The Process Server

Serving papers

Serve Papers in Dallas, Texas

Service of process in Dallas follows Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 103. The most important distinction: substitute service in Dallas is not automatic — it requires a court order under Rule 106(b). Personal service, documented diligence, and Dallas-specific return language are the three pillars of valid service.

Start a service request(602) 675-8633

Assignment basics

Can you serve these documents?
Summons and complaints, subpoenas, eviction notices, family court filings, protective orders, and post-judgment enforcement documents. See document categories
Do you cover my service location?
Yes — Dallas, Texas is inside our coordinated coverage. The court named on your documents, the service address and any service instructions are reviewed before the assignment is confirmed.
How quickly can the assignment begin?
Assignments are opened after intake review. Rush and emergency coordination are available and confirmed when the assignment is accepted.
What will it cost?
Quotes are based on jurisdiction, access complexity, time sensitivity, defendant difficulty, and documentation requirements. How pricing works
What do I need to provide?
Service address, defendant name and type, case and court information, any deadline, and the documents to be served.
How do I get started?
Submit the request online — it takes a few minutes and documents can be attached — or call and we will open it with you.
Start Service(602) 675-8633

Nothing here guarantees a service outcome; results depend on the defendant, the address, and the court's requirements.

Procedure

How a Dallas County citation is actually served

Dallas County citations move through a defined chain: issuance, delivery to a server, execution, then a sworn return filed with the court.

Under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure the clerk issues the citation, and service is made by a sheriff, constable or any person authorized under Rule 103 who is not a party to the case and is at least 18. Dallas County constable precincts cover the county geographically, so the precinct that serves the address is set by where the defendant is, not by where the case was filed.

Rule 106 controls what happens when direct delivery fails: a motion supported by affidavit can authorize substituted service — leaving the citation at the defendant’s usual place of abode or business with anyone over 16, or by another method the court finds reasonably effective. The affidavit has to describe the attempts already made, which is why each attempt is logged with date, time, address and observation.

Rule 103

Who may serve: sheriff, constable, or an authorized non-party adult.

Rule 106

Substituted service requires a motion supported by documented attempts.

Precinct follows address

The constable precinct is set by the service address, not the filing court.

Service Requirements

TRCP Rule 103 Authority

Any non-party adult 18+ may serve process in Dallas. Server must be authorized under TRCP Rule 103 — not a party to the action.

Court Identification

Before service, confirm the correct Dallas County court by claim amount and case type. District Court (above $200K), County Court at Law ($500–$200K), or JP (evictions and under $20K).

Personal Service

Deliver process directly to the named defendant. Identity must be established at service.

Rule 106 — Substitute Service

Substitute service requires a Dallas County court order under Rule 106(b). Personal service must be attempted first.

Related Resources

Serve Papers in Dallas

Licensed servers. TRCP Rule 103/106 compliant returns. Court-matched filing.

Start an assignment

Hire a process server in Dallas, Texas

Coordination, documented attempts, and a court-ready return of service.

Start Service(602) 675-8633

Intake is open 24/7. Requests are reviewed in the order received; urgent deadlines should be flagged by phone.