How to Become a Texas Process Server
Learn how to obtain your Texas Process Server Certification
Overview
Requirements to Become a Process Server in Texas
Texas JBCC stands for Texas Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The JBCC Process Server Certification program certifies process servers and improves the standards for persons authorized to serve process statewide.
In order to become a Certified Process Server, you must:
- Initial Training Course: Complete the CODEX Educational & Legal Services 7-hour Initial Certification Online Course (no more than) one year of filing their Process Server Application. Upon completion of the course, CODEX Educational & Legal Services will provide you with a Certificate of Completion. You will this certificate for your application.
- Application: Submit the Application for Certification. You must apply for certification via the JBCC online licensing and certification system. To apply online, visit the Texas JBCC online licensing system here.
- First Time Applicants: Click on the "Process Server" tab. Then find the "First Time Applicant" link. Complete the application, ensuring you're entering correct spelling and information.
- Pay the certification fee. Pay the JBCC the required $200 first-time applicant fee via credit or debit card. The appropriate fee must accompany the application to be certified to serve civil process for a two-year period, and the orientation course certificate. The course must have been completed within the year prior to applying for initial certification, per section 8.2 (c) of the JBCC rules.
- Pass a criminal history background check with DPS and the FBI. Applicants that apply for certification online will receive the service code form via the automated email confirmation they receive after submitting their application for certification. If you don't see the email after submitting your application, check your junk or spam folders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How old do you have to be to be a certified process server?
18 years old.
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Where can I obtain the most current application for Process Server certification?
Forms are no longer available on our website. All applications must be submitted online through the JBCC website. To apply online, please go to the online certification and licensing system on the JBCC website. Incomplete applications will not be processed. https://jbcctexas.txcourts.gov/
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Can I submit my application to the Commission and then take an approved course?
No. The course must be taken prior to applying with the Commission, and it must have been taken within the prior year.
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How long will it take to process my application?
Applications are processed as soon as possible. Once your paperwork is processed, an automated email will be sent to the address on file. You can also track your status and confirm receipt via our online system. We strongly recommend that you check your email (including your spam folder) and/or the online system, prior to reporting to work to ensure you are certified or renewed to provide service. Providing services without a valid certification is a violation of the rules and may result in disciplinary actions.
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Will certified process servers be given ID badges?
JBCC doed not issue badges. JBCC will issue certification cards to certified process servers upon initial certification; and upon renewal of certification.
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Why is my application being delayed?
Applications are processed in the order received. Processing of applications may be delayed due to applications being incomplete, or review of criminal history background checks, etc.
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How long is my orientation course certificate valid?
Orientation/Initial course certificates are good for 1-year after course completion. If your course certificate expires before your application is approved, you will need to take the initial certification course again.
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If I've got a past conviction, how can I get an evaluation to determine my certification eligibility prior to applying for certification?
Under Rule 3.5 (c) of the JBCC Rules, if you are enrolled or planning to enroll in an educational program that prepares a person for an initial certification or license or are planning to take an examination required by the Commission, and you have reason to believe that you may not be eligible due to a criminal history, you may submit a written request to the Commission to issue a criminal history evaluation letter regarding your eligibility. The request must also state the basis for your potential ineligibility.
Email your request to the process server certification department:
Process Server Certification: [email protected]
Upon receipt of your request, staff will contact you with instructions on what procedures you must follow in order for us to obtain your criminal histories. Once the reports have been received, a determination will be made on your eligibility and you will be notified of the determination in writing.
Please note that evaluations are based solely on TX (DPS) criminal history reports. Once all certification requirements have been met, an updated DPS report will be generated as well as a national (FBI) report. If either report displays information not previously reviewed, a new determination will be made.