Rules of civil procedure and service of process requirements for Maine.
Last updated October 22, 2026
Maine's rules for serving a summons and complaint are in the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, mainly Rule 3 (commencing an action), Rule 4 (process) and Rule 12 (time to answer). By statute, service of process in Maine is whatever the court rules prescribe (14 M.R.S. § 701).
Maine doesn't license process servers. Summonses are served by sheriffs and their deputies, other people authorized by law, or people the court specially appoints.
Disclaimer: Laws change, and this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Check the current Maine Rules of Civil Procedure from the Maine Judicial Branch or ask an attorney before relying on it.
Maine process servers
Process-serving software: ServeManager
ServeManager is process-serving software used by agencies across Maine. It tracks every attempt with date, time, GPS and photos, and generates affidavits of service from the job.
No. Maine has no state license, registration or certification for process servers.
Under Rule 4(c)(2), service can be made by a sheriff or deputy within the sheriff's county, by another person authorized by law, or by a person specially appointed by the court. The rule says special appointments "shall be made freely when substantial savings in travel fees will result." Unlike many states, Maine's rule doesn't say any adult non-party can serve a summons, so a private server who isn't a deputy should get a special appointment or confirm their authority before serving.
For a step-by-step guide, see Become a Process Server in Maine.
The plaintiff's attorney gives the server the original summons for the return, plus copies of the summons, the complaint and a notice about electronic service. These must be served together (Rule 4(b) and (d)). The electronic service notice tells represented parties they're subject to electronic service under Rule 5, and tells unrepresented parties how to opt in.
Mail the summons and complaint by first-class mail with two copies of a notice and acknowledgment form and a prepaid return envelope. If the acknowledgment isn't returned within 20 days after mailing, serve by another method.
Deliver a copy of the summons and complaint to the individual personally, or to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service. If the agent is one designated by statute, give any extra notice the statute requires.
Leave copies at the individual's dwelling house or usual place of abode with a person of suitable age and discretion who lives there. No court order is needed.
Minors and incompetent persons are served through a parent, guardian or other caretaker as set out in Rule 4(d)(2) and (3).
If service can't be made with due diligence, the court can order service by leaving the papers at the defendant's home, by publication, or by electronic or other means not prohibited by law. The motion needs a proposed order and an affidavit showing:
Publication runs once a week for three weeks in a row, starting within 20 days after the order. Alternate service is complete on the 21st day after the first service, or as the order says. The plaintiff then files an affidavit showing service was made. See What is service by publication?
A person subject to Maine jurisdiction can be served outside the state the same way as in Maine, by anyone authorized to serve civil process where service is made or by a specially appointed person. The server files an affidavit stating the time, manner and place of service.
In cases about specific property in Maine, and when personal service in Maine can't be made with due diligence, service outside the state can be made by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested. In Family Division cases, this mail service can be used whether the person is in or outside Maine. Mail service is complete when the receipt is signed or delivery is refused.
Service abroad can follow the foreign country's law, a letter rogatory, personal delivery, mail sent by the clerk requiring a signed receipt, or a court order. Personal delivery or court-ordered service abroad can be made by any non-party who is at least 18.
Look up registered agents with the Maine Secretary of State corporate name search.
Subpoenas are governed by Rule 45 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Check the current Rule 45 for who may serve a subpoena and the witness fee and mileage that must be tendered when attendance is required.
The person who serves the papers makes proof of service on the original summons, or on a paper attached to it, and returns it to the plaintiff's attorney. The attorney files the proof with the court within the time the person served has to respond. Anyone other than a sheriff or deputy proves service by affidavit.
The server also writes the date of service on the copy left with the defendant. Forgetting to do so doesn't make the service invalid. For service by mail with acknowledgment, the attorney files the signed acknowledgment.
Find process servers across the state in the Maine process server directory.
This page is a general overview of Maine law, not legal advice. Laws change. Check the current rules or talk to an attorney about your case.
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