Arizona's Most Commonly Used Rules for Service of Process

Arizona's Most Commonly Used Rules for Service of Process (Updated 2015)

In Arizona, service of process is covered under several rules and statutes.  Most of the time, Process Servers are tasked with serving civil process.  The Supreme Court has devised a set of rules which Process Servers, Sheriffs and Constables must abide by in serving legal process.  Additionally, the legislature has passed certain statutes affecting service of legal process, as well (discussed separately).  The most common rules governing service of process are posted here:

(d) Service of Summons Upon Individuals. Service upon an individual from whom a waiver has not been obtained and filed, other than those specified in paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of this Rule 4.1, shall be effected by delivering a copy of the summons and of the pleading to that individual personally or by leaving copies thereof at that individual's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein or by delivering a copy of the summons and of the pleading to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process.

(e) Service of Summons Upon Minors. Service upon a minor under the age of sixteen years shall be effected by service in the manner set forth in paragraph (d) of this Rule 4.1 upon the minor and upon the minor's father, mother or guardian, within this state, or if none is found therein, then upon any person having the care and control of such minor, or with whom the minor resides.

(i) Service of Summons Upon Corporations, Partnerships or Other Unincorporated Associations. Service upon a domestic or foreign corporation or upon a partnership or other unincorporated association which is subject to suit in a common name, and from which a waiver has not been obtained and filed, shall be effected by delivering a copy of the summons and of the pleading to a partner, an officer, a managing or general agent, or to any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process and, if the agent is one authorized by statute to receive service and the statute so requires, by also mailing a copy to the party on whose behalf the agent accepted or received service.

(j) Service of Summons Upon a Domestic Corporation If Authorized Officer or Agent Not Found Within the State. When a domestic corporation does not have an officer or agent in this state upon whom legal service of process can be made, service upon such domestic corporation shall be effected by depositing two copies of the summons and of the pleading being served in the office of the Corporation Commission, which shall be deemed personal service on such corporation. The return of the sheriff of the county in which the action or proceeding is brought that after diligent search or inquiry the sheriff has been unable to find any officer or agent of such corporation upon whom process may be served, shall be prima facie evidence that the corporation does not have such an officer or agent in this state. The Corporation Commission shall file one of the copies in its office and immediately mail the other copy, postage prepaid, to the office of the corporation, or to the president, secretary or any director or officer of such corporation as appears or is ascertained by the Corporation Commission from the articles of incorporation or other papers on file in its office, or otherwise.

(k) Alternative or Substituted Service. If service by one of the means set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Rule 4.1 proves impracticable, then service may be accomplished in such manner, other than by publication, as the court, upon motion and without notice, may direct. Whenever the court allows an alternate or substitute form of service pursuant to this subpart, reasonable efforts shall be undertaken by the party making service to assure that actual notice of the commencement of the action is provided to the person to be served and, in any event, the summons and the pleading to be served, as well as any order of the court authorizing an alternative method of service, shall be mailed to the last known business or residence address of the person to be served. Service by publication may be employed only under the circumstances, and in accordance with the procedures, specified in Rules 4.1(l), 4.1(m), 4.2(f) and 4.2(g) of these Rules.