Tennessee Process Server Bond Guide
In Tennessee, all process servers operating in Shelby or Knox County must file a surety bond to operate.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To ensure process servers follow the law when delivering court documents
- Who Needs It: Any person registering to become a process server in Tennessee
- Regulating Body: Local county courts
- Required Coverage: $5,000 for Knox County or $15,000 for Shelby County
- Premium Rate: $100
Keep scrolling to learn more about the bonding process.
What Is a Tennessee Process Server Bond?
This type of license and permit bond holds process servers accountable for following state regulations. All private process servers operating in Shelby County or Knox County must file a process server bond to register with the county clerk.
How Much Do Process Server Bonds Cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee process server bond premiums cost a flat rate of $100 — no credit check required! Buy your bond instantly online now.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Tennessee Process Server Bond Work?
A Tennessee process server bond is a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: The process server purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The county requiring the bond
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
Under this contract, you, as the principal, promise to uphold the provisions of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 4.01.
If you break the bond terms, harmed parties can file claims on the bond. The surety will validate and pay claims up to the full bond amount. However, you are ultimately responsible for refunding the surety.
Who Needs a Process Server Bond?
In Tennessee, only Shelby and Knox counties have a bonding requirement for process servers.
- Process servers in Shelby County need $15,000 bond coverage.
- Knox County requires $5,000 or $15,000 bond coverage.
Contact the Knox County General Sessions Court Clerk to verify your bond requirement.
How Do I Get a Process Server Bond in Tennessee?
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a process server bond. Follow these steps to buy your bond instantly:
- Enter Information: Fill out the quick request form on this page
- Pay Invoice: Complete your purchase online or over the phone
- Receive Bond: Select your FedEx shipping option to receive your official bond form
Upon receipt, sign and file the bond documentation with your county clerk.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
If you’re in a rush, SuretyBonds.com offers overnight FedEx delivery. Purchase now to receive your original bond form the next day.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, this bond does not require a credit check. All applicants are automatically approved at the same price, regardless of credit score.
How Do I Renew My Process Server Bond?
Tennessee process server bonds expire annually. When you work with SuretyBonds.com, we’ll send you reminders and a renewal invoice before your bond expires.
Once you pay your renewal premium, you’ll receive a continuation certificate to keep your bond active for another year. File this with your county clerk as instructed.
How to Become a Process Server in Tennessee
Tennessee doesn’t have statewide licensing for process servers. Generally, anyone over the age of 18 who is not a party to the court case can serve court papers.
However, Shelby and Knox Counties have specific requirements.
Shelby County Process Server Licensing
To apply for appointment as a process server in Shelby County, you must file a petition with the county clerk. Gather the following supporting documents:
- Shelby County business license
- Application packet
- Background check
- Endorsement from five licensed attorneys
- $15,000 surety bond
- $45 fee to the Shelby County Clerk
- $32 money order to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department
- $20.65 fee paid online
Once approved, you’ll receive your private process server ID and can begin serving legal documents.
Knox County Process Server Licensing
In Knox County, the county sheriff typically serves court orders. However, private process servers can operate if they complete an appointment process and file a surety bond.
Contact the Knox County General Sessions Court Clerk for more information.
