Nevada law does not set a specific minimum number of service attempts — it requires "due diligence." What constitutes due diligence is determined by Nevada courts based on the documented record. Courts typically expect 3–5 attempts at varied times and dates before granting a motion for alternative service.
Attempts must be at different times of day — morning, afternoon, evening — and on different days including weekends. Attempts only at the same time on weekdays are unlikely to satisfy diligence.
If the defendant is known to frequent multiple locations — residence, workplace, other known address — attempts should be made at each. Single-address diligence is weaker.
Each attempt must record what the server observed — lights on/off, mail status, vehicle present, neighbor contact. These observations support the inference that the defendant inhabits the address but is evading.
If initial address attempts fail without contact, a skip trace should confirm whether the defendant still resides there. Using a definitively wrong address undermines the diligence record.
Nevada District Court judges consistently expect at minimum 3 documented attempts — ideally 4–5 — at varied times across multiple days before they will grant alternative service. Three identical-time weekday attempts rarely succeed.
Substitute Service
After documented failed personal service, leave with person of suitable age at dwelling + mail. NRCP Rule 4(d)(6)(B).
Motion for Alternative Service
File motion in Nevada District Court with full diligence declaration attached. Court may authorize service by publication, email, social media, or other method.
Service by Publication
Court-authorized publication in a Nevada newspaper of general circulation. Used when all locating and service methods have been exhausted.
Clark County
Tier 2 Counties
Multiple varied attempts. Full documentation. Alternative service packages prepared when needed.
Call: (602) 675-8633