Process serving and legal support across Washington
Clear, flat pricing for standard service, and quotes up front for anything more. Every order includes a logged record of attempts and an affidavit of service.
Process serving
Personal, substitute, corporate, registered agent and government entity service under Washington law. Summons, complaints, subpoenas, protection orders, evictions, dissolution papers and more.
Process serving details Quoted per jobSkip tracing
Locate a recipient with no address or a stale one, using public records and investigative databases. Add it to a service order or order it on its own.
Skip tracing details 24-hour handlingRush and emergency service
Priority review, dispatch and scheduling for deadlines, protection orders and urgent filings.
Rush service details Quoted per jobSurveillance, stakeouts and field work
For evasive recipients and matters that need eyes on a location, a stakeout or a field investigation.
Investigation detailsWhat process serving costs
Card orders are charged the estimate below when you submit. Law firms with a billing agreement can choose a NET-30 invoice instead. Anything outside standard service is quoted and approved by you before we do it.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard personal or substitute service, per personKing, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Up to 3 attempts at one address, mileage and the affidavit of service included. | $85 |
| Notarized affidavit of serviceRequired by some courts. Select it when you order. | + $25 |
| Service outside King, Pierce and SnohomishTravel surcharge for the other 36 counties. | up to + $60 |
| 24-hour rush or emergency servicePriority handling. Fee confirmed with you when we accept the order. | Quoted |
| Skip tracingLocate before service, or on its own. | Quoted |
| Attempts beyond 3, new addresses, stakeouts, wait timeOnly with your approval. | Quoted |
| Surveillance, field investigations, consultations | Quoted |
The final invoice is issued when service is completed. Court fees, filing fees and other third-party costs are passed through at cost. Full terms are in the terms of service.
Process serving in Washington
Short answers to what clients ask most. For more, see the Washington process serving FAQ and the Service Guide.
How much does a process server cost in Washington?
At SoundServe Legal, standard personal or substitute service is $85 flat in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties with mileage included. Service elsewhere in Washington adds a travel surcharge of up to $60, and a notarized affidavit adds $25. Rush, skip tracing and special requests are quoted up front.
Who can serve legal papers in Washington?
Under RCW 4.28.080 and Civil Rule 4, papers can be served by a sheriff or deputy, or by any competent adult over 18 who is not a party to the case. Anyone who serves papers for pay more than 10 times a year must be registered as a process server under RCW 18.180. SoundServe Legal is registered under RCW 18.180.
Can a process server leave the papers with someone else?
Yes, in some cases. Washington allows substitute service by leaving the papers at the person's usual home with someone of suitable age and discretion who lives there (RCW 4.28.080). Leaving papers with a coworker or neighbor does not count.
How long do I have to serve after filing in Washington?
If a case is filed before service, the defendant generally has to be served within 90 days of filing for the case to count as started on the filing date (RCW 4.16.170). Give us your deadline when you order so we can plan attempts around it.
How fast will my papers be served?
We confirm orders within 2 business hours. Standard orders get a first attempt within 2 to 5 days. Rush and emergency orders get a first attempt within 24 hours.
What do I get as proof of service?
An affidavit of service signed under penalty of perjury under RCW 9A.72.085, listing who was served, when, where and how. It is emailed within 24 hours of completion. A notarized version is available for $25.
Do you serve corporations and LLCs?
Yes. We serve registered agents, officers and managing agents of corporations and LLCs registered with the Washington Secretary of State, as well as state and local government entities.
Can I order without an account?
Yes. The online order form takes about 2 minutes. Upload your documents, enter the recipient's details and pay by card, or request an invoice if your firm has a billing agreement with us.
Ready to order?
Standard service starts at $85. No account needed.