Affidavit Policy
Last updated: March 2026
1. What Is an Affidavit of Service?
An Affidavit of Service is a sworn written statement prepared by the process server documenting the details of how, when, where, and upon whom service of process was completed. It constitutes the official legal record of service and is filed with the court as proof that the defendant or respondent was properly notified in accordance with Washington State law.
2. Standard Affidavit of Service
A standard Affidavit of Service is included with all completed process serve orders. It is prepared by the serving officer, signed under penalty of perjury pursuant to RCW 9A.72.085, and delivered electronically to the requesting party within 24 hours of service completion. A physical copy can be provided upon request.
3. Notarized Affidavit of Service
A notarized Affidavit of Service includes the additional step of having the serving officer's signature verified and authenticated by a licensed Washington State notary public. Notarization provides an additional layer of legal authentication and is required by some courts and jurisdictions. A $25 surcharge applies for notarized affidavits and must be selected at the time of order submission.
4. Contents of the Affidavit
All affidavits prepared by CCIG, LLC include the following information: the full name of the serving officer and their RCW 18.180 registration number; the date, time, and location of service; the name and description of the person served or, in cases of substitute service, the person upon whom documents were left; the title and nature of the documents served; and the method of service employed.
5. Substitute Service Affidavits
Where substitute service is completed pursuant to RCW 4.28.080, the affidavit will document the relationship of the person served to the defendant, the address at which substitute service was made, and confirmation that a copy of the documents was subsequently mailed to the defendant's last known address. Both steps, physical delivery and mailing, are documented in a single affidavit.
6. Attempted Service Documentation
In cases where service is attempted but not completed, we will provide a written declaration of attempted service documenting each attempt, including date, time, location, and observations made at the time of each attempt. This documentation can support a motion for alternative service if required by the court.
7. Delivery
Completed affidavits are delivered electronically via the email address provided at the time of order submission within 24 hours of service completion. Physical copies are available by request and will be mailed to the billing address on file. Expedited delivery of affidavits is available for rush and emergency service orders.
8. Record Retention
CCIG, LLC retains copies of all affidavits of service for a minimum of seven (7) years. Clients may request a copy of any affidavit prepared on their behalf during this retention period by contacting our office with the original reference number.