Service of process in Colorado
In Colorado, process under C.R.C.P. 4 may be served by the sheriff or by any person who is at least 18 and is not a party. Permitted methods include personal delivery, substituted service at a residence or workplace under defined conditions, and — by court order — service by mail or publication. Each defendant generally must be served within 63 days after the complaint is filed, and the court may dismiss without prejudice or extend for good cause.
ProcessServerState provides procedural-information-only summaries of state process-server rules. This is not legal advice. Service of process is a critical step in litigation — if you fail to serve correctly, your case can be dismissed. For complex or contested matters, consult a licensed attorney or a court self-help center. Not affiliated with any court or sheriff's office.
Is a license required in Colorado?
No statewide license/registration required by state law; server must be 18+ and not a party. Voluntary certification exists (e.g., PSACO); some courts keep approved-server lists.
Who may serve process in Colorado?
- County sheriff
- Any non-party adult (18+)
- Certified / registered mail
- Publication (by court order)
Service deadline (Colorado)
C.R.C.P. 4(m): each defendant must be served within 63 days (9 weeks) after the complaint is filed, or the court may dismiss without prejudice or order service within a set time, absent good cause. Does not apply to service in a foreign country.
UIDDA: Colorado has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act for interstate service.
Sheriff / Marshal civil-process route
Civil-process fees are set by each county and listed on the local sheriff's civil-process page. Not all counties publish a fee schedule — confirm with the county where service will be made.
Statute / Rule citation
Colo. R. Civ. P. 4 (C.R.C.P. 4)
UIDDA: Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-90.5-101 to 13-90.5-107
Interstate service from Colorado
Colorado has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), which provides a streamlined process for issuing an out-of-state subpoena based on one issued in the trial state. Service of an initial summons across state lines follows the receiving state's rules.
Sources for Colorado
Other states with no license requirement
Check a different state
Verified against Colorado primary sources on June 16, 2026. Read how we verify on our methodology page, or browse every citation in the source manifest.
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ProcessServerState provides procedural-information-only summaries of state process-server rules. This is not legal advice. Service of process is a critical step in litigation — if you fail to serve correctly, your case can be dismissed. For complex or contested matters, consult a licensed attorney or a court self-help center. Not affiliated with any court or sheriff's office.