CIVIL PROCESS SERVICE
Civil Process Information
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office accepts civil process documents for service in Frederick County, Maryland, including documents issued by Maryland courts and out-of-state courts.
Filers may also choose to use a private process server or any individual who is 18 years of age or older to serve documents. All methods of service must include a completed Affidavit of Service returned to the court.
Service Document Requirements
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office will only accept documents for service when the defendant is believed to:
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Reside in Frederick County, MD, or
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Work in Frederick County, MD
Documents requiring service outside Frederick County must be sent to the appropriate Sheriff’s Office for that jurisdiction.
Documents We Accept
To be accepted for service:
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The document expiration date must be at least two (2) weeks away
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Show Cause Orders must have at least 10 business days remaining before expiration
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Documents must include:
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The issued Writ or Show Cause Order
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A copy of the original petition filed with the court
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Helpful Information to Include
When mailing documents, please include any additional information that may assist with timely service, such as:
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Date of birth
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Employer information
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Vehicle make/model/color
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Other identifying details
Unless otherwise requested, proof of service or non-service will be returned directly to the originating court.
Important Timeframes
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Writs of Summons expire 60 days from the date issued
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Show Cause Orders will list the required service deadline on the document
Service Process
Once documents are accepted:
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The paperwork is assigned to a Constable
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The Constable attempts service at residences and/or workplaces
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Every reasonable effort is made to personally serve the named defendant
Fees
Circuit Court & Out-of-State Documents
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$60 per paper, per person
(Effective October 1, 2022)
If filing electronically through MDEC and requesting Sheriff’s Service, payment is made during filing.
Accepted Payment Methods
By Mail:
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Check or money order payable to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
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No starter checks accepted
In Person:
Accepted forms of payment:
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Exact cash
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Check
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Money order
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Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
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Debit card
Please note:
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The physical card must be presented
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Cardholder must be present
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A 2.5% processing fee applies to card payments
Example:
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$60 service fee = $61.50 total by card
Refunds
If the Sheriff’s Office is unable to serve the documents:
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Half of the service fee will be refunded
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Processing fees are non-refundable
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Refunds are issued monthly by Frederick County Accounts Payable
District Court Documents
All District Court documents must first be processed through the Civil Clerk’s Office in the original jurisdiction before being sent to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office for service.
Service fees vary depending on the type of document.
If filing in person and paying by cash or card, you may be directed to the Civil Process Unit to complete payment before returning to the Clerk’s Office.
Accepted payment methods are the same as listed above.
Return of Service Documentation
After service is completed:
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The assigned Constable files a Return of Service
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The Sheriff’s Office sends the completed return to the appropriate court
If service cannot be completed after multiple attempts:
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A Non-Est Return will be filed with the court
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The requesting party will receive the applicable refund
If the Constable believes the defendant is intentionally avoiding service, those findings will be documented in the Non-Est Return.
Checking the Status of Service
Please allow time for service attempts to be completed. Some papers are served quickly, while others may take longer depending on circumstances.
You may check the status of service in one of the following ways:
1. Online Case Search
Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search: Click here for the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Website
The court updates the site once return documents are received from the Sheriff’s Office.
2. Wait for Court Notification
The court may notify you directly of your scheduled court date.
3. Call the Civil Process Unit
Please wait at least 10 business days before calling.
You must have your court case number available.
Phone: (301) 600-2152
Location & Hours
The Civil Process Unit is located on the 2nd floor of the Frederick County Courthouse.
Office Hours:
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Monday through Friday
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Closed on holidays and during weather closures
Please call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
After-hours callers may leave:
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Name
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Contact number
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Reason for calling
Messages will be returned on the next business day.
Please note, this office deals only with civil paperwork service process and court security matters. ALL other Sheriff’s office issues can be addressed either online at https://www.frederickcosheriff.com/ or at 110 Airport Dr E, Frederick MD 21701, 301-600-1046.