Editing Service of process (section)

===Common law systems in the United States===
[[File:TCSheriff.JPG|thumb|Personal service of civil documents is often done by [[sheriff|sheriff's deputies]].]]
In most states a person that serves the process simply must be 18 years of age or older and not a party to the litigation.

Most jurisdictions require or permit process to be served by a court official, such as a [[sheriff]], [[marshal]], [[constable]], or [[bailiff]]. There may be licensing requirements for private process servers, as is the case in New York City, Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Montana, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Arizona process servers are required to apply for certification with the clerk of the Superior Court in the county in which they reside. Non-resident applicants may apply in any county. Texas process servers are currently certified by order of the Texas Supreme Court and are regulated through the Process Server Review Board, consisting of members of the industry authorized by the supreme court.

Other jurisdictions require a court order allowing a private person to serve process. Many [[private investigator]]s perform process serving duties. Texas and Florida also have a required training course which must be completed prior to certification.

An example of such a license would be in [[Rhode Island]], where an applicant must complete 90 days of training with a constable that has 'full powers'. Once the 90 days of training is complete, a test is given at the local courthouse from the laws included in the constable manual. Once an applicant passed the written exam, one will be scheduled for an oral interview with the disciplinary board. If they find the applicant to be competent, they will pass a recommendation to the chief judge who will then swear in one with 'limited power'. These constables can only serve within the county they are appointed. After one year, a limited power constable can apply for his/her full powers to [[arrest]], [[Eviction|evict]], and be able to serve statewide.

In [[New York State]], personal process is ''required'' in [[divorce]] and similar [[Family law|matrimonial law]] actions, absent court permission.<ref>For N.Y. Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 308 and Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 232, see [http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menugetf.cgi?COMMONQUERY=LAWS NY Assembly website]. Retrieved September 24, 2008.</ref> Specific practice is that: {{blockquote|The defendant must be personally served with the divorce papers, unless the court grants some other means of service. Note that there are special requirements for service of process in a divorce action.}} See CPLR 308 and DRL 232.