Georgia · Cases filed elsewhere
Serving Georgia Defendants in Out-of-State Cases
When a case is pending in another state but the defendant or witness is in Georgia, DFS handles the in-person serve and returns proof formatted for the issuing court.
Two sets of rules meet at the door
The court where the case is pending generally decides how its process may be served and who may serve it. Some forums also accept service made in the manner allowed where the defendant is found. Either way, the server should qualify under the rule the issuing court will apply.
DFS confirms before the first attempt that the server assigned meets the issuing court's requirements for that document. If the issuing court's rule points to Georgia law, DFS uses a server Georgia would accept for that paper.
How an out-of-state serve works
- Send papers and forum rulesInclude the issuing court's service rule or form if it has a special one.
- Server confirmedDFS matches the file to a server who meets that court's requirements.
- Serve and recordAttempts at varied times, recorded on body camera with GPS time stamps.
- Return the proofSigned proof sent to you for filing in the issuing court.
What DFS handles for out-of-state counsel
Service in Georgia for cases filed in other states, including foreign subpoenas issued through Georgia's UIDDA.
- Summonses from other statesPersonal or abode service on Georgia residents, as the issuing court's rules permit.
- Proof in the forum's formatCompleted on the issuing court's form or caption if you provide it.
- Foreign subpoenasService of Georgia subpoenas issued under the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act.
- Federal cases from other districtsService by a non-party adult, as Rule 4 and Rule 45 allow.
- Remote coordinationOne contact by phone, text or email, with no need for a Georgia office visit.
Foreign subpoenas and other limits
Georgia adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act at O.C.G.A. § 24-13-110 and following, effective January 1, 2013.
- The foreign subpoena is submitted to the clerk of superior court in the county where the witness resides, who issues a Georgia subpoena.
- The Georgia statute applies to subpoenas from jurisdictions that have also adopted the act, and not to criminal cases.
- DFS does not submit the request to the clerk or advise on enforcement; that is for counsel.
Questions about out-of-state cases (Georgia)
Do I need a Georgia attorney to domesticate a foreign subpoena?
Georgia's act says requesting the subpoena is not an appearance in Georgia courts. Whether you need local counsel for other steps is a question for your attorney.
Can DFS serve a Florida or Alabama summons in Atlanta?
Yes, as long as the method and server meet the issuing court's rules. DFS confirms that before the first attempt.
Will the proof work in my home court?
Send your court's proof form if it has one. DFS completes it with the details your court requires.
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.