New York City Process Serving Agency Bond Guide
Obtaining a New York City process serving agency bond is an important step in the license application process.
Learn all about the bonding process, cost, and submission details in this quick guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To ensure process serving agencies operate properly
- Who Needs It: Process serving agency owners in New York City
- Obligee: The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
- Amount: $100,000
- Term: Two years, expiring last day of February in even years
- Minimum Price: Typically $1,000–$2,000 for 2-year term
What Is a New York Process Serving Agency Bond?
A New York City process serving agency bond is a financial guarantee that agencies will uphold NYC Administrative Code and rules related to serving legal documents.
Who Needs a Process Serving Agency Bond?
All New York City process serving agency owners need a $100,000 surety bond to be licensed in the city.
If you — as an individual or business owner — assign, distribute, or deliver process for actual service in New York City, you’ll need the agency bond.
If you’re an individual process server, you’ll need a different $10,000 bond form. Visit our NYC Individual Process Server Bond page to apply.
How Much Do Process Serving Agency Bonds Cost in NYC?
The required $100,000 NYC process serving agency bond price starts at $1,000 for a 2-year term.
Exact pricing varies based on credit score. Your premium will also be prorated based on the purchase date. Apply now to get your free, personalized quote within one business day or less.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Process Serving Agency Bond Work?
This bond creates a legally-binding contract between three parties. As the principal, you are financially liable for upholding NYC Administrative Code Section 20-406.1.
| 3 Bond Parties | Description |
|---|---|
| Principal | The process serving agency owner(s) |
| Obligee | The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs |
| Surety | The issuing surety provider |
How Do I Get Bonded?
We’re here to make the bonding process quick and easy. Just follow these steps to get your process serving agency bond:
- Submit an online application
- Receive your quote within one business day
- Purchase your bond online or over the phone
- Sign and file the original bond with the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, Licensing Center
You’ll also need to submit a copy of the bond receipt showing that it has been paid in-full and does not expire before the end of your licensing period.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
If you apply before 3 PM CST, we can typically process and ship your bond same-day Monday through Friday.
There is a $20 fee for three-day shipping. Overnight and two-day expedited shipping options are also available.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
We can often approve applicants with sub-par personal credit scores. SuretyBonds.com works with many surety companies to offer low credit bonding solutions.
How Do I Renew My Process Serving Agency Bond?
NYC process serving agency bonds are valid for up to two years and expire on February 28 of even-numbered years. For example, if you purchased your bond on April 1, 2026, it would expire on February 28, 2028.
To renew, just pay your renewal invoice when prompted by the surety. Your bond will remain active as long as there are no claims or issues with the bond.
How to Start a Process Serving Agency in New York
If you're looking to start a process serving agency in New York City, you'll the following materials and documents to apply for a license.
- Basic license application
- All applicable business certificates
- Process serving agency background information form
- Roster of process servers
- Copy of $100,000 surety bond
- Process serving agency compliance plan affirmation
- Child support certification form
- Electronic device certification
- Record keeping certification
- Fingerprints and processing fee
- License fee
If you have any questions, give our surety experts a call.
