Missouri process serving laws.

Rule 54 of the Missouri Supreme Court Rules governs how a summons is issued and served in Missouri civil cases, including service within Missouri, service outside the state, service by mail and service by publication, and how proof of service is made and returned to the court.

Service may be made by a sheriff, by a certified or appointed special process server, or in some cases by another person over 18 who is not a party to the case. After service, the server's return or affidavit of service is filed with the court.

In the City of St. Louis, process servers must also complete the Sheriff's process-service training course. See our FAQ for details.

Missouri Courts: official rules and court information →

Rule 4: Summons

Covers the contents of a federal summons and how it is served. Any person who is at least 18 and not a party may serve a summons and complaint. The rule also covers waiver of service, service on corporations and individuals, service in a foreign country, and the time limit for serving a defendant after the complaint is filed.

Read FRCP Rule 4 →

Rule 5: Serving and filing later papers

Covers how pleadings and other papers filed after the original complaint are served on the parties, and how they are filed with the court.

Read FRCP Rule 5 →

Rule 45: Subpoena

Covers the form and issuance of federal subpoenas, where compliance can be required, and how a subpoena is served. Any non-party who is at least 18 may serve a subpoena, and when attendance is required the fees for one day's attendance and mileage must be tendered.

Read FRCP Rule 45 → · Federal subpoena preparation →