Not all process servers are created equal.
Some are licensed professionals, ensuring due process and legal compliance.
Others? Scammers, impersonators, or unqualified individuals looking to take advantage of legal confusion.
If you're expecting service or hiring a process server, knowing how to verify their legitimacy is critical to protecting your rights.
Here’s how to separate the real from the fake and ensure your legal documents are in the right hands.
1. Check State Licensing & Registration Requirements
Every state has different regulations on who can serve legal documents.
Some states require licenses, certifications, or registrations, while others allow any adult not involved in the case to serve.
States That Require Licensing or Registration
- California – Process servers must be registered in the county where they serve.
- Texas – Certification through the Texas Supreme Court is required.
- Florida – Process servers must be appointed by the court or sheriff.
- Illinois (Cook County) – Process servers must be licensed.
- Nevada – Requires state licensure.
- Arizona – Certification is mandatory.
How to Verify:
- Check your county clerk’s office or state judiciary website for registered or licensed process servers.
- Some states offer online directories where you can search for verified process servers.
Red Flag: If someone claims to be licensed but isn't listed in official records, proceed with caution.
2. Ask for Identification & Credentials
A legitimate process server should always be able to prove their identity.
What They Should Provide:
- Full Name – Matches their credentials.
- Business Name (if applicable) – Many professionals work under an established company.
- License or Registration Number (if required) – Can be checked against state records.
- Proof of Affiliation – If working for a law firm or process serving agency.
Red Flags:
- No identification or licensing (in states that require it).
- Refuses to provide their full name or business name.
- Uses only a burner phone number with no professional contact details.
3. Contact the Court or Law Firm That Issued the Documents
A real process server is delivering documents on behalf of a court, attorney, or agency.
You can verify their legitimacy by tracing the source.
How to Verify:
Check the documents – Do they have a court case number or law firm letterhead?
Call the court or attorney’s office and ask:
- “Did you hire a process server to serve me these papers?”
- “Who is authorized to serve me?”
If the documents are real, but the process server isn’t on record, refuse service and report them.
Warning Signs:
- The court or attorney has no record of a case against you.
- The process server refuses to say where the documents are from.
- They demand payment upfront – Legitimate process servers never collect fines or fees.
4. Check Online Reviews & Business Listings
A professional process server should have a traceable business presence, including:
- A website, social media, or Google Business Profile.
- Verified reviews from attorneys and law firms.
- Membership in professional organizations like NAPPS (National Association of Professional Process Servers).
How to Check:
- Search their business name + “reviews” online.
- Look them up on NAPPS, ServeNow, or state directories.
- Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints.
Red Flag: No online presence or a history of negative reviews.
5. Look for Proper Service Procedures & Documentation
A legitimate process server follows strict legal procedures, including:
- Serving in compliance with state laws – Some states prohibit serving at certain times (e.g., on Sundays in New York).
- Providing an Affidavit of Service – Proof that documents were served legally.
- Notifying the court after service – Ensures the defendant is legally aware of the case.
Signs of a Fraudulent Process Server:
- No proof of service – Won’t provide an Affidavit of Service or documentation.
- Improper service – Leaves documents with a random neighbor instead of a responsible adult.
- Fake “phantom” service – Claims you were served but never actually delivered the documents.
6. Report Suspicious Process Servers
If you suspect a fake or unqualified process server, take action immediately.
- Report them to local law enforcement if they threaten or harass you.
- Contact the court that issued the documents to report improper service.
- File a complaint with the state licensing board (if licensing is required in your state).
- Warn others by posting reviews or reporting them to NAPPS or the BBB.
Final Takeaway: Stay Vigilant, Stay Protected
- Legitimate process servers follow the law, provide identification, and never demand money or sensitive information.
- Fake or unqualified process servers use intimidation, lack credentials, and may falsify legal service.
- Your best defense? Verify, document, and report anything suspicious.
Because in the world of legal service, precision matters—and knowing your rights is power.
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We're here to assist you with any legal support services you may require. Although our main office is located in Phoenix, we have dedicated local teams to handle all location-specific tasks efficiently. Here's how you can get in touch with us.
The Process Server
13416 North 32nd Street #110F, Phoenix, Arizona 85032, United States
Phone: +1 (602) 675-2333
Email: [email protected]
For further details, please refer to the Justice Courts Case Search.