A process server is an individual that delivers court documents (often summons) to another person (often a defendant). This allows a court to ensure a party is informed of legal action.
A business must have a Process Serving Agency License if they serve five (5) or more processes in a year. An individual must have a Process Server Individual License if they serve five (5) or more processes in a year.
You do not need a Process Server License if you are employed by a government agency that requires you serve processes as part of your job duties or if you are a licensed attorney.
How to get a New York Process Server License
Step #1: Fill out the Basic Individual License Application
There are two ways to submit an individual license application:
- In-person submission: Download the Basic Individual License Application
- Online submission: Click on “Apply Online” button on New York City Consumer Affairs website.
If you are an agency wishing to get licensed, complete the Basic Business License Application.
Step #2: Provide background check
Step #3: Turn in passport sized photo
- If you submit your application in-person: applicants can be photographed at the DCA Licensing Center at no cost.
- If you submit online: applicants can upload an image file of a digital passport photo quality.
Step #4: Purchase New York Process Server Bond
A process server bond is a type of surety bond that protects the courts and the clients you serve. Essentially, it is insurance for them, paid by you.
You can learn more about the bond claim process if someone were to make a claim on your bond.
In New York a Process Server Bond needs to be in the amount of $10,000 for individuals or $100,000 for agencies.
The amount you pay for your bond (called the bond premium) is largely dependent on your credit score. Generally, applicants with good credit (over 700) can secure their bond at a rate of 1-4%. Applicants with not-so-great credit could have to pay up to 15% of the total bond amount.
Free bond quotes for individuals
Step #5: Complete other paperwork
Depending on if you are an agency or an individual, you will have different paperwork.
Agency:
- Complete Roster of Process Serving Agencies
Individual:
- Pass a Process Server Individual Exam (View FAQ page)
- Complete Electronic Device Certification
- Complete Record Keeping Certification
- Complete Child Support Certification
For a more detailed checklist of all the required paperwork, see the New York City Consumer Affairs website.
Step #6: Pay licensing fees
License fee chart is below. A 2.49% convenience fee is added if you submit your application and paperwork online.
Step #7: Submit license application
- In-person: File in person at the DCA Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, in Manhattan between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Online: Click on “Apply Online” button on New York City Consumer Affairs website.
Your application will be denied if you fail to submit all the required documents. Review the requirements before submitting.
Generally, license applications will be issued within 2 weeks.
Additional Resources for New York Process Servers
- Educational Materials for Process Servers
- New York Process Server Laws
- Electronic Records, Electronic Devices, and Traverse Reports (more info at the bottom of this page)
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