Need a process server in Missouri City, Texas, for a Fort Bend County case? The city, home to 74,251 people, also reaches into Harris County. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can be delivered with an attempt within 5 business days, within 48 hours or within 24 hours, and the sender receives a signed Rule 107 Return of Service by email.
What a Process Server Costs in Missouri City: Three Flat Tiers
Pick the speed and the price follows. Standard Service is $69 for an attempt within 5 business days. Rush Service is $119 for an attempt within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service is $169 for an attempt within 24 hours. The pricing page has more, and the order form is how to place a job.
If you prefer an officer, constables and sheriffs charge fees fixed by the commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131, which can differ between Fort Bend and Harris counties. A private server is just an alternative.
Who May Serve Papers in Missouri City: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 permits three categories: sheriffs, constables and others authorized by law; adults 18 and older with a written court order; and persons certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. People who are parties or have an interest in the outcome are excluded. Clerks may use registered or certified mail on request. Under Government Code 156.001 and 156.053, certification comes from the Commission and expires on the last day of the month of its second anniversary unless renewed. The certification guide has more.
Where Missouri City Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Fort Bend County's seat is Richmond, where the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469, is about 13.1 miles from Missouri City. Cases tied to the Harris County portion would be handled in Harris County. Justice court takes civil claims up to $20,000 excluding interest, evictions and some lien enforcement. It cannot hear divorces, slander, land title or suits to enforce a lien on land.
County courts can hear claims over $200 up to $20,000 alongside justice courts, while statutory county courts share civil cases with district courts from over $500 to $325,000 before interest, damages, penalties, fees and costs. A justice court precinct is chosen by the address in dispute, and the county's justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Fort Bend County hub.
Eviction Notices in Missouri City: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
For suits filed on or after January 1, 2026, the landlord begins with a written notice to vacate. At least three days is required unless a written lease or agreement picks another period, and a nonpayment case may use a pay-or-vacate notice. Delivery by mail, inside the premises in a conspicuous place, by hand to a tenant who is 16 or older, or electronically if agreed in writing all qualify. Weekends and holidays count, though a last day on one moves to the next business day.
A private server may deliver this notice. A sheriff or constable alone serves the eviction citation, and after 5 business days without service from filing, the landlord can request an alias citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Missouri City Defendants
The usual rule is personal delivery of the citation and petition or registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. When it breaks down, Rule 106(b) allows a motion with a sworn statement or declaration under penalty of perjury that lists probable locations and the facts of efforts made. The court may then permit leaving the papers with someone over 16 or sending them through email, social media or another effective technology. Without a court order, a citation cannot be handed to a roommate or posted on a door. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Registered agents receive service for entities; presidents and vice presidents do for corporations, and the Secretary of State covers the gap if an agent cannot be located. A default judgment waits for ten days of proof of service on file, excluding filing and judgment days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Missouri City
St Luke's Sugar Land Hospital, 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478, is about 5.9 miles away. Houston Methodist Sugarland Hospital, 16655 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479, and Sugar Land Surgical Hospital Llp, 16906 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479, are each about 6.0 miles away. The Missouri City Police Department is the local agency.
Witnesses receive $10 for each day of attendance, paid by the summoning party when the subpoena is served, and a records custodian receives $1. Witnesses living within 150 miles of the county where the suit is pending can be subpoenaed. For documents from a nonparty, notice to all parties must come at least 10 days before service. Read the witness fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Missouri City
Missouri City ZIP codes are 77459 and 77489. Neighbors include Houston, Stafford, Sugar Land and Arcola.
Missouri City Process Server FAQ
Can papers be taped to a door?
Only with a Rule 106(b) court order. Without an order, a citation left on a door is not valid service.
What if the person avoids service?
Ask the court for substituted service under Rule 106(b), with a sworn account of where and how service was tried.