Hire a Process Server in Massachusetts

No statewide license exists, but you do need authority. Massachusetts service of process must be made by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, or special sheriff, by another person duly authorized by law — typically a constable — or by a person specially appointed by the court (Mass. R. Civ. P. 4(c)). Constables are appointed by the city or town and must file a bond with the town clerk of at least $1,000, or at least $5,000 to serve writs where damages do not exceed $7,000 (M.G.L. c. 41 § 92).

Routine process service in Massachusetts typically costs between $50 and $150. Boston and Greater Boston metro area servers are at the higher end. Sheriff service is available but constables and private servers are common for speed and flexibility. Request bids from multiple verified servers on the Mighty Process Server platform.

Under Mass. R. Civ. P. 4(j), service must be completed within 90 days after filing the complaint. If service is not made within this period, the court may dismiss the action without prejudice unless the plaintiff can demonstrate good cause for the failure to serve.

No. Massachusetts requires a sheriff, deputy sheriff, special sheriff, a person duly authorized by law such as a bonded constable, or a person specially appointed by the court (Mass. R. Civ. P. 4(c)). A private adult with no appointment has no authority to serve process in Massachusetts.

If personal service cannot be completed, Massachusetts allows leaving process at the defendant's last or usual place of abode. Service on authorized agents is also permitted. If the defendant cannot be found after diligent search, the court may authorize service by publication or another method of notice under Mass. R. Civ. P. 4.

Use the Mighty Process Server directory to find process servers in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, and all Massachusetts counties. Search by county and submit bid requests from verified servers at mightyprocessserver.com/directory.