How to serve someone in Texas

Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 106 and 107 — who can serve, alternative methods, return of citation, and the 90-day deadline.

Texas service of process is governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) Rules 103–119a. The Supreme Court of Texas significantly updated the rules in December 2020 to permit social-media service in limited circumstances.

Who can serve in Texas

Under TRCP 103, citations and other process may be served by:

Any sheriff or constable
Any person 18+ authorized by written order of the court
A person certified by the Supreme Court under the Process Server Certification Rule

Servd's network is statewide and JBCC-certified.

Personal service (TRCP 106(a))

Hand the citation to the defendant or leave it with someone over 16 at the defendant's usual place of abode.

Alternative service (TRCP 106(b))

After diligent attempts at personal service fail, the court may authorize service by:

Attaching the citation to the front door + mailing a copy
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) when the defendant has an active account and the court finds the method reasonably effective
Email, when the defendant has an active account
Any other method the court finds reasonably effective

You must file a sworn motion documenting the failed attempts before alternative service is granted.

Return of citation (TRCP 107)

The proof of service must include the date + time + manner of service, the person served's name (or "described in the motion"), and the server's signature + JBCC number. Servd auto-generates a TRCP 107-compliant return.

Deadlines

Texas does not have a strict outer deadline like California's 60 days, but TRCP 165a(2) allows dismissal for want of prosecution if service isn't completed within a reasonable time (typically 6 months without good cause).
Citation must be issued by the clerk before service is attempted.

What it costs

Standard service: $99 flat. Rush: $159. Expedited (same day): $229.