by hand delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested. See Tex. R. Civ. Proc. Rule 106; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 17.026. The Secretary of State also accepts service by regular mail. You should review the applicable laws to ensure your chosen delivery method accomplishes proper service.

Service is accepted in person from 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Central Time; Monday – Friday

What to Submit to the Secretary of State

• Service of Process Request Form
• Two copies of the documents being served (originals are not required).
• Payment of Forwarding Fees
  • The forwarding fee applies to one case, one defendant, and one forwarding address.
    • An additional forwarding fee is required for each additional defendant and/or address.
  • Multiple document types (i.e., citation, petition, temporary restraining order) submitted together for a defendant in a case may be delivered to the Secretary of State for one fee.
  • Documents not submitted together will be considered as a second service request and will require a separate fee.

  Maintenance of a record of the service of process, notice or demand and for forwarding the process, notice, or demand	$40 per person or party served
  Certificate of service	$15
  Total (payable to Secretary of State)	$55

  Certificates of Service

  Upon request and payment of the $15 certificate fee, the Secretary of State will issue a certificate showing:

  1. that service was accomplished;
  2. that a copy of the process was forwarded to the named person at the specified address; and
  3. the disposition of the mailing shown on the postal return receipt.
  • Certificates of service are typically issued upon completion of the Secretary of State’s statutory mailing (i.e., upon receipt of return-receipt card or returned process).
  • If no response has been received after 60 days, a certificate will be issued reflecting that no response has been received.
  • Certificates are sent to the person requesting service; therefore, please provide this office with any change of address.

  Questions?

  If you need help determining what method of service is proper, the address to which the Secretary of State should deliver the documents being served, or answers to other legal questions, you should contact a private attorney.

  Questions of the Secretary of State may be directed to the Service of Process team by calling (512) 463-1662 or by email.

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