Hire a Process Server in Pennsylvania

No — Pennsylvania issues no process server license, and there is no bond, exam, or registration. The limit in Pennsylvania is authority rather than licensing: under Pa.R.C.P. 400(a), original process may be served within the Commonwealth only by the sheriff, unless the case falls within Rule 400(b), is a domestic relations matter under Rule 1930.4, or is served in Philadelphia County, where Rule 400.1 also permits a competent adult. A competent adult under Rule 76 is 18 or older and is neither a party nor an employee or relative of a party.

Routine private process service in Pennsylvania typically costs between $50 and $150. Sheriff service fees range from approximately $40–$70 per defendant depending on the county. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro rates are higher than rural areas. Request bids from multiple verified servers on the Mighty Process Server platform.

Under Pa.R.C.P. 401(a), original process must be served within 30 days after issuance of the writ or filing of the complaint within the Commonwealth. However, process may be reissued or reinstated indefinitely under Pa.R.C.P. 401(b), allowing the plaintiff to continue attempting service without losing the case as long as the process is timely reissued.

Not for original process in most of Pennsylvania. Outside Philadelphia, original process generally must be served by the sheriff of the county where service is made (Pa.R.C.P. 400(a)); a competent adult may serve original process only in the actions listed in Rule 400(b), in domestic relations matters under Rule 1930.4, or in Philadelphia under Rule 400.1. Subsequent papers and subpoenas are a different matter and are commonly served by private process servers anywhere in the state.

If personal service cannot be completed, Pennsylvania allows substitute service on an adult family member in residence or a person in charge at the residence under Pa.R.C.P. 402(a)(2). If the defendant cannot be found after diligent effort, the court may authorize posting or publication service under Pa.R.C.P. 430.

Use the Mighty Process Server directory to find process servers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and all Pennsylvania counties. Search by county and submit bid requests from verified servers at mightyprocessserver.com/directory.