Arlington sits in Tarrant County but its courthouse is in Fort Worth, which changes how a process server in Arlington, TX plans a job. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can be placed for an attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours, and the delivered papers come back with a signed Return of Service emailed to you. Roughly 394,265 people live in Arlington, and the courthouse for their cases is about 12.7 miles from the city.
Arlington Process Server Pricing: Three Flat Tiers
The Standard Service price is $69 and includes an attempt within 5 business days. The Rush Service price is $119 and includes an attempt within 48 hours. The 24-Hour Service price is $169 and includes an attempt within 24 hours. Full terms appear on the pricing page, and the order form is how you begin.
Constables and sheriffs are an option too. Their fees come from the county commissioners court (Local Government Code 118.131), so ask them for numbers. A private server is simply another path.
Who May Serve Papers in Arlington: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Under Rule 103, three groups can serve: sheriffs, constables and others authorized by law, adults 18 and over who hold a written court order, and persons certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The litigant who filed the case cannot serve, and neither can anyone who has a stake in how it ends. The clerk will mail the citation by registered or certified mail when requested.
The Government Code (156.001) defines a certified process server, and the certification needs renewing by the end of the month of its second anniversary (156.053). The certification and Rule 103 guide can help you choose.
Where Arlington Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Arlington is not the county seat. The seat of Tarrant County is Fort Worth, where the Tarrant County Courthouse stands at 100 West Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102, about 12.7 miles from Arlington by straight line. That gap is one reason to confirm filing logistics with the clerk before the day you need something stamped.
Justice courts take civil claims up to $20,000 with interest left out and evictions, but not divorce, slander, defamation, title to land or liens on land. A county court shares claims over $200 up to $20,000 and a statutory county court shares civil cases with the district court from over $500 up to $325,000. The justice court precinct is set by where the address in dispute lies; the county's justice court clerk can confirm it. Visit the Tarrant County page for more.
Eviction Notices in Arlington: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A landlord who files on or after January 1, 2026 has to give written notice to vacate of at least three days, unless a lease or written agreement sets another length. For rent defaults the notice may be to pay or vacate. Statutory delivery options are mail, delivery inside the premises in a conspicuous place, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, or electronic communication agreed in writing. Weekends count as days, but a deadline falling on one shifts to the next business day.
Once the suit is on file, the citation belongs to a sheriff or constable alone. If five business days pass without service, an alias citation can go to another qualified officer at the landlord's request. That boundary leaves private servers with the pre-suit notice.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Arlington Defendants
For divorce, the district court issues the citation. It is delivered in person or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If the defendant dodges both, Rule 106(b) lets the court approve another route, such as leaving the papers with someone older than 16 at a probable location or using email or social media, on a sworn statement of the locations and attempts. Without an order those shortcuts do not work. The Rule 106(b) guide shows the motion.
Serving an Arlington business means finding its registered agent. A corporation's president and each vice president also count as agents for service. The return, once filed, must wait ten days before any default judgment under Rule 107(h).
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Arlington
Texas subpoenas can be served statewide by a sheriff, constable or non-party adult, who delivers a copy and tenders any fee required by law. The witness fee is $10 for each day of attendance, paid by the summoning party, and the records custodian fee is $1. Within 150 miles of the county where the suit is pending is the limit. The witness fee guide walks through intake.
Arlington's hospitals in the data are Medical City Arlington at 3301 Matlock Road (0.8 miles), Baylor Scott and White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at 707 Highlander Blvd (1.3 miles) and USMD Hospital at Arlington at 801 W Interstate 20 (1.6 miles). Police records are with the Arlington Police Department.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Arlington
On file are 13 ZIP codes, including 76001, 76002, 76005, 76006, 76010 and 76011. Neighbors include Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Kennedale, Pantego and Dalworthington Gardens.
Arlington Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. As a party, you are barred under Rule 103.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent, or the Secretary of State if the agent cannot be found with reasonable diligence.
Can papers be taped to a door?
A citation cannot be, unless a Rule 106(b) order says so.