McAllen is in Hidalgo County, but the county seat and courthouse are in neighboring Edinburg, about 7.4 miles away, so a process server in McAllen, TX plans around that trip. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can start with an attempt within 5 business days, within 48 hours or within 24 hours, and a signed Return of Service is emailed afterward. McAllen has 142,194 residents on file and sits wholly in Hidalgo County.
McAllen Process Server Pricing: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service at $69 puts the attempt within 5 business days. Rush Service is $119 and gets an attempt within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service is $169 and gets an attempt within 24 hours. The pricing page shows them and the order form opens a job.
Hidalgo County constables and sheriff charge fees fixed by the commissioners court (Local Government Code 118.131). A private server is another option.
Who May Serve Papers in McAllen: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 excludes parties and those interested in the outcome. It permits sheriffs and constables, adults 18 or older with a written court order, and persons certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The clerk may mail a citation by registered or certified mail.
The law defining a certified server is Government Code 156.001. A server whose certification reaches its second anniversary must renew by the end of that month, and the Rule 103 guide explains what the credential means for your case. Whichever route you choose, make sure the person delivering the papers is not a party to your suit.
Where McAllen Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Hidalgo County Courthouse is at 100 North Closner Boulevard, Edinburg, TX 78539, about 7.4 miles from McAllen. Edinburg is the county seat, not McAllen.
Justice court hears civil claims up to $20,000 with interest left out and evictions, not divorce, slander, defamation, title to land or lien-on-land suits. County court overlaps from over $200 to $20,000 and statutory county court overlaps with district court from over $500 to $325,000. The address in dispute fixes the justice court precinct; the county's justice court clerk can confirm. See the Hidalgo County page.
Eviction Notices in McAllen: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
For suits filed on or after January 1, 2026, a landlord gives written notice to vacate of at least three days unless a lease or written agreement says otherwise. Unpaid rent can be handled with a notice to pay or vacate. Mail, delivery inside the premises in a conspicuous place, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, and agreed electronic communication are the approved methods.
Once the suit is filed, the eviction citation is served by a sheriff or constable. If five business days pass after filing without service, the landlord can request an alias citation for another qualified officer. A private server can deliver the notice only, and has no role in serving the suit. Weekends and holidays count toward the notice period, but a final day landing on one moves to the next business day.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for McAllen Defendants
Divorce lives in district court. Serve in person or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. If that fails, a Rule 106(b) order can allow leaving the papers with someone over 16 at a probable location or using email or social media, on a sworn statement of locations and attempts. Read the Rule 106(b) guide.
A business is served through its registered agent at its registered office, and the Secretary of State takes over as agent if that agent cannot be located with reasonable diligence. Ten days must pass after the proof of service is filed before default (Rule 107(h)). The return can be signed under penalty of perjury.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near McAllen
Anywhere in Texas, a sheriff, constable or outside adult may deliver a subpoena, handing over the copy and tendering what the law requires. A witness gets $10 per day of attendance, paid by the summoning party, and a records custodian $1. A witness within 150 miles of the suit's county can be called. See the subpoena guide.
Hospitals in the data: Rio Grande Regional Hospital at 101 E Ridge Rd (3.0 miles), Doctors Hosptal at Renaissance at 5501 South Mccoll in Edinburg (3.2 miles) and Cornerstone Regional Hospital at 2302 Cornerstone Boulevard in Edinburg (4.0 miles). McAllen has its own police department for records.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around McAllen
The data gives McAllen three ZIP codes: 78501, 78503 and 78504. Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Hidalgo, Palmhurst and Alton are the places around it.
McAllen Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party to the suit cannot.
How is a company served?
By delivery to the registered agent, with the Secretary of State available when no agent turns up.
Can papers be taped to a door?
Not without a court order.