MI Process Serving Laws
Process Server Laws in Michigan
13 laws and regulations governing process service in Michigan
Requirements to Become a Process Server in Michigan
License Required
No — Michigan does not require a license or registration. Any legally competent adult who is not a party or officer of a corporate party may serve process under MCR 2.103(A).
Age Requirement
18
Governing Statutes
Michigan Court Rules (MCR) Chapter 2: MCR 2.102, 2.103, 2.104, 2.105, 2.106; MCL 600.2559 (fees)
Special Requirements
No statewide bonding, training, or certification required. Cannot serve on election days (MCL 600.1831). Restrictions on service at religious services or in court buildings.
Allowed Service Types
Personal service, certified or registered mail with acknowledgment, substituted service on agent or resident for nonresidents/minors/guardians, court-ordered alternative service including publication, posting, or mailing (MCR 2.105, 2.106)
Michigan Process Serving Laws
Personal Service of Process in Michigan
Personal ServiceMCR 2.105(A)(1): delivering summons and complaint to defendant personally. Served.com MCR;
Process Server Registration/Licensing in Michigan
Process Server RequirementsNo statewide licensing/registration/bonding/certification required for process servers. No overseeing agency
Who May Serve Process in Michigan
Process Server RequirementsMCR 2.103(A): Legally competent adult (18+), non-party (not officer of corp party). Special cases (seizure/arrest/institution) restricted. Served.com
Proof of Service / Affidavit Requirements in Michigan
Proof of ServiceMCR 2.104(A)(3): affidavit (non-officials) or written statement verified under MCR 1.109(D)(3) "penalty of perjury" language. No notary required. Also MCL 600.1910(c) penalty of perjury. Served.com
Does Michigan require a notarized affidavit for proof of service?
Michigan requires notarized affidavit; MCR 2.104 governs return.
proof_of_serviceMichigan standard practice is to file a notarized affidavit of service. MCR 2.104 governs proof of service. The Mighty Affidavit Generator automatically includes a notary jurat block for Michigan filings.
Criminal Protections for Process Servers in Michigan
Server ProtectionNo specific statute elevating assault/threat/obstruction of process server to special crime (misd/felony). General assault laws apply
Property Access Rights for Process Servers in Michigan
Server ProtectionMCL 750.552(2): Trespass statute exemption for process servers on direct route to serve owner/occupant/agent/lessee. WomensLaw.org
Service by Publication in Michigan
Service by PublicationMCR 2.106: Court order when service under MCR 2.105 not reasonably possible. Served.com; MI Courts
Subpoena Service in Michigan
Service MethodsMCR 2.506(G)(1): Served anywhere in MI per MCR 2.105 manner (civil process service). Applies civil/criminal. Served.com; MI Courts
Family Law Service of Process in Michigan
Special CircumstancesNo unique statutes found; follows general MCR 2.105 rules, recommends process servers for initial papers due to safety. MI Courts Benchbook; MI Legal Help
Small Claims Service in Michigan
Special CircumstancesMCL 600.8405 / MCR 4.303: Certified mail (addressee only, except corp/partnership) or personal service; court may order alternate if not possible. MI Courts DCMM
Unique Provisions for Service of Process in Michigan
Special ProvisionsMCL 600.1831: No service election day/Sunday/church within 500ft (judge may allow w/affidavit cause). MCL 600.1835: Privileged - court attendees, legislators on session days (cert mail ok), extradited persons. No time-of-day or gated specifics. ServeNow; Served.com
Substituted Service in Michigan
Substituted ServiceMCR 2.105(B) individuals (nonresident agent+mail, minors/guardian, assumed name office+mail); MCR 2.105(I)/2.105(J)(1): court discretion alternate if cannot reasonably serve. Served.com
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