Need a process server in Houston, Texas, for a Harris County case? Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can be placed for an attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours, depending on the tier. Once the papers are delivered, a signed Return of Service in Rule 107 form is emailed to you. Houston is the county seat, and part of the city also lies in Fort Bend County, so the first question on any job is which county's court holds the case.
What a Process Server Costs in Houston: Three Flat Tiers
The price depends on speed, not on how big the city is. Standard Service is $69 and the attempt comes within 5 business days. Rush Service is $119 and the attempt comes within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service is $169 and the attempt comes within 24 hours. Details are on the pricing page, and jobs start at the order form.
Constables and sheriffs are another route, and their fees are set by each county's commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131, so ask the office directly. A private server is simply a second option.
Who May Serve Papers in Houston: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 names three groups: a sheriff, constable or other person authorized by law; an adult aged 18 or older authorized by law or by written court order; and a person certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A party or anyone interested in the outcome cannot serve, so the plaintiff is out. If requested, the clerk can send the citation by registered or certified mail. Certification is defined in Government Code 156.001 and expires on the last day of the month of its second anniversary unless renewed. The Rule 103 certification guide has more.
Where Houston Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Harris County's Civil Courthouse is at 201 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77002, about 2.5 miles from the city's center point, and Houston is the county seat.
Justice courts hear civil claims up to $20,000 without interest counted, plus evictions and some lien enforcement. They cannot hear divorce, slander, defamation, title to land or suits to enforce a lien on land. A county court shares authority with justice courts for amounts over $200 up to $20,000 and a statutory county court shares authority with district court for civil cases over $500 up to $325,000. The precinct is set by where the address in dispute lies; the county's justice court clerk can confirm it. More is on the Harris County page.
Eviction Notices in Houston: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
For suits filed on or after January 1, 2026, a landlord must give at least three days' written notice to vacate unless a written lease or agreement sets another period. Nonpayment cases use a notice to pay rent or vacate as Property Code 24.005(a) describes. Delivery can be by mail, inside the premises in a conspicuous place, or hand delivery to any tenant 16 or older, or electronic communication if agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays count, but a last day landing on one moves to the next business day.
After the sworn petition is filed in justice court, only a sheriff or constable may serve the eviction citation. If it is not served within 5 business days of filing, the landlord can ask for an alias citation to go to another qualified law enforcement officer. A private server can deliver the pre-suit notice to vacate but not the suit itself.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Houston Defendants
Divorce is filed in district court. The citation and petition go to the defendant in person, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. If that fails, Rule 106(b) lets the court authorize leaving the papers with anyone older than 16 at a location where the defendant can probably be found, or another reasonably effective method such as email or social media. That requires a motion with a sworn statement listing the locations and the specific attempts made. Without the order, a citation cannot be left with a roommate or posted on a door. See the Rule 106(b) guide.
Companies are served through a registered agent (Business Organizations Code 5.201), and if the agent cannot be found with reasonable diligence the Secretary of State becomes the agent. No default judgment is allowed until proof of service has been on file ten days, excluding filing day and judgment day (Rule 107(h)).
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Houston
A subpoena can be served anywhere in Texas by a sheriff, constable or any non-party 18 or older, by delivering a copy and tendering required fees. The witness fee is $10 per day of attendance, paid by the summoning party at service, and a records custodian is entitled to $1. A witness within 150 miles of the county where the suit is pending can be subpoenaed. The witness fee guide covers intake.
For medical records, nearby hospitals in the data include St Joseph Medical Center at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway (about 2.9 miles), Memorial Hermann Hospital System at 1635 North Loop West (about 3.1 miles) and HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center at 1313 Hermann Dr (about 4.4 miles). The Houston Police Department is the local police agency.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Houston
Houston covers 86 ZIP codes in this data, from 77002, 77003 and 77004 through 77489 and 77598. Neighboring places are Pasadena, Bellaire, Missouri City, Humble, Galena Park and South Houston.
Houston Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party to the suit cannot serve process in it. Use an authorized adult under Rule 103 or ask the clerk to mail the citation.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Not until proof of service has been on file with the clerk for ten days.
What if the person avoids service?
Record where they can likely be found and what happened at each try, then ask the court for substituted service under Rule 106(b).