The Role of a Process Server?
Process servers are needed in an assortment of tasks such as filing court papers, serving legal documents, and document retrieval. Their principal job is to deliver or “serve” legal documents to a defendant or person involved in a court case.
Permanent Process Servers (PPS) are appointed on an annual basis. In order to be considered for appointment, petitioners must meet specific requirements for consideration. To become a PPS in DeKalb County, the requesting party must submit an official application for review and consideration by the Superior Court Chief Judge.
Court Approved Process Servers
What is required to become an approved DeKalb County Superior Court Process Server?
- Completion of a DeKalb County Superior Court Process Server Application
- Notarized Affidavit for Appointment of Permanent Process Server
- Provide a copy of applicant’s birth certificate/certificate of naturalization
- Provide results of a criminal background check populated within 30 days of application submission.
- Provide proof of completion of the Georgia Process Servers 12-Hour Pre-Certification Training
- Provide proof of successfully passing the Georgia Certified Process Server State Examination
- Provide proof of commercial surety bond or policy of commercial insurance
Please click the following link for more information about the Georgia Process Servers 12-Hour Pre-Certification Training, the 5-hour Continuing Education Course, and the Georgia Certified Process Server State Examination: https://georgiacourts.gov/ps/
Process Server Application Forms
Process Server Appointment Term
If approved, your Process Server Appointment will remain effective for a one-year period beginning January of the calendar year. All Process Server Appointments will be posted on the DeKalb County Superior Court website.
Please note that ALL approved process servers become inactive on December 31st of each year.
Process Server Application Process & Steps
- Download and complete the DeKalb County Process Server forms. PROCESS SERVER APPLICATION AFFIDAVIT OF PROCESS SERVER
- Submit all required documents to the current Chief Judge’s chambers. Applicants are encouraged to submit electronically to dnedwards@dekalbcountyga.gov with subject line PPS 202*. No jpg, png, or other pictures formats of documents will be accepted electronically. Scans must be in pdf and all documents should be included in one file per applicant. Note: Those submitting applications in bulk should inform the judge’s chambers during submission of applications. Applicants may also submit by mail to:
DeKalb County Superior Court
Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson
Chief and Administrative Judge
556 North McDonough Street, Ste. 7220
Decatur, GA 30030
***There are no submission cut-off dates or deadlines for renewal/new applications; therefore, applicants are welcomed to apply throughout the year but will only be approved for the duration of the current calendar year.***
- Once the Process Server Application is reviewed and a decision regarding appointment has been made, the petitioner will be notified via email. Appointment orders will be attached to the notification email, if approved. Please check spelling of names on the order at that time. Any corrections needed should be directed to dnedwards@dekalbcountyga.gov immediately; however, the names on appointment orders shall reflect the name submitted on the notarized affidavit.
- All approved applicants are required to efile his/her Process Server Order and Affidavit with the Clerk of Superior Court (G-50). The clerk will no longer accept paper documents for filing. If you need assistance with efile, you may appear in person at the Clerk’s office and receive assistance at their efile kiosk as of December 1st, 2021.
Click here to learn about the Process Server Order eFiling Process
