Georgia · Dispossessory summonses
Serving Dispossessory Papers in Georgia
Georgia evictions run through a dispossessory proceeding. Who may serve the summons depends on the statute and on what the filing court accepts, so DFS checks first.
Who may serve a dispossessory summons
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-51 directs the summons to the sheriff or a deputy, a lawful constable of the county where the property sits, or an approved process server. The approved process server option was added by a 2025 amendment, and the statute does not define who approves the server.
Courts are applying it differently. Some county pages describe private process servers as an accepted route; some forms still address only the sheriff. That is why DFS confirms the court's position before quoting.
A dispossessory serve with DFS
- Send the filed papersIssued summons, affidavit and the property address, with unit details.
- Court confirmationDFS verifies the court's rule on private service before the first attempt.
- Attempt and servePersonal service first, then the statutory alternatives if they apply.
- Return the proofThe signed proof comes back to you for filing.
What DFS can do
Dispossessory summons service for Georgia landlords where the court accepts an approved process server.
- Court check firstDFS confirms whether the filing court accepts a private approved process server and what approval it requires.
- Personal serviceDelivery of the summons and affidavit to the tenant named.
- Statutory alternativesDelivery to a competent adult residing on the premises, or posting with same-day first-class mailing, as the statute allows.
- Recorded attemptsBody-camera footage, photos of any posting and GPS-stamped attempt logs.
- Proof for the magistrateSigned proof stating how and when service was made.
What DFS cannot do
Some steps in a Georgia eviction belong to officers or the landlord, not to a private server.
- If the court accepts only sheriff, marshal or constable service, DFS will say so and not attempt; file through the officer.
- DFS does not prepare demands for possession, three-day notices or dispossessory affidavits, and does not appear in court.
- Writs of possession are executed by officers such as the sheriff or marshal, not by DFS.
Questions about dispossessory (Georgia)
Can a private process server serve an eviction in Georgia?
Since 2025, the statute includes an approved process server, but it does not define approval and courts vary. DFS confirms the filing court's position before any attempt.
How long does a Georgia tenant have to answer?
Section 44-7-51 generally gives seven days from the date of actual service, with an adjustment when the seventh day falls on a weekend or legal holiday.
What does posting and mailing involve?
If personal service and service on a competent resident fail, the statute allows posting the papers on the door and mailing a copy first-class the same day.
Georgia guides
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related pages
More on process serving in Georgia.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information about Georgia practice, not legal advice.
Papers to serve in Georgia?
Send the documents and the recipient’s last known address through the request form. DFS confirms the county, service level and price in writing before the first attempt.
Questions first? Call or text (629) 310-8667 or email contact@delatorgroup.com.