South Carolina · 5–7 day first attempt
Routine Process Serving in South Carolina
Routine is the base service level in South Carolina: DFS makes the first attempt within 5–7 days of receiving service-ready papers, at the county's published starting rate.
When the 120-day window is still open
South Carolina generally treats an action as commenced on filing only if actual service follows within 120 days (SCRCP Rule 3(a); S.C. Code § 15-3-20). When a complaint was filed recently and the statute of limitations is not close, a week to the first attempt is usually enough.
Routine sets the starting point that every faster level is priced from. Picking it changes how soon the first knock happens, not how carefully the serve is made or recorded.
Included at the Routine rate
First attempt in 5–7 days at the county starting rate, with body-camera and GPS documentation on every serve.
- First attempt in 5–7 daysCounted from receipt of service-ready papers and an approved written quote.
- Attempts at varied timesFollow-up visits are spread across mornings, evenings and different days of the week.
- Body-camera recordingThe serve is filmed from approach through handoff, with timestamps.
- GPS attempt logEvery visit, including unsuccessful ones, is logged with time and location.
- Affidavit of servicePrepared under SCRCP Rule 4(g) and signed by the person who made service.
What it costs in Greenville County
Every South Carolina county has its own published starting rate, from $125 to $230 for Routine service. Look up any county on the South Carolina pricing map or the five-state map.
Greenville County · South Carolina
Published starting rates. Final pricing depends on the address, urgency and document readiness and is confirmed in writing before the first attempt. *Same Day Rush availability is assessed case by case; any request for service within 24 hours is billed as Same Day Rush. Outside Tennessee, DFS provides process serving only.
How a Routine serve runs
- Look up the countyRoutine starting rates run from $125 to $230 depending on the county.
- Send papers and addressesInclude every address you have and any schedule details that help timing.
- Approve the quoteAttempts begin after the county, level and price are confirmed in writing.
- File the affidavitDFS returns the signed affidavit for filing with the clerk.
Greenville County example
| Routine | Urgent | |
|---|---|---|
| First attempt | 5–7 days | 3–5 days |
| Starting rate | $125 | $188 |
| Documentation | Full standard | Full standard |
Routine timing limits
The 5–7 day window covers the first attempt only. The number of attempts depends on the recipient and the address.
- If a deadline is less than about a week away, choose Urgent or Rush.
- Unfiled or incomplete papers delay the start of the clock.
- Rural counties carry higher starting rates because of distance from major metro areas.
Questions about routine process serving
What does Routine cost in Greenville County?
The Routine starting rate in Greenville County is $125. Your written quote confirms the final price for the address.
Does Routine get fewer attempts than Rush?
No. The level sets how quickly the first attempt happens. Follow-up attempts and documentation follow the same standard.
Can I move a Routine order to a faster level?
Yes. Contact DFS and the order can be requoted at Urgent or Rush if the field schedule allows.
South Carolina guides
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related pages
More on process serving in South Carolina.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information about South Carolina practice, not legal advice.
Papers to serve in South Carolina?
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.