Service Affidavit
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE – D.C. SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL DIVISION
Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division
| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| [PLAINTIFF NAME], | Plaintiff |
| v. | |
| [DEFENDANT NAME], | Defendant |
Case No.: [Case Number]
This form is for proof of initial process under D.C. Superior Court Civil Rule 4. Landlord and Tenant, Small Claims, Domestic Relations, Probate, and other branches may require a different rule or official form.
PROCESS SERVER
I, [Process Server Name], being first duly sworn, state:
- I am at least 18 years old and am not a party to this action.
- My residential or business address is [Street, City, State ZIP].
- My telephone number and email address are [Telephone] and [Email].
CASE PAPERS SERVED
I served the papers listed below. For initial service, identify the summons, complaint, Initial Order, any addendum to that order, and every other order the court directed to be served at filing.
| Paper | Date / Version |
|---|---|
| Summons | [Date] |
| Complaint | [Date] |
| Initial Order | [Date] |
| Addendum to Initial Order, if any | [Date / Not Applicable] |
| Other court-directed paper | [Description and Date] |
SERVICE DETAILS
- Defendant or party served: [Name]
- Person who received the papers: [Name]
- Date of service: [__/__/____]
- Time of service: [Time]
- Place of service: [Full Address]
Method used:
☐ Personal delivery – Civil Rule 4(e)(2)(A). I delivered the papers personally to [Name].
☐ Dwelling or usual-place-of-abode delivery – Civil Rule 4(e)(2)(B). I left the papers at [Defendant Name]’s dwelling or usual place of abode with [Recipient Name], who was of suitable age and discretion and resided there. The facts supporting those qualifications are: [Facts].
☐ Entity service – Civil Rule 4(h)(1)(B). I delivered the papers to [Recipient Name], who was [Officer / Managing or General Agent / Other Authorized Agent] for [Entity Name]. The facts supporting the recipient’s authority are: [Facts].
☐ Registered or certified mail – Civil Rule 4(c)(4). On [Date], I posted the papers by [Registered / Certified] mail, return receipt requested, to [Name and Address]. The signed receipt is attached. If someone other than the named defendant signed, the facts establishing that signer’s authority to receive process are: [Facts].
☐ Court-authorized alternative service – Civil Rule 4(e)(3). I served the papers by [Method] under the order dated [Date], attached as [Exhibit]. The facts showing compliance with that order are: [Facts].
AFFIANT’S OATH
I declare under oath that the foregoing facts are true and correct.
__________________________________
[Process Server Name], Affiant
Date: [__/__/____]
NOTARIZATION
District of Columbia, ss.:
Subscribed and sworn to or affirmed before me on [__/__/____] by [Process Server Name].
__________________________________
Notary Public
My commission expires: [Date]
FILING NOTE
Civil Rule 4(m)(1)(A) generally requires a separate acknowledgment or proof of service for each nonresponding defendant within 60 days after the complaint is filed. The rule contains exceptions, including different deadlines for certain foreclosure, collection, subrogation, and international-service matters.
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
About This Template
These are the filings that drive a lawsuit through the system: complaints, answers, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and post-judgment papers. Each has its own format requirements under federal and state procedural rules, and each has a deadline that cannot be missed without consequences. Clean, procedurally correct filings move a case forward; sloppy ones invite motions to strike, amended responses, and avoidable delays.
Important Notice
This template is provided for informational purposes. It is not legal advice. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.
Last updated: July 2026
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