Who is allowed to serve a summons and complaint in Georgia?

The sheriff of the county where the action is brought or where the defendant is found, or that sheriff's deputy, or the marshal or sheriff of the court, or that official's deputy. Otherwise, only a U.S. citizen specially appointed by the court for the case, a non-party at least 18 appointed by the court as a permanent process server, or a certified process server licensed through a county sheriff may serve (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(c)).

Can I serve my own Georgia summons and complaint myself?

No. O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(c) does not include a party among the people who may serve initial process, unlike the federal default that lets any non-party adult serve. Service must come from an officer or one of the three private categories the statute lists.

Does Georgia have an official proof-of-service form?

Yes for a sheriff: the SC-2 Sheriff's Entry of Service is mandatory for superior courts under Uniform Superior Court Rule 39.7, alongside the SC-1 Summons. SC-2's signature block is for a sheriff, marshal, or deputy only, so a private or certified process server instead files a self-drafted affidavit that meets O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)'s content requirements.

How does someone become a certified process server in Georgia?

Certification runs through a county sheriff, not a state licensing board. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen at least 18, pass a fingerprint-based background check, complete a 12-hour Administrative Office of the Courts approved course, pass a state-law exam, and post a surety bond. The $80 fee buys a 3-year certification, renewable with continuing-education courses and a fresh background check (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4.1).

Does a Georgia proof of service need to be notarized?

For anyone other than a sheriff, marshal, or deputy, yes: O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)(2) requires a sworn affidavit, which under Georgia practice is notarized. An officer may instead sign an unsworn certificate. Georgia's 2023 Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act only lets a declarant skip the notary when physically located outside the United States at signing, so it does not cover an ordinary in-state server.

Is ordinary mail enough to serve a Georgia summons?

No. Ordinary mail is not a standalone method of serving an individual defendant under O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(e). Mail appears only within the sub-$200 tack-and-mail method, to complete corporate service through the Secretary of State after an earlier mailing, or for a defendant served in a foreign country.

Is there a deadline to serve or file proof of service in a Georgia case?

Georgia sets no statutory outer deadline for completing service after filing. Proof of service must be filed within 5 business days of the service date (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)); missing that deadline does not undo the service, but the defendant's time to answer does not start until the proof is filed.

Does Georgia abode service require mailing a follow-up copy?

No. Leaving copies of the summons and complaint at the defendant's dwelling with a resident of suitable age and discretion is valid on its own under O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(e)(7). Georgia does not add a follow-up mailing requirement to this method the way some other states do.

How do I serve later papers, like a motion, in a Georgia case?

Serve the attorney of record if the party is represented, otherwise the party, by delivery, by leaving a copy at the office, or at the dwelling if the office is closed or there is none, by mail to the last known address, or by consented email labeled STATUTORY ELECTRONIC SERVICE in the subject line. Proof is a certificate of service, and a self-represented party may sign their own certificate for these later papers (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-5(b), (f)).

Does this Georgia proof of service cover federal court, service abroad, or a government defendant?

No. Service on the federal government, a foreign country, or under the Hague Service Convention, and service in federal court under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, follow separate rules not covered on this page.

Georgia Proof of Service

Georgia limits who may serve a summons to a sheriff, marshal, or deputy, a citizen specially appointed by the court, a court-appointed permanent process server, or a certified process server licensed through a county sheriff, and a party to the case may not serve it.

Find out where you stand in Georgia

Where are you with service?

DocDraft provides document preparation, not legal advice.

Introduction

Georgia does not let a private adult non-party serve a summons on their own. Under O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(c), process goes through the sheriff, marshal, or a deputy, or one of three private routes: a citizen specially appointed by the court, a non-party appointed as its permanent process server, or a certified process server licensed through a sheriff. A party may not serve the summons. Mandatory statewide forms are the SC-1 Summons and SC-2 Sheriff's Entry of Service (Uniform Superior Court Rule 39.7). SC-2 is signed only by a sheriff, marshal, or deputy, so a private or certified server files a self-drafted affidavit under section 9-11-4(h) instead. That affidavit is sworn and notarized; the 2023 Unsworn Declarations Act skips the notary only for a declarant outside the United States at signing. An officer may sign an unsworn certificate instead. Ordinary mail alone does not serve an individual defendant. Mail appears only in the sub-$200 tack-and-mail method, to finish corporate service through the Secretary of State, or for service abroad. Abode service needs no follow-up mailing once copies go to a suitable resident. Georgia sets no statutory deadline to complete service (diligence case law governs), but proof is due within 5 business days, and the answer clock waits until filed. Later papers use a certificate of service that, unlike the summons, a self-represented party may sign. Federal, foreign, and government service follow separate rules not covered here. The affidavit is sworn, so never misstate service facts. Attorney review is available before you file.

Key Things to Know

1
Process is served by the sheriff, marshal, or a deputy, or by a private server who fits one of three categories: a U.S. citizen specially appointed by the court for the case, a non-party at least 18 appointed by the court as a permanent process server, or a certified process server licensed through a county sheriff (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(c)). Georgia's mandatory statewide forms are the SC-1 Summons and SC-2 Sheriff's Entry of Service under Uniform Superior Court Rule 39.7, but SC-2 is signed only by a sheriff, marshal, or deputy, so a private or certified server files a self-drafted affidavit instead.
2
Certification as a process server runs through a county sheriff, not a state licensing board. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen at least 18, pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check, complete a 12-hour Administrative Office of the Courts approved course, pass a state-law exam, and post a surety bond. The $80 fee (of which $30 funds the Georgia Sheriffs' Association registry) buys a 3-year certification, renewable with three continuing-education courses and a fresh background check.
3
Anyone other than a sheriff, marshal, or deputy must prove service with a sworn, notarized affidavit stating the date, place, and manner of service (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)). An officer may instead sign an unsworn certificate. Georgia's 2023 Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act lets a declarant skip the notary only when physically located outside the United States at signing, so it does not create a general declaration option for an in-state server.
4
Ordinary mail alone does not serve an individual defendant in Georgia under section 9-11-4(e). Mail appears only within the sub-$200 tack-and-mail method, which requires mailing a copy by certified or registered mail or statutory overnight delivery the same day the papers are tacked to the door; to complete corporate service through the Secretary of State; or for a defendant served in a foreign country.
5
Leaving copies of the summons and complaint at the defendant's dwelling house or usual place of abode with a resident of suitable age and discretion is valid service on its own under section 9-11-4(e)(7). Georgia does not require a follow-up mailing after abode service, unlike the mailed-copy requirement many other states attach to this method.
6
Georgia sets no statutory outer deadline for completing service of the summons and complaint after filing. Proof of service must instead be filed within 5 business days of the service date (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)); missing that deadline does not invalidate the service itself, but the defendant's time to answer does not begin to run until the proof is actually filed.
7
Later papers, such as motions, go to the attorney of record if the party is represented, otherwise to the party, by delivery, by leaving a copy at the office, or at the dwelling if the office is closed or there is none, by mail to the last known address, or by consented email labeled STATUTORY ELECTRONIC SERVICE in the subject line. Proof is a certificate of service, and unlike the summons, a self-represented party may sign their own certificate for later papers (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-5(b), (f)).

Key decisions before you file

Before you file a Proof of Service in Georgia, a few decisions shape the document: which option to choose and what each one means. The Proof of Service guide walks through them.

Open the Proof of Service guide

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IN THE [SUPERIOR OR STATE] COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA

[PLAINTIFF NAME], Plaintiff, v. CIVIL ACTION FILE NO. [CASE NUMBER] [DEFENDANT NAME], Defendant.

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE

Georgia's official SC-1 Summons and SC-2 Sheriff's Entry of Service are the mandatory statewide forms under Uniform Superior Court Rule 39.7. SC-2 is signed only by a sheriff, marshal, or deputy. This affidavit is for use by a citizen specially appointed by the court, a court-appointed permanent process server, or a certified process server under O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4.1.

I served [NAME OF PERSON OR ENTITY SERVED] with a copy of the Summons and Complaint, together with [LIST OF ADDITIONAL PAPERS SERVED, IF ANY], at [ADDRESS OR LOCATION OF SERVICE], on [DATE OF SERVICE] at [TIME OF SERVICE].

METHOD OF SERVICE

[ ] PERSONAL SERVICE. I served [NAME OF PERSON SERVED] personally by delivering the summons and complaint to that person, as O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(e)(7) requires.

[ ] ABODE SERVICE. I left copies of the summons and complaint at the defendant's dwelling house or usual place of abode with [NAME OF RESIDENT], a person of suitable age and discretion then residing there, as O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(e)(7) requires. No follow-up mailing is required for this method.

[ ] TACK AND MAIL. Because the principal amount in controversy is under $200, and after reasonable efforts at personal service described as [DESCRIPTION OF ATTEMPTS], I affixed a copy of the summons and complaint to the door at [ADDRESS] on [DATE] and mailed an additional copy the same day by certified or registered mail or statutory overnight delivery, as O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(e)(6) requires.

SERVER STATUS

[ ] SPECIALLY APPOINTED CITIZEN. I am a citizen of the United States, specially appointed by the court in the order dated [DATE OF APPOINTMENT ORDER] to serve process in this action, as O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(c)(3) requires.

[ ] PERMANENT PROCESS SERVER. I am not a party to this action, am at least 18 years of age, and have been appointed by [COURT] as a permanent process server in the order dated [DATE OF APPOINTMENT ORDER], as O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(c)(4) requires.

[ ] CERTIFIED PROCESS SERVER. I am a certified process server under O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4.1, certified through the Sheriff of [COUNTY] County, certification number [CERTIFICATION NUMBER], expiring [CERTIFICATION EXPIRATION DATE].

AFFIDAVIT

I declare under oath that the foregoing is true and correct.

[SIGNATURE OF SERVER] [PRINTED NAME OF SERVER] [ADDRESS OF SERVER]

Sworn to and subscribed before me this [DATE].

[SIGNATURE OF NOTARY PUBLIC] Notary Public, State of Georgia My commission expires: [DATE]

This affidavit must be filed with the [COURT] within 5 business days of the service date above, as O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h) requires.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF LATER PAPERS

I certify that on [DATE], I served a copy of [NAME OF DOCUMENT] on [NAME OF PARTY OR ATTORNEY OF RECORD] by delivery, by leaving a copy at the office with a person in charge, or, if the office is closed or there is none, at the dwelling with a person of suitable age and discretion residing there, by mailing to the last known address, or by email to an address the recipient consented to, labeled STATUTORY ELECTRONIC SERVICE in the subject line, as O.C.G.A. section 9-11-5(b), (f) requires.

[SIGNATURE] [NAME]

Georgia Requirements for Proof of Service

Only an Officer or a Court-Approved Private Server May Serve
Process is served by the sheriff, marshal, or a deputy, or by a U.S. citizen specially appointed by the court for the case, a non-party permanent process server appointed by the court, or a certified process server. A party to the case may not serve the summons and complaint (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(c)).
Certified Process Server Licensing Through a County Sheriff
A certified process server applicant must be a U.S. citizen at least 18, pass a fingerprint-based background check, complete a 12-hour approved course, pass a state-law exam, and post a surety bond. The $80 fee buys a 3-year certification, renewable with continuing education and a fresh background check (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4.1).
SC-1 and SC-2 Are Mandatory Statewide Forms
The SC-1 Summons and SC-2 Sheriff's Entry of Service are required for all superior courts under Uniform Superior Court Rule 39.7. SC-2 is signed only by a sheriff, marshal, or deputy, so a private or certified server instead submits a self-drafted affidavit meeting O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)'s content requirements.
Notarized Affidavit Unless an Officer Serves
Anyone other than a sheriff, marshal, or deputy must prove service with a sworn, notarized affidavit stating the date, place, and manner of service. An officer may instead sign an unsworn certificate (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)).
Ordinary Mail Does Not Serve an Individual Defendant
Mail alone is not a standalone method of serving an individual defendant. It appears only within the sub-$200 tack-and-mail method, to complete corporate service through the Secretary of State, or for a defendant served in a foreign country (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(e)).
Abode Service Needs No Follow-Up Mailing
Leaving copies of the summons and complaint at the defendant's dwelling with a resident of suitable age and discretion is valid on its own, with no follow-up mailing required (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(e)(7)).
Proof of Service Due Within 5 Business Days
Proof of service must be filed within 5 business days of the service date. Missing the deadline does not invalidate the service, but the defendant's time to answer does not begin until the proof is filed (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-4(h)).
Certificate of Service for Later Papers
Later papers are served on the attorney of record or the party and proven by a certificate of service, which a self-represented party may sign even though a party cannot serve the summons (O.C.G.A. section 9-11-5(b), (f)).

Find out where you stand in Georgia

Introduction

Key Things to Know

Key decisions before you file

Customize your Proof of Service Template with DocDraft

Georgia Requirements for Proof of Service

Only an Officer or a Court-Approved Private Server May Serve

Certified Process Server Licensing Through a County Sheriff

SC-1 and SC-2 Are Mandatory Statewide Forms

Notarized Affidavit Unless an Officer Serves

Ordinary Mail Does Not Serve an Individual Defendant

Abode Service Needs No Follow-Up Mailing

Proof of Service Due Within 5 Business Days

Certificate of Service for Later Papers

Frequently Asked Questions