Service of process in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, process is served by a sheriff, deputy or special sheriff, another person authorized by law, or a person specially appointed by the court; where the rules allow certified or registered mail, a party or attorney may do the mailing. Service must be completed within 90 days of filing under Rule 4(j), or the case may be dismissed without prejudice absent good cause. Massachusetts has not adopted the UIDDA.
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 Massachusetts?
No statewide process-server license. Service is made by a sheriff, deputy/special sheriff, a person authorized by law, or a person specially appointed by the court.
Who may serve process in Massachusetts?
- County sheriff
- Any non-party adult (18+)
- Certified / registered mail
- Publication (by court order)
Service deadline (Massachusetts)
Mass. R. Civ. P. 4(j): if service is not made within 90 days after filing and good cause is not shown, the action is dismissed without prejudice as to that defendant.
UIDDA: Massachusetts has not adopted the UIDDA; out-of-state subpoenas follow a non-UIDDA process.
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
Mass. R. Civ. P. 4
Interstate service from Massachusetts
Massachusetts has not adopted the UIDDA. Out-of-state subpoenas are domesticated through a non-UIDDA process, and service of an initial summons across state lines follows the receiving state's rules.
Sources for Massachusetts
Other states with no license requirement
Check a different state
Verified against Massachusetts 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.