How to verify a Texas process server's certification

Updated October 9, 2026 · General information, not legal advice. Rules quoted from the official Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; confirm current text and local requirements with the court.

Private process servers in Texas are certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC). The JBCC's FAQ says that anyone can confirm the status of a certified process server by checking the online licensing system. Here is how.

Check the official JBCC search

  1. Open the JBCC Licensee Search.
  2. For Program, choose "Process Server Certification". Leave Entity Type as "Individual".
  3. Enter the last name, or the certification number (format PSC-12345). For partial names the search page suggests wrapping the text in % signs, e.g. %smith%.
  4. Confirm the status is Active and the expiration date is after the date the papers were served.

The JBCC's FAQ says it is the server's responsibility to make sure their certification remains in effect before serving process.

Check the return of service

Rule 107(b)(10) requires a certified server's return to include his or her identification number and the expiration date of his or her certification. If those are missing or don't match the JBCC record, ask the server about it before the return is filed.

Things that are not proof

  • Badges. The JBCC says We do not issue badges. It issues certification cards on initial certification and renewal.
  • A company name alone. Only specifically named individuals are certified; per the JBCC FAQ, a company cannot be authorized to serve process. Ask which certified individual will serve.
  • Directory badges, including ours. Our Verified certified label means the person appeared as Active on the JBCC list we downloaded on October 9, 2026 (4,792 servers). Certifications can lapse or be disciplined after that date, so the official search is the final word.

Why some servers have no contact details

The JBCC search page notes that under Texas Government Code §2062.003 (effective June 20, 2025), state agencies may not provide certain personal information about licensees, and the JBCC provides contact information only for licensees who have authorized it. We follow the same rule: we show contact details only when the JBCC publishes them.

Problems with a server

The JBCC handles complaints against certified servers through its complaints page, but its FAQ notes it cannot decide whether someone was validly served in a particular case — that question goes to the court handling the case.

Sources

  1. JBCC Licensee Search (Process Server Certification)
  2. JBCC — Process Server Certification: Frequently Asked Questions
  3. Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Texas Judicial Branch, current edition; downloaded Oct. 9, 2026)