FOR ALL YOUR SURETY BOND NEEDS.
These surety bonds are general for all states.
Learn more about process server bonds, and apply today. Absolute Surety offers surety bonds nationwide through a convenient online application system.
Nobody wants to find a process server standing on their doorstep. A process server’s job is to deliver notification of some legal action against the recipient. Process servers must be licensed by the state or county, and in many jurisdictions, getting that license requires the applicant to obtain a process server bond, a type of license and permit surety bond.
These bonds serve as a guarantee to the state and the parties relying on the process server to deliver court documents to the right recipient in a timely manner and in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.
Most states, counties, and courts require process servers to purchase a process server bond in order to become licensed or to maintain a license. In most cases, the bond must be renewed periodically (typically every 1-2 years) to maintain a valid license.
In some cases, individual process servers need to obtain a bond. In other cases, the agency must purchase a bond that provides coverage for the entire agency.
A process server bond guarantees that the principal (the party purchasing the bond), performs its duties in a lawful and ethical manner. If a process server fails to do so—for example, by mishandling documents or deliberately not serving a defendant—a party who suffers a financial loss as a result has the right to file a claim against the bond.
In addition to the principal, there are two other parties to the surety bond contract: the obligee (the court or state licensing body that requires the process server bond) and the surety (the firm that underwrites and issues the bond).
When a claim is filed, the surety will investigate it to make sure it is valid. The surety will pay any valid claim as a matter of expedience. Ultimately, however, the principal is the responsible party and must reimburse the surety for the amount paid to the claimant.
The total required amount of the bond is determined by the obligee. It is typically higher for an agency bond than for an individual bond. The annual premium you will pay is a small percentage of this total bond amount. The premium is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the applicant’s personal credit, typically 1-3% of the bond amount.
Use our online system to apply for an agency or an individual process server bond. Or contact us to speak with one of our experienced agents.
