Kentucky · Forcible detainer
Forcible Detainer and Eviction Papers in Kentucky
Kentucky evictions proceed as forcible detainer actions in District Court, and the warrant is directed to the sheriff or a constable. DFS explains plainly what it can serve for landlords and what it cannot.
How Kentucky evictions are served
Kentucky calls an eviction a forcible detainer. The landlord files a forcible detainer complaint in District Court, and under KRS 383.210 a warrant issues to the sheriff or any constable, who gives the tenant notice of the trial. After judgment, the warrant for possession is also directed to the sheriff or a constable.
That means the core eviction papers are not served by a private process server in the ordinary course. Landlords still have other papers that need reliable delivery.
What DFS can do for landlords
Kentucky forcible detainer warrants go to the sheriff or a constable; DFS handles related civil papers landlords need served.
- Civil suits for rent or damagesSummonses in separate Circuit or District Court suits, where the court permits service by an authorized private person.
- SubpoenasSubpoenas for witnesses in landlord-tenant hearings.
- Documented noticesHand delivery of a landlord's notice, with video and a signed delivery record, when counsel confirms personal delivery is a permitted method.
- Business tenantsService on a commercial tenant's registered agent or officer in a related civil suit.
- Clear recordsGPS-stamped logs and footage for every attempt.
Working with DFS on landlord matters
- Identify the documentTell DFS whether it is a forcible detainer warrant, a civil summons, a subpoena or a notice.
- Route checkDFS confirms whether a private server may deliver that document; if not, it says so.
- DeliveryThe server attempts delivery at varied times and records each contact.
- ReturnSigned proof or a delivery record is returned to you.
What DFS does not do
The sheriff and constables carry out the court's eviction process in Kentucky.
- DFS does not serve forcible detainer warrants or execute warrants for possession.
- DFS does not remove tenants, change locks or attend set-outs.
- Notice periods and lease requirements are for counsel to confirm; DFS does not advise on them.
Questions about evictions (ky)
Can a private process server serve a Kentucky eviction?
KRS 383.210 directs the forcible detainer warrant to the sheriff or any constable, so DFS does not serve it.
Which court hears Kentucky evictions?
Forcible detainer complaints are filed in District Court.
What can DFS serve for my property business?
Summonses in separate civil suits for rent or damages, subpoenas, and documented notices where counsel confirms hand delivery is allowed.
Kentucky guides
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related pages
More on process serving in Kentucky.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information about Kentucky practice, not legal advice.
Papers to serve in Kentucky?
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.