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Service of Process

To determine if it is appropriate to serve the Secretary of State, please review the Indiana rules of procedure.

Indiana Rules of Court - Rules of Trial Procedure

Serving a Business Entity -

  1. Serve the registered agent.
  2. If the business entity does not have a registered agent or if the registered agent cannot be served, the business entity may be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to the business entity’s principal office address

The Secretary of State does NOT maintain any other registered agent or address information other than what is on the public record.

Do not request service of process through the Secretary of State until you have attempted to serve the business entity via the steps listed above.

Requests for service must:

  • State that the Secretary of State is the agent of the person/corporation being served;
  • Include the last known address of the person/corporation being served. If no such address is known, that must be stated;
  • Provide three (3) copies of the summons and one (1) copy of the complaint for each defendant to be served;
  • Include a filing fee of $10.00 for each defendant to be served. Checks should be made payable to the Indiana Secretary of State.
  • If you would like a copy of the proof and affidavit of service, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Please contact our office with any questions by email: INBiz@sos.in.gov

Common Questions

Q. How long will it take to process my request for service of process?
A. Requests are processed and mailed to the defendant via certified mail within 2-3 business days of receipt. Proof and an affidavit of service will be mailed to the court when our office receives an update from USPS on the certified mail. If no update is received from USPS after 60 days, the affidavit of service will be mailed to the court at that time.

Q. Who can I call for updates on my request?
A. Updates are provided to the court by mail once proof of service is made available by USPS or, if no update is provided by USPS, 60 days after the initial request is mailed to the defendant. If your request was received more than 60 days ago, you may contact our office by email at INBiz@sos.in.gov for an update.

Q. Will you update me when the certified mail is received by the defendant?
A.  If you include a self-addressed stamped envelope, proof of service and an affidavit of service will also be mailed to you once proof is made available by USPS. If no return envelope is provided, only the court will receive the proof and affidavit of service.

Q. Is it appropriate to serve the Secretary of State in my case?
A.  Our office is unable to provide legal advice, please review Indiana Trial Rule 4.10 for guidance.