Service areas · DC
Process Serving in Washington, D.C.
Order service of process in Washington, D.C. online. You see your price before you submit, a verified process server near the address takes the job, and every attempt is tracked with notes, time, GPS location and photos.
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Overview of service of process in Washington, D.C.
As of October 30, 2026: service requirements depend on the court branch and case type. The Superior Court Civil Rules summarized here exclude Small Claims and Conciliation and Landlord and Tenant matters. Superior Court Civil Rule 1
General information only, not legal advice.
Who can serve documents in Washington, D.C.
Licensing or registration requirements
For cases covered by these Superior Court civil rules, a person at least 18 years old who is not a party may serve a summons and complaint. Rule 4(c)
Accepted methods of service
Personal, substituted, mail and other methods
The rule describes personal delivery, delivery at an individual’s home to a suitable resident, and delivery to an authorized agent. Certain mail methods are allowed for eligible defendants; alternative service requires a court order. Rule 4(c)–(e)
Time limits and rules for serving
In covered cases, proof or acknowledgment of service generally must be filed within 60 days after filing the complaint, subject to exceptions. Confirm the deadline for your case. Rule 4(m)
Restrictions on serving
Sundays, holidays and hours
These rules do not cover every Superior Court branch. Alternative service, exceptions to the 60-day period and service on government defendants have additional requirements. Rule 1; Rule 4(e), (j), and (m)
Proof of service and affidavit requirements
Unless service is acknowledged, proof must be provided to the court. A private server’s affidavit must include details such as the server’s name, address and age, and the time and place of service. Rule 4(l)
Areas we serve in Washington, D.C.
- Washington, D.C.
Pricing for Washington, D.C.
Standard service is priced at the advertised client range below for one recipient at one address. The request form calculates the exact address-specific amount before you submit.
- Standard serviceOne recipient at one address · before sales tax
- $75–$135 + tax
- RushPriority speed add-on
- +$50
- Same-dayFirst attempt the same day
- +$100
- Distance / ruralFixed add-on for standard service; locations needing extra work are special quote cases
- +$60
- Mailed original affidavitOptional; PDF remains included
- +$25
- Printing beyond included pagesFirst 50 pages included, counted from your PDF
- $0.15 per page after 50
- Sales taxCalculated at payment where it applies, from the service address in Washington, D.C.. Shown before you pay and on your receipt.
- At payment
Washington, D.C. FAQs
Can I use these instructions for small-claims or landlord-tenant cases?
No. The Superior Court Civil Rules cited here exclude those branches. Check the rules for the court handling your matter. Rule 1
Request service · DC
Request Service in Washington, D.C.
Upload your documents and enter the address. You see the price before you submit and pay only after a verified server near the address accepts.
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