Kentucky · Cases filed elsewhere
Serving Papers in Kentucky for Out-of-State Cases
DFS serves people and businesses in Kentucky for cases pending in other states and in federal courts, and serves Kentucky subpoenas issued under the state's Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act.
The case is elsewhere; the person is in Kentucky
When a case is filed in another state, the method of service usually follows the law of the state where the case is pending, and many states allow service by any adult non-party. Counsel confirms what the home court requires, and DFS serves in Kentucky under that standard.
Subpoenas work differently. Under KRS 421.360, a party submits the foreign subpoena to the clerk of the Circuit Court in the Kentucky county where the deposition or production is sought. The clerk issues a Kentucky subpoena incorporating its terms, which is then served under Kentucky's rules for subpoenas.
How it works
- Send the papers and the home ruleTell DFS the issuing court and any proof form it requires.
- Requirement checkDFS confirms the assigned server meets the issuing court's requirements for that document.
- ServiceAttempts at varied times in the Kentucky county.
- ProofCompleted proof is returned for filing in the issuing court.
What DFS handles
Kentucky service for cases filed in other states, including subpoenas issued under KRS 421.360.
- Summonses from other statesPersonal delivery in Kentucky under the issuing court's rules, with its proof form completed.
- Federal summonsesService under Federal Rule 4 for cases in any federal district.
- Domesticated subpoenasKentucky subpoenas issued by a Circuit Court clerk under KRS 421.360.
- Out-of-state proof formatsThe issuing court's affidavit or proof form, signed by the person who served.
- Kentucky county pricingA written quote using the Kentucky county's starting rate.
Limits
DFS serves; it does not domesticate subpoenas or appear in Kentucky courts.
- Submitting the foreign subpoena to the Circuit Court clerk is done by counsel or the requesting party.
- Submitting a foreign subpoena under KRS 421.360 is not an appearance in Kentucky courts, but motions about it go to that Circuit Court.
- DFS does not give advice on choice of law or service methods.
Questions about out-of-state clients (ky)
Does Kentucky have the UIDDA?
Yes. KRS 421.360 is Kentucky's Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, effective July 15, 2008.
Which clerk issues the Kentucky subpoena?
The clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the deposition or production is sought.
Can DFS serve a Kentucky defendant for a Tennessee case?
Yes. DFS serves in Tennessee and Kentucky, and the Tennessee rules apply to how a Tennessee summons is served.
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.