Affidavit of Service (Proof of Service)
Swear under oath that you delivered legal documents — such as a summons, complaint, subpoena, or notice — to a party in a lawsuit. Courts require a notarized proof of service before a case can proceed, and it is typically completed by a process server, sheriff, or any adult not a party to the action.
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Download a blank PDF template to print and complete manually.
Download Blank TemplateAffidavit of Service (Proof of Service) Affidavit — Frequently Asked Questions
What is an affidavit of service and why do courts require it?
An affidavit of service is a notarized sworn statement in which the person who delivered legal documents certifies when, where, how, and on whom they were served. Courts require it as proof that the opposing party received proper legal notice, because a case generally cannot move forward — and a default judgment cannot be entered — without valid proof of service on file.
Who can serve legal documents and sign an affidavit of service?
In most U.S. states, any person who is at least 18 years old and not a party to the case can serve documents and sign the affidavit of service. Many people use a professional process server or the county sheriff, and some states require registered process servers for certain case types, so check your local court rules.
How do I make a affidavit of service (proof of service) affidavit legally valid?
Fill in the affidavit of service (proof of service) affidavit, print it, and sign it in front of a Notary Public — do not sign beforehand. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Notaries are available at UPS Stores, banks, law offices, courthouses, and through online notarization services, and fees typically range from $2 to $25 per signature depending on your state.
Is this affidavit of service (proof of service) affidavit template free?
Yes. You can generate a completed affidavit of service (proof of service) affidavit PDF or download a blank printable template completely free, with no sign-up required. Your information is used only to generate the document and is not stored after the PDF is created.