New York Process Server Handbook

PREFACE: HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK

New York process serving is not one statewide checklist. The governing method depends on the paper, recipient, court, location, and any signed order. New York City adds licensing, electronic-device, record-production, agency, and audit rules that do not automatically apply to every service elsewhere in the state. This handbook therefore uses a scope-first method: identify the controlling source, execute only the authorized steps, and preserve evidence that permits later review.

Read Parts One through Four before accepting specialized assignments. Use Part Five to construct records and proofs from contemporaneous facts. Part Six applies only to the New York City licensing and electronic-record regime unless a contract makes a City control relevant elsewhere. Part Seven prepares records for a traverse without coaching testimony. Part Eight addresses safety, privacy, complaints, and agency governance.

PARTS INCLUDED

• Part One: Authority, Coverage, and Assignment Control
• Part Two: Service on Natural Persons
• Part Three: Service on Special Recipients and Organizations
• Part Four: Specialized Proceedings
• Part Five: Proof and Record Construction
• Part Six: New York City Licensing and Electronic Records
• Part Seven: Traverse and Evidentiary Preparation
• Part Eight: Field and Business Risk Management