Public Service Announcement

State of Ohio — Process Server Updates (last updated: September 21, 2025)

Important Updates for Process Servers

  • Rule Amendments in Progress (2025): The Supreme Court of Ohio has proposed amendments to the Rules of Practice & Procedure; public comments are open through October 24, 2025. These may impact service of documents, waivers, and related procedures.
  • Effective July 1, 2024: Several civil rule updates took effect, including clarifications to Civ.R. 4(D) & 4.7 (waiver of service, who may sign, and address requirements for future service).
  • Local Court Appointments: Some courts (e.g., Allen County) require annual applications for Standing Special Process Server status. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, avoid conflicts (not a party/counsel), and follow state and local rules.
  • Compliance Reminder: Review Ohio Civ.R. 4.0–4.7 and related provisions to ensure proper service. Non-compliance may affect the validity of service.
Download the Ohio PSA (PDF) ↗

Information only — not legal advice. Always check the latest Ohio Supreme Court rules and your local court’s administrative orders before serving.

Issued as a Public Service Announcement by Custom Design Couriers, LLC — promoting impartiality, fairness, and justice in Ohio process service.
Public Announcement Speaker

Public Service Announcement

State of Ohio – Process Server Updates & Announcements

  • New Minimum Standards (Effective July 1, 2023): The Ohio Supreme Court updated the Rules of Civil Procedure, requiring process servers to be at least 18, not a party to the case, free of disqualifying convictions, and familiar with service procedures.
  • Rule 4.1 Amendments: Clarified who may serve summons and under what conditions, promoting statewide uniformity and safety.
  • Local Court Appointments: Counties like Portage require applications for one-year or single-case appointments, valid Ohio ID, and signed confirmations of eligibility.
  • Service Deadline: If service isn’t completed within 28 days, the process must be returned to the clerk, who then notifies the requesting attorney or party.
  • Privacy Law Watch: House Bill 265 (effective April 9, 2025) strengthens protections for personal information, which may affect process server access to addresses.

Issued as a Public Service Announcement by Custom Design Couriers, LLC – promoting impartiality, fairness, and justice in Ohio process service.

📢 Public Notice – Process Serving Updates (Ohio Focus)

Published by Custom Design Couriers, LLC

At Custom Design Couriers, LLC, we believe that staying informed is key to fairness and justice. Each week, important updates emerge that affect how legal documents are served and how the public can protect their rights. This Public Notice is designed to keep Ohio residents, businesses, and legal professionals aware of the latest developments in process serving—presented clearly and accessibly.

1. Service Must Reach You Directly
The Ohio Supreme Court recently reminded everyone: if papers are delivered to an old address, service is not valid. If you’ve moved, update your address with the courts and any ongoing cases to avoid missed notices.

2. Watch for Process Server Scams
Scammers are calling and texting, pretending to be process servers and demanding money to “avoid being served.” Real process servers never ask for payment or bank info by phone. Hang up and confirm directly with the court or attorney.

3. Privacy Rules Under Review
Courts are reviewing how much personal information can be hidden when serving documents. Changes could affect skip-tracing and redacted records access.

4. Subpoena Rule Changes Coming
Federal courts are considering updates to the rules on subpoenas (Rule 45). Businesses and individuals who receive subpoenas may see new service procedures in the future.

5. Security Around Courts
With threats to judges on the rise, expect tighter courthouse security and stricter limits on serving papers near judicial residences.