Process Server Bond Guide
Several states require process servers to file surety bonds before being licensed to serve court documents. Learn how to navigate the bonding process with this complete guide for process servers.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To guarantee process servers follow local, state and federal laws
- Who Needs It: Individuals seeking authorization to serve documents in a certain jurisdiction
- Required Amount: $5,000–$25,000, depending on the location
- Regulating Body: Typically the county clerk's office
- Premium Rates: Typically a flat rate of 0.5–1% of the bond amount
What Is a Process Server Bond?
Process server bonds, a type of license and permit bond, ensure process servers comply with industry rules and regulations. These surety bonds act as a legal contract between three parties:
- The principal is the process server purchasing the bond.
- The obligee is the government agency requiring the bond as part of the licensing process.
- The surety is the provider issuing the bond and financially backing the principal.
If the principal fails to conduct business according to the outlined terms, the bond protects harmed parties from financial loss up to the full bond amount.
State-Specific Bond Requirements for Process Servers
Each state sets its process server bond amount, so your exact coverage and cost will vary depending on location. Some states, including Arkansas, California and Florida, require a separate bond for each county in which you plan to work.
Learn more about process server insurance and bond requirements in your area:
How Much Does a Process Server Surety Bond Cost?
Process server bond premiums are calculated at just 1% of the bond amount and start at $50–$100 annually, depending on the state. For example, a $5,000 bond at a 1% rate would cost just $50 for a one-year term.
Most process server surety bonds can be issued instantly for a flat rate without any underwriting. As an exception, the $100,000 New York Process Serving Agency Bond does require underwriting to determine the cost for each applicant.
SuretyBonds.com works with the top surety markets nationwide to get the lowest available rates.
How to Get a Process Server Bond
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest process server bonding process:
- Step 1: Purchase your bond online or by calling our office.
- Step 2: Receive your bond. Depending on your obligee’s requirements, we'll ship you a physical document set or e-mail you a digital document to file.
- Step 3: File your bond with the obligee per their filing instructions.
Get Your Bond Same-Day With SuretyBonds.com
You can get your digital bond form on the same day you purchase from SuretyBonds.com. Some states require physical process server bond document sets with wet signatures and raised seals. In this case, we'll ship a package to you according to your delivery preferences. We always offer overnight shipping at checkout.
