How Do I Get This Served?

In order for the Sheriff's Office to process and serve papers, we need the following:

1) A cover letter/letter of instructions. This can include special instructions that the Sheriff’s Office may need, such as a description of the person to be served or any other pertinent service information. Also, if you have more than one defendant listed, indicate which defendant you want served. If there is any doubt as to what you want the Sheriff’s Office to do, the documents may be returned to you.

2) The appropriate fee. If you are sending the documents in the mail, please include a check, money order, or cashiers check made payable to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

3) A physical service address. We usually do not accept papers with a post office box as the address listed for the defendant unless allowed by statute.

4) A self-addressed stamped envelope is not necessary, but very helpful.

5) Certified true copies of the documents, and in some instances, a court seal.