Georgia · Witnesses and records custodians
Subpoena Service in Georgia
DFS delivers subpoenas to witnesses and records custodians across Georgia for state cases, federal cases and foreign matters domesticated through the superior court clerk.
Subpoenas follow a different rule than summonses
O.C.G.A. § 24-13-24 generally allows a Georgia subpoena to be served by a sheriff, a deputy or any other person at least 18 years old. It also permits service by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, and service on a party through counsel of record.
Mail works when the witness cooperates. When a hearing date is close or the witness is reluctant, personal delivery with a clear record is the safer choice.
Serving a subpoena
- Send the issued subpoenaInclude the hearing or deposition date and any fee check that must accompany it.
- Confirm the timingChoose a service level that leaves the witness reasonable notice.
- Deliver and recordThe server hands the subpoena to the named person and records the exchange.
- Return the certificateA signed return or certificate of service comes back for your file.
Subpoena work DFS handles
Witness and records subpoenas served across Georgia, with personal delivery recorded for the return.
- Trial and hearing subpoenasDelivery to the named witness at home or work, recorded on body camera.
- Deposition subpoenasService timed to leave the witness reasonable notice before the date.
- Records custodiansDelivery to the custodian or the business's designated contact for document requests.
- Federal subpoenasRule 45 subpoenas from the Northern, Middle or Southern Districts of Georgia, served by a non-party adult.
- Fee tender with the papersAny witness fee or mileage check you provide is delivered with the subpoena and noted.
Subpoena limits
DFS serves the subpoena; it does not issue, enforce or negotiate it.
- Witness fee and mileage amounts are set by law and the issuing court; DFS does not calculate them.
- Objections, motions to quash and compliance disputes belong to counsel and the court.
- A foreign subpoena must first be issued as a Georgia subpoena by the superior court clerk.
Questions about subpoenas (Georgia)
Does a Georgia subpoena need a certified process server?
The subpoena statute generally allows service by any person at least 18. DFS still assigns a vetted non-party server and records the delivery.
How far ahead should a Georgia witness be served?
No single rule fits every case. Serve as early as possible and confirm notice expectations with counsel and the issuing court.
Can DFS serve an out-of-state subpoena in Georgia?
Yes, once it has been issued as a Georgia subpoena by the clerk of superior court in the county where the witness resides.
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.