How to become a certified process server in Texas

Updated October 10, 2026 · General information, not legal advice. Rules quoted from the official Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; confirm current text and local requirements with the court.

In Texas, private process servers are certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC). A certified server may serve process statewide: Rule 103 lets "any person certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission" serve process "anywhere". Everything below comes from the JBCC's own pages, which say applicants are "solely responsible" for knowing the requirements, so always check the current version (linked under Sources) before you apply.

The four official steps

Complete an approved civil process course. The JBCC requires "a 7-hour course approved by the Commission" taken no more than one year before you file your application. You must finish the course before applying and keep your certificate of completion. The JBCC lists approved course providers on its Initial Certification pages; you contact the providers directly for dates and prices.
Apply online and pay the fee. Applications go through the JBCC's online licensing system (ALiS). You must use your full legal name as it appears on your government ID, upload your course certificate, and pay the $200.00 first-time application fee by credit or debit card. JBCC fees are non-refundable.
Prove you are authorized to work in the United States. The JBCC added this requirement effective October 1, 2026.
Pass a state and national criminal history check. After you apply, the JBCC emails you a fingerprint service code form. You must be fingerprinted under the "TX-JBCC Process Server Certification Program" code, pay the vendor directly, and upload the fingerprint receipt to your application.

If you have a criminal record

Under section 3.5 of the JBCC Rules, an application may be denied if a person's criminal history "indicates that the person lacks the honesty, trustworthiness, or integrity" to hold the certification. Before investing in the course, you can ask the JBCC in writing for a criminal history evaluation letter explaining the basis for your potential ineligibility (JBCC FAQ).

How long approval takes

The JBCC does not publish a processing time. It says applications are processed "in the order in which they are received" and that times vary with volume and background-check review. You receive an automated email when you are approved, and you can track status in ALiS. The JBCC warns that serving without a valid certification "is a violation of the rules," so don't take work until your approval arrives.

After you are certified

Continuing education: 8 hours in each two-year certification period, including 2 hours of ethics. Up to 4 excess non-ethics hours can carry forward.
Renewal: the JBCC emails a notice about 90 days before expiration and recommends renewing at least 30 days early. You cannot serve once your certification has expired, and you are renewed only when the application is approved, not when it is received.
Your returns of service must be verified or signed under penalty of perjury and show your certification number and its expiration date (Rule 107(b)(10), (e)).
No badge: the JBCC issues certification cards, not badges. Anyone can confirm your status on the JBCC licensee search.

Getting found once you're certified

Every active JBCC-certified server is already listed on TX Server Finder from the state's public list, updated weekly. Claim your free listing to add the counties you serve and a website. Optional Featured placement is available on county pages.

Quick answers

How do I become a certified process server in Texas?

Take a 7-hour civil process course approved by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC), apply online within one year of finishing it, pay the $200 application fee, submit proof you are authorized to work in the United States, and pass a Texas and national fingerprint background check (JBCC Certification Requirements & Fees).

How much does it cost to become a process server in Texas?

The JBCC first-time application fee is $200, non-refundable. The approved course and fingerprinting are paid separately to the course provider and the fingerprint vendor, and the JBCC does not publish those prices.

Do Texas process servers need continuing education?

Yes. Certified process servers must complete eight hours of continuing education in each two-year certification period, including two hours of ethics (JBCC Continuing Education page).

Can a Texas process server serve papers in any county?

Yes. Rule 103 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure lets a person certified by the JBCC serve process "anywhere". Certification is statewide.

Find a certified server: Houston · Dallas · San Antonio · Austin · Fort Worth · all 254 counties.