📨 Process Server License Requirements by State

Compare process server license requirements across all 50 states and DC — experience, exams, fees, and salary data.

Last updated 2026-05-08

By the numbers: 9 of 51 jurisdictions require a state-level process server license. Apprenticeship and Experience requirements range varies hours. Exam Application Fees range $25–$25. Most state Boards require Continuing Education at every Renewal cycle.
StateLicense RequiredExperienceExam FeeMedian Salary
ALAlabama Not Required $33,642
AKAlaska Not Required $47,950
AZArizona Required $25 $37,509
ARArkansas Not Required $32,482
CACalifornia Required $25 $53,364
COColorado Not Required $41,763
CTConnecticut Not Required $44,470
DEDelaware Not Required $38,670
DCDistrict of Columbia Not Required $49,497
FLFlorida Required $25 $37,123
GAGeorgia Not Required $35,963
HIHawaii Not Required $52,204
IDIdaho Not Required $36,349
ILIllinois Required $25 $40,603
INIndiana Not Required $35,189
IAIowa Not Required $34,416
KSKansas Not Required $34,416
KYKentucky Not Required $34,416
LALouisiana Not Required $34,803
MEMaine Not Required $37,509
MDMaryland Not Required $42,150
MAMassachusetts Not Required $47,177
MIMichigan Not Required $36,349
MNMinnesota Not Required $40,216
MSMississippi Not Required $32,096
MOMissouri Not Required $34,803
MTMontana Required $25 $37,123
NENebraska Not Required $34,803
NVNevada Required $25 $39,443
NHNew Hampshire Not Required $40,216
NJNew Jersey Not Required $45,630
NMNew Mexico Not Required $35,189
NYNew York Required $25 $50,271
NCNorth Carolina Not Required $35,576
NDNorth Dakota Not Required $36,736
OHOhio Not Required $35,576
OKOklahoma Required $25 $33,642
OROregon Not Required $42,537
PAPennsylvania Not Required $37,896
RIRhode Island Not Required $39,830
SCSouth Carolina Not Required $35,189
SDSouth Dakota Not Required $34,029
TNTennessee Not Required $34,803
TXTexas Required $25 $36,349
UTUtah Not Required $37,509
VTVermont Not Required $39,056
VAVirginia Not Required $39,443
WAWashington Not Required $45,630
WVWest Virginia Not Required $33,256
WIWisconsin Not Required $36,349
WYWyoming Not Required $36,736

Common questions about process server licensing

Do all states require a process server license?

No — 9 of 51 jurisdictions require a state-level process server license. The remainder license at the local or county level, or not at all. See the table above for the per-state breakdown.

How much does it cost to get a process server license?

Application fees across the states range $25–$25. Renewal fees and continuing education hours vary by jurisdiction — check the state-specific page for the exact numbers.

How many apprenticeship hours does a process server license typically require?

Required apprenticeship/work experience hours range varies across states, with most states requiring 2–4 years of supervised on-the-job training plus passing a board-administered exam.

Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with your state licensing board.