Kentucky · Trial, hearing and deposition

Serving Subpoenas in Kentucky

DFS serves Kentucky trial, hearing and deposition subpoenas, including subpoenas for records, by delivering or offering a copy to the named person and returning proof in the form CR 45.03 contemplates.

SUBMIT A PROCESS SERVE REQUESTReview Kentucky pricing

A witness or records custodian must appear

Kentucky subpoenas are issued by the clerk, signed but otherwise blank for the requesting party to complete, and a Kentucky-licensed attorney may also issue one on behalf of the court. Once completed, the subpoena still has to reach the witness in time to be enforceable.

CR 45.03 generally allows a subpoena to be served by anyone who may serve a summons or by any person over 18, by delivering a copy to the person named or offering to deliver it, anywhere within Kentucky.

Subpoena service steps

  1. Send the completed subpoenaInclude the appearance date, any attachments and witness details.
  2. Quote and timingDFS recommends a service level based on the appearance date and confirms the price in writing.
  3. DeliveryThe server delivers or offers the subpoena and records the exchange on video.
  4. ProofSigned proof is returned for filing with the issuing court.

What DFS serves

Kentucky trial, hearing, deposition and records subpoenas delivered to the witness, with signed proof and video.

  • Trial and hearing subpoenasFor Circuit, District and Family Court proceedings.
  • Deposition subpoenasIncluding those that also command production of documents.
  • Records custodiansDelivery to the custodian or person named at a business, with name and title recorded.
  • Foreign subpoenasKentucky subpoenas issued by a Circuit Court clerk under KRS 421.360 for cases pending elsewhere.
  • Proof in usable formA certified statement or affidavit of service with date, manner and the name of the person served.

Subpoena limits

The requesting party is responsible for the subpoena's content and any obligations that come with it.

  • Questions about witness fees, mileage or objections belong with counsel; DFS does not advise on them.
  • Subpoenas are not served through Kentucky's eFiling system; the Supreme Court's eFiling rules point to CR 45.03(1).
  • Federal subpoenas follow Federal Rule 45, and counsel confirms what accompanies them.

Questions about subpoena service (ky)

Who can serve a subpoena in Kentucky?

CR 45.03 generally allows service by anyone who may serve a summons or by any person over 18. Confirm the current rule with the issuing court.

Can a subpoena be served outside Kentucky?

A Kentucky state subpoena is served within the state. For a witness elsewhere, counsel usually uses that state's process for foreign subpoenas.

How much lead time should I allow?

As much as possible. If the date is close, Rush or Same Day Rush can shorten the wait for the first attempt.

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.

SUBMIT A PROCESS SERVE REQUESTKentucky pricing map