Mississippi Process Server FAQ
Common questions about process serving in Mississippi — how it works, what it costs, and what happens when service is difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions — MS Process Serving
Who can serve process in Mississippi?
Under Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 4(c)(2), service of process may be made by the sheriff of the county where service is made, by the sheriff's deputy, or by any person who is not a party to the action and is not less than 18 years of age. Registered process servers are licensed by the Mississippi Secretary of State's office. Our process servers meet all Mississippi registration and experience requirements.
How long does process serving take in Mississippi?
Standard service in Mississippi takes 3–7 business days depending on the county and the defendant's availability. Rush service (same-day or next-day) is available throughout Mississippi Monday through Saturday for time-sensitive matters. We notify you of each attempt and confirm completion as soon as service is made.
What if the defendant is avoiding service in Mississippi?
When a defendant is actively evading service in Mississippi, our process servers use a combination of varied-time attempts, surveillance, skip tracing, and — when necessary — substituted service methods permitted under Miss. R. Civ. P. 4(c)(1)(B). If all personal service methods fail, we prepare a Due Diligence Affidavit documenting all attempts, which courts require before authorizing service by publication under Mississippi Code § 13-3-19.
What is substituted service in Mississippi?
Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 4(c)(1)(B) allows substituted service by leaving copies of the summons and complaint at the defendant's dwelling house or usual place of abode with a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there. Substituted service is a valid alternative when the defendant is not personally present, provided the resident who receives the documents meets the legal requirements.
Do I need to pay a witness fee with a subpoena in Mississippi?
Yes — Mississippi Code § 25-7-47 requires that subpoenas for personal appearance be tendered with the statutory witness fee at the time of service. Our process servers calculate and tender the correct fee for every personal appearance subpoena served in Mississippi. Records-only subpoenas do not require a witness fee.
What courts do you serve process for in Mississippi?
We serve process for all Mississippi state courts — Circuit Court, Chancery Court, County Court, Justice Court, and the Mississippi Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We also serve for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi (Oxford/Aberdeen/Greenville) and the Southern District (Jackson/Gulfport/Hattiesburg).
What is a Proof of Service in Mississippi?
A Proof of Service (sometimes called an Affidavit of Service or Return of Service) is a sworn document completed by the process server after service is made. It records the date, time, and location of service, the method of service used, and a description of the person served. The process server signs the affidavit under penalty of perjury. In Mississippi, this document is required to establish that the defendant received proper legal notice.
Can you serve process anywhere in Mississippi?
Yes — Process Server Mississippi covers all 82 Mississippi counties, from DeSoto County in the northwest to Jackson County on the Gulf Coast, from the Delta to the Hills. We maintain a statewide network of registered process servers so that no assignment is too remote.
Questions About Process Serving in MS?
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