Anyone searching for a process server in San Antonio, TX is usually holding a stack of paperwork from a Bexar County case: a citation and petition, a subpoena, or a notice that has to reach a specific person. Those can be placed with an attempt within 5 business days, within 48 hours or within 24 hours, and afterward a signed Return of Service under Rule 107 arrives by email as proof. San Antonio sits wholly inside Bexar County and is also its seat, which keeps the filing question simple.
San Antonio Process Server Pricing: Three Flat Tiers
San Antonio's three tiers trade price for speed. Standard Service is $69 and aims for an attempt inside 5 business days. Bexar County clients who need it sooner can choose Rush Service for $119 and a 48-hour target. 24-Hour Service is the $169 option, aimed at an attempt inside 24 hours. Read more on the pricing page or go straight to the order form.
A constable or sheriff may also serve, and what they charge is decided by the Bexar County commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131. Ask their office for the current figure. Hiring a private server is just one more choice on the table.
Who May Serve Papers in San Antonio: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Texas keeps the list short. Under Rule 103 a sheriff, constable or other person authorized by law may serve, as may a person 18 or older whom a written court order authorizes, and so may anyone certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Plaintiffs, defendants and anybody with a personal stake in the case are shut out of the job. The clerk will mail a citation by registered or certified mail on request.
A certified server is one certified under Government Code 156.001, and the certification runs out at the end of the month of its second anniversary unless renewed. For a closer look, there is a certification and Rule 103 guide.
Where San Antonio Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Bexar County Courthouse stands at 100 Dolorosa Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, roughly 3.3 miles from the point used for the city in this data. San Antonio is the county seat, so the courthouse is within the city's own limits.
Civil claims of up to $20,000 with interest left out go to justice court, and so do evictions. Divorce, slander, defamation, title to land and lien-on-land suits do not. County courts overlap with justice courts between $200 and $20,000 while statutory county courts overlap with district court from over $500 to $325,000. Because the justice court precinct follows the address in dispute, the county's justice court clerk is the person to confirm which one applies. Browse the Bexar County page for the county overview.
Eviction Notices in San Antonio: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Landlords filing on or after January 1, 2026 must first give a written notice to vacate of at least three days, unless the lease or agreement sets a shorter or longer time. A rent default may call for a notice to pay or vacate under Property Code 24.005(a). The statute allows mailing, delivery inside the premises in a conspicuous place, handing it to a tenant aged 16 or older, or electronic delivery where the parties agreed in writing. Days include weekends and holidays, except that a deadline landing on one slides to the next business day.
When the sworn petition reaches the justice court, the citation is served by a sheriff or constable only. The landlord can request an alias citation for another qualified law enforcement officer if five business days pass after filing without service. That means a private server helps at the notice stage and not at the lawsuit stage.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for San Antonio Defendants
District court handles divorce, and the citation plus petition normally reaches the defendant by hand or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. When both fail, the petitioner asks for an order under Rule 106(b), backed by a sworn or penalty-of-perjury statement that names where the defendant is likely to be found and the facts of each prior try. The judge may then permit leaving the papers with someone over 16 at that spot or using another reasonably effective method, email and social media among them. Without that order, the papers cannot be handed to a roommate or left on a door; the Rule 106(b) guide explains.
Serving a business means finding its registered agent. A corporation's president and vice presidents are also agents for service (Business Organizations Code 5.255). Ten days must pass after the return is filed before a default judgment can be granted, per Rule 107(h).
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near San Antonio
Any non-party adult or a sheriff or constable can serve a subpoena statewide, delivering a copy and tendering whatever fees the law requires. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance and the issuing side pays at service; a custodian who produces or certifies records is owed $1. Witnesses living within 150 miles of the county where the case is pending may be summoned. A short witness fee guide covers the intake.
Medical records subpoenas might be directed to Baptist Medical Center at 111 Dallas Street (2.8 miles), Children's Hospital of San Antonio at 333 N Santa Rosa St (2.9 miles) or the UT Health San Antonio facility at 8311 Ewing Halsell Dr (4.0 miles). Police records belong to the San Antonio Police Department.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around San Antonio
There are 48 ZIP codes on file for San Antonio, among them 78201, 78202, 78203, 78204, 78205 and 78207, extending through 78259. Next to the city are Leon Valley, Shavano Park, Helotes, Windcrest, Schertz and Castle Hills.
San Antonio Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
You cannot. Anyone who is a party to the suit is barred, so pick an authorized adult or let the clerk mail the citation.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
The proof of service needs ten days on file with the clerk first.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent at the registered office. If the agent cannot be found with reasonable diligence, the Secretary of State is the fallback agent.