Process servers deliver summonses, complaints, subpoenas, petitions, and other legal documents to the people named in them, and then provide proof that service was made. Clients are mostly law firms, paralegals, and legal document services, along with some self-represented individuals and property managers. Invoices usually list each service attempt, any skip tracing, mileage, and the filing of the affidavit of service.
Create an invoice for payment collection
Upload logo
PDF will be generated with filename:
Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Most process servers charge a flat fee per service, with the price set by how quickly the papers must be served. Routine service typically takes several days, rush service takes 24 to 48 hours, and same-day service costs more. Extra attempts, long distances, and difficult targets are often billed separately, as are mileage, skip tracing, and stakeouts. Some servers bundle a set number of attempts (often three) into the base fee and charge for each attempt after that. Subpoena service may include witness fees or mileage checks that the client has to cover, and these are passed through at cost. Regular law firm clients often get volume discounts or a monthly invoice, while one-time clients usually pay up front. Some states and counties set maximum fees for certain kinds of service, such as sheriff-equivalent service, so check your local rules.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Routine service of process (standard turnaround, up to 3 attempts) | per service | $40-90 |
| Rush service (24-48 hours) | per service | $75-150 |
| Same-day or emergency service | per service | $125-250 |
| Additional attempts beyond the included number | per attempt | $15-40 |
| Mileage outside the standard service area | per mile | $0.65-1.25 |
| Skip tracing / locating a person | per search | $30-125 |
| Stakeout or surveillance for evasive defendants | per hour | $50-100 |
| Document filing, court runs, or notarized affidavit of service | per item | $10-50 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service of summons and complaint on J. Rivera, 412 Oak St (rush, served on 2nd attempt) | 1 service | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Additional attempt, evening (attempt 3 on R. Chen, 88 Pine Ave) | 1 attempt | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Routine service of subpoena duces tecum on Metro Records Custodian | 1 service | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Skip trace for current address of R. Chen | 1 search | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Mileage beyond 25-mile service area | 38 mile | $0.85 | $32.30 |
| Notarized affidavit of service and e-filing | 3 document | $15.00 | $45.00 |
| Total | $307.30 | ||
Notes: Payment due within 30 days of invoice date. Affidavits of service have been emailed to the file contact. Please include the invoice number with payment. A 1.5% monthly late fee applies to balances past due.
Law firms track costs by matter, and a clear case reference lets their accounting team match your invoice to the right file without calling you.
Listing the recipient and document type (summons, subpoena, petition) confirms what you did and avoids confusion when one client sends several jobs at once.
These details back up the affidavit of service and justify charges for extra attempts if the fee is ever questioned.
The speed of service drives the fee, so stating it shows why the price differs between jobs.
Clients are more willing to pay extras when each one is itemized with quantity and rate instead of rolled into a lump sum.
Show these at cost and separately from your service fee so the client can see what you earned versus what you advanced.
Some jurisdictions require registered or certified process servers, and including your number supports the validity of the service. Check your local rules.
Many process servers invoice law firms on net 30 terms, with monthly statements for high-volume accounts. New clients, individuals, and out-of-area jobs are often paid up front or with a deposit, especially when the work includes rush fees or heavy travel. Pass-through costs like witness fees should be paid before service. Late fees of 1% to 1.5% per month are common, and it helps to state them on the invoice. Typical payment methods are check, ACH, and credit card. Some servers hold the affidavit of service until payment arrives on first-time or past-due accounts, though many release it right away to avoid hurting the client's case deadlines.
State how many attempts are covered, usually three, and what counts as an attempt. This prevents arguments when a hard-to-find defendant takes six trips.
If the person has moved or the address is bad, you still did the work. Bill a reduced fee or per-attempt rate for non-service, and put it in your terms ahead of time.
Witness fees, court filing charges, and records fees should be listed at cost. Mixing them with your service fee makes it hard for clients to reconcile and can muddy your income reporting.
Send the invoice together with the completed affidavit of service. The client has just received something they need, which makes it the best time to get paid and cuts down on follow-up.
Contemporaneous notes with times, addresses, and odometer readings support your charges to clients and also help at tax time if you deduct vehicle expenses.
Routine service in the US typically runs about $40 to $90 per service, with rush service at $75 to $150 and same-day at $125 or more. Rates vary a lot by region, distance, and local competition, so look at what other servers in your area charge.
Yes, in most cases. Many servers include a set number of attempts in the base fee and charge for each additional one. Some also charge a reduced fee for non-service when the person cannot be found. Put this policy in writing so the client agrees before you start.
For new clients, individuals, and jobs with long travel, a deposit or full prepayment is common. Established law firms are usually fine on net 30. Any witness fees or court costs you must advance should be paid by the client up front.
It depends on where you work. Some states and counties require process servers to be registered, licensed, or appointed, while others do not. If yours does, including your number on invoices and affidavits is a good habit. Check your local rules.
It varies by state. Some states tax certain services and others do not, and legal support services may be treated differently. Check with your state revenue department or a tax professional before deciding whether to add tax.
Send a Process Server estimate for approval, then turn it into an invoice when the work is done.
Process Server estimate template