Service of process in New York
In New York, a summons may be served by any person 18 or older who is not a party to the action (CPLR 2103(a)), and may also be served by the sheriff or, in New York City, a city marshal. CPLR 308 sets out methods of personal service on an individual, including in-hand delivery, substituted delivery with mailing, and 'affix and mail' service after due diligence. Process servers operating within New York City must be licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and under CPLR 306-b service must generally be completed within 120 days after the action is commenced.
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 New York?
Authority: NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) — for service within the five boroughs only
Licensing applies only to process servers operating within New York City (above a per-year threshold). No statewide process-server license; outside NYC a non-party adult 18+ may serve.
Who may serve process in New York?
- County sheriff
- Marshal
- Licensed / registered process server
- Any non-party adult (18+)
- Certified / registered mail
- Publication (by court order)
Service deadline (New York)
CPLR 306-b: summons and complaint served within 120 days after commencement; the court may extend for good cause or in the interest of justice.
UIDDA: New York 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
N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 308 (personal service on a natural person); § 2103(a) (who may serve)
UIDDA: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 3119
Interstate service from New York
New York 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 New York
Other states with licensing requirements
Check a different state
Verified against New York 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.