Was I served correctly in Texas?
Texas prefers personal service but allows certified mail and (with a court order) substituted service via social media. Defendant must answer by 10 a.m. on the Monday following the 20-day period after service.
Service methods
Personal service
AllowedIn-hand delivery to the defendant. The standard and preferred method.
Substituted service
AllowedPermitted only by court order under Rule 106(b) after a process server affidavit shows reasonable efforts to personally serve. Substituted methods can include leaving with another adult at the residence, posting on the door, or — uniquely in Texas — service by social media in some cases (Rule 106(b)(2)).
Service by mail
AllowedService by certified mail (return receipt requested, restricted delivery) is allowed under Rule 106(a)(2). Defendant must sign the green card. If they refuse, the service fails and personal service is required.
Service by publication
AllowedBy court order under Rule 109 when defendant cannot be located after diligent search. Published in a newspaper of general circulation for at least four consecutive weeks.
Electronic service (email/text)
AllowedTexas was the first state to authorize service via social media (Facebook, X, Instagram) under Rule 106(b)(2), but only by court order after personal service has failed. The court must find the social media account is genuinely maintained by the defendant.
Who can serve?
A sheriff, constable, or any person 18+ who is authorized by written order of the court (or has a process-server certification under Rule 103). Unlike many states, Texas requires a process server to be certified or court-authorized.
Response deadlines
- If you live in-state
- 20 days
- Proof of service required?
- Yes
Frequently asked
- Can I really be served on Facebook in Texas?
- Only by court order after personal service has failed and the court finds the account is genuinely the defendant's. The court order specifies which platform and how the document must be sent. Service over social media without a court order is not valid.
- When is my answer due in Texas?
- By 10 a.m. on the Monday following the 20th day after service. The 'Monday rule' under Rule 99 trips up self-represented parties — pay attention to the specific Monday, not just '20 days later.'