Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about process serving in New York, answered by our team.
What is service of process?
Service of process is the legal procedure of delivering court documents — such as summonses, complaints, and subpoenas — to a party involved in a lawsuit. In New York, service must comply with the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) to give the court jurisdiction over the defendant.
Who can serve process in New York?
Under New York law, any person who is at least 18 years old and is not a party to the action can serve process. While New York does not require process servers to be licensed by the state, New York City requires process servers to be licensed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
How long does service of process take?
Standard service typically takes 3 to 5 business days from the date we receive your documents. Rush and same-day service are available for an additional fee. The timeline depends on the type of service required and the cooperativeness of the individual being served.
What areas of New York do you cover?
Executive Process Service covers all five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island), the entire Hudson Valley, Westchester, Long Island, and upstate New York — including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. We serve process statewide.
What happens if the person cannot be found?
If initial attempts at personal service are unsuccessful, New York law permits alternative methods including substitute service (leaving documents with a person of suitable age and mailing a copy), conspicuous-place service, and, in certain cases, service by publication. We also offer skip-tracing services to locate hard-to-find individuals.
Do you provide proof of service?
Yes. We provide a detailed affidavit of service for every completed job. Our affidavits include the date, time, location, and manner of service, along with a physical description of the person served. All affidavits are notarized and ready for court filing.
How much does process serving cost?
Our standard service rates start at $75 for routine personal service in New York City. Rates vary based on location, urgency, and the complexity of the service. Contact us at (845) 883-2300 for a detailed quote.
Can you serve papers outside of New York?
While Executive Process Service specializes in New York, we maintain a network of affiliated process servers across all 50 states. We can coordinate out-of-state and international service on your behalf.
What is an affidavit of service?
An affidavit of service is a sworn, notarized document that proves process was served. It details when, where, and how the documents were delivered, and includes a description of the person served. This document is filed with the court to establish that proper notice was given.
Do you offer rush or same-day service?
Yes. We offer same-day and next-day rush service throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Rush fees apply. Call us at (845) 883-2300 to arrange priority service.
Still Have Questions?
Call Executive Process Service at (845) 883-2300 or visit our rates page for pricing information.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Executive Process Service for reliable, professional process serving throughout New York State.
Call (845) 883-2300