Process servers in Houston, Texas

Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 103, process may be served by a sheriff or constable, by a person authorized by law or written court order who is at least 18, or by any person certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC). A party to the case, or anyone interested in its outcome, may not serve it. Unless a court orders otherwise, only a sheriff or constable may serve eviction (forcible entry and detainer) citations and writs that require taking possession of a person or property.

Yes. Rule 103 says process "may be served anywhere" by a JBCC-certified process server, so certification is statewide and not limited to the server's home county.

Harris County constables charge $85.00 to serve a citation within Harris County, plus $85.00 for expedited service and $15.00 when service is by mail (2025 Harris County Civil Process Fees). Source: Harris County District Clerk, Civil and Family Cases Filing and Service Fees (effective January 1, 2026), pages 14–15. Private process servers set their own prices.

The Texas rules don't set a fixed turnaround for serving a citation, so ask the server about timing and rush options. Once served, the citation tells the defendant to answer by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days from service in district and county courts (Rule 99(b)); justice courts follow their own rules (Rule 500 series). A default judgment can't be granted until the proof of service has been on file with the clerk for ten days, not counting the day of filing and the day of judgment (Rule 107(h)).

Search the server's name or PSC certification number on the JBCC's public licensee search and confirm the status is Active. The server's return of service must also include their identification number and the expiration date of their certification (Rule 107(b)(10)).

290 JBCC-certified process servers on the state's public list are associated with Houston, as of our latest weekly check.