San Marcos is the Hays County seat, a city of 67,778 people that also reaches into Caldwell County, and a process server in San Marcos, Texas can take citations, petitions, subpoenas or notices to vacate to local addresses with an attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours. The signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed after delivery. The Hays County Government Center is only about 1.2 miles from the city.
What a Process Server Costs in San Marcos: Three Flat Tiers
The question is how soon the attempt should happen. For Standard Service the price is $69 and the attempt is within 5 business days. For Rush Service it is $119 and within 48 hours. For 24-Hour Service it is $169 and within 24 hours. You can see more on the pricing page or book through the order form.
Constables and sheriffs in Hays and Caldwell counties charge fees that each commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is simply another choice.
Who May Serve Papers in San Marcos: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Three kinds of server are named in Rule 103: officers and others authorized by law, adults 18 or older who hold a written court order, and persons certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A person with a stake in the suit, such as a party, cannot serve it. If the clerk is asked, registered or certified mail is an option. Certification is issued under Supreme Court order and ends on the last day of the month of its second anniversary unless renewed. The certification guide has more.
Where San Marcos Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Hays County Government Center at 712 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666 is in the county seat itself, about 1.2 miles from the city. A case on the Caldwell County side would go through Caldwell County's courts. Justice court covers civil claims up to $20,000 excluding interest, evictions and some lien enforcement, but not divorces, slander, land title or suits to enforce a lien on land.
County courts hear claims over $200 up to $20,000 along with justice courts. Statutory county courts hear civil cases from over $500 up to $325,000 along with district courts, leaving out interest, damages, penalties, fees and costs. The disputed address decides the justice court precinct, and the county's justice court clerk can confirm. The Hays County hub has more.
Eviction Notices in San Marcos: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A landlord filing on or after January 1, 2026 gives written notice to vacate first, at least three days unless a written lease or agreement picks another period. When rent is unpaid, a pay-or-vacate notice is available. Acceptable delivery includes mail, a conspicuous spot inside the premises, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, or electronic communication agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays count, with a last day on one moving to the next business day.
Delivering the notice is something a private server can do. The suit's citation can be served only by a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation may be requested if 5 business days after filing pass without service.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for San Marcos Defendants
A citation and petition are delivered to the defendant in person, or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. When that fails, Rule 106(b) lets the court authorize another method on a motion with a sworn statement or declaration under penalty of perjury naming probable locations and the facts of the efforts. The court order might let the papers be left with someone over 16 or sent by email or social media. A citation taped to a door or left with a roommate is ineffective without an order. See the Rule 106(b) guide.
A company is served through its registered agent, and a corporation's president or vice president can also receive it. The Secretary of State is the agent if none can be located. A default judgment cannot be granted until proof of service has been on file ten days, not counting filing day and judgment day.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near San Marcos
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos, 1301 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, is about 1.6 miles away. Ascension Seton Hays, 6001 Kyle Pkwy, Kyle, TX 78640, is about 10.6 miles away, and Resolute Health Hospital, 555 Creekside Xing, New Braunfels, TX 78130, is about 13.4 miles away. The San Marcos Police Department is the local agency.
A witness is paid $10 per day of attendance by the party who summons them, at service of the subpoena, and a records custodian is owed $1. A witness who lives within 150 miles of the county where the suit is pending can be summoned. Parties need at least 10 days' notice before a nonparty documents subpoena is served. Read the witness fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around San Marcos
San Marcos uses ZIP code 78666. Neighbors include Kyle, Martindale and Uhland.
San Marcos Process Server FAQ
Can papers be taped to a door?
Not without a Rule 106(b) court order. Without that order, a citation posted on a door is not valid service.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Ten days after proof of service is on file, leaving out filing day and judgment day.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent or a corporate president or vice president, with the Secretary of State as backup.