New Hampshire Process Serving Rules — RSA 510:2 & Superior Court Rules
Statutory Authority: New Hampshire RSA 510:2 establishes the foundational authority for service of process. Under this statute, any person 18 years of age or older who is not a party to the action may serve legal process in New Hampshire. This broad authorization ensures that professional process servers like Granite State Process Servers can operate statewide without geographic restriction.
Who May Serve: Unlike some states that require sheriffs or licensed investigators, New Hampshire allows any qualified adult non-party to accomplish service. Our servers carry professional identification and are trained in the specific technical requirements of each document type to ensure proper service is effected on the first attempt.
Methods of Service: In rem service (publication) is authorized for in rem proceedings when personal service cannot be made. For standard civil actions, personal service — delivery directly to the named defendant — is the gold standard. Substituted service at the defendant's usual place of abode is permitted when personal service cannot be accomplished after reasonable diligence, provided that a copy is left with a person of suitable age residing there.
Sheriff Service: Under RSA 104:4, sheriffs and their deputies may serve civil process throughout New Hampshire. In some high-stakes matters — particularly those involving volatile defendants or situations where professional authority may be needed — attorneys prefer to use the county sheriff's office. We can coordinate sheriff service on your behalf and handle the administrative logistics.
Proof of Service: After completing service, our servers execute a sworn affidavit of service that identifies the person served, the documents delivered, the method of service used, the date and time of service, and the exact location where service was accomplished. This affidavit is notarized and suitable for filing with any New Hampshire superior court or circuit court. The NH Superior Court Rules require prompt filing of the return of service with the court clerk.
Service on Corporations: Under RSA 293-A:15.10, service on a New Hampshire corporation may be made upon the corporation's registered agent, president, treasurer, clerk, or any other authorized officer or agent. Our servers maintain current registered agent information for entities registered with the NH Secretary of State and verify this information before each corporate service attempt.