United Kingdom Process Server
United Kingdom Process Service Company
| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Party to Hague Service Convention Yes |
Service by Central Authority Yes |
| Party to Hague Evidence Convention Yes |
Service by Postal Channels Yes |
| Party to Hague Apostille Convention Yes |
Service by process servers / bailiffs / huissiers etc Yes |
| Party to Inter-American Convention No |
Service documents need translation English only |
OVERVIEW
United Kingdom permits service under article 5 of Hague Service Convention via its central authority as well as under article 10a, 10b and 10c of the said convention. For reference, please see (clause 45) and declarations.
*Extract from a letter dated 11 September 1980 addressed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the Permanent Bureau reads:
“(…)Thank you for your letter of 31 July in which you ask for assistance in the interpretation of the declaration made by the United Kingdom on 17 November 1967 in relation to Article 10(c) of the Convention.
I am happy to confirm that our declaration does not preclude any person in another Contracting State who is interested in a judicial proceeding (including his lawyer) from effecting service in the United Kingdom “directly” through a competent person other than a judicial officer or official, e.g., a solicitor. (…)”
Highlighting the key terms “directly” and “e.g., a solicitor,” it’s important to note that while a solicitor is mentioned, they are not the only professional who can serve documents in the UK—it’s simply an example. The communication must occur directly between a foreign authority (including attorneys or interested parties) and an authorized person in the UK. Since the UK does not require a license for process servers, anyone not disqualified is eligible to serve documents.
FORMAL SERVICE
United Kingdom is a signatory to The Hague Service Convention (treaty) that governs service of process to be effected between participating nations. Per this treaty, service in United Kingdom may be made by this method.
Advantage: Certificate of service signed by a Court official adds to the credibility.
Disadvantage: Longer time frames.
We offer free monthly status updates on all formal service requests. By proactively liaising with central authorities, we ensure timely and seamless communication of the latest status to our clients.
INFORMAL SERVICE
“Informal service” is actually a misleading term. What many call informal or private service is simply service carried out under Article 10 of the Hague Service Convention. Since the UK does not object to Article 10, this method is just as legally valid as a formal Article 5 service routed through the Central Authority. In other words, there’s nothing “informal” about it — it’s fully recognized and enforceable under the Convention.
Service of Process
The United Kingdom is a full participant in the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters, providing a structured and reliable framework for serving documents internationally.
Complete details—including the interactive online request form—can be found on the Hague Conference website. Requests must be prepared in duplicate and submitted with two full sets of the documents (plus translations where required) directly to the UK Central Authority.
For U.S. requests, the person completing the service form must be an attorney or clerk of court, and must clearly include that title in both the applicant identity and signature/stamp fields.
The United Kingdom does not object to Article 10(a) of the Convention, meaning service via postal channels is permitted. Additional guidance is available in the Hague Conference Service Convention resources, the Practical Handbook, and the UK’s responses to the 2008 Hague Questionnaire.
Service on a Foreign State
For service involving a foreign state, agency, or instrumentality, refer to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) guidance and the FSIA Checklist.
Service of UK Documents in the United States
Information on serving UK-originated documents within the U.S. is available through the U.S. Central Authority for the Service Convention via the Hague Conference website.
CRIMINAL MATTERS
Prosecution Requests
U.S. federal and state prosecutors seeking international judicial assistance should contact the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
Defense Requests
Criminal defendants and their counsel may pursue international evidence or document service through the letters rogatory process.
Obtaining Evidence in Civil & Commercial Matters
The UK is a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, ensuring clear procedures for cross-border evidence gathering. The UK Central Authority handles Letters of Request, which must be submitted in duplicate.
Consult the official Model Letters of Request for drafting guidance. Requests for compelled evidence from the United States go directly from the requesting court (or authorized person) to the UK Central Authority—no diplomatic channels needed.
Requests from the UK to Obtain Evidence in the U.S.
The U.S. Central Authority is:
Office of International Judicial Assistance
Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice
1100 L Street N.W., Room 8102
Washington, D.C. 20530
Taking Voluntary Depositions of Willing Witnesses
The UK permits voluntary depositions in civil and commercial matters, regardless of the witness’s nationality.
Depositions—oral or written—may be taken:
- By U.S. consular officers, or
- By private attorneys,
- At the U.S. Embassy or any appropriate venue (office, hotel, etc.),
- On notice or under a commission.
If consular services are required—for administering oaths to the witness, interpreter, or stenographer—these arrangements must be made in advance directly with the U.S. Embassy.
Authentication of Documents
The UK is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, eliminating the need for traditional legalization. Apostilles for UK public documents are issued by the designated UK authority.
For U.S. documents intended for use in the UK, consult the list of U.S. Competent Authorities.
To obtain an Apostille for a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, contact:
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services – Vital Records Office
About Us
With us, you’re in safe and experienced hands — trusted professionals who know the law, respect the process, and deliver results across borders.
If you need assistance with serving legal documents in Germany the right way, consult with an experienced international process server or legal expert to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors.
Office Locations
United States of America:
5101 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 8 PMB1330
Los Angeles, CA 90029
United States
Phone: + 1 (213) 786 1161
United Kingdom:
275 New North Road Islington 1896
London N1 7AA,
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (20) 38905643
Australia, New Zealand and Far East Asia:
Level 6, 607 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone: +61 2 7259 7299
Middle East and Africa:
FAMC1732, Compass Building, Al Shohada Road
AL Hamra Industrial Zone-FZ, Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates
Phone: +44 (20) 38905643
Website: https://stellarkonsulting.com/
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DISCLAIMER:
Information provided is for general reference purposes only and may not be fully accurate in every individual case. For matters requiring interpretation or application of specific foreign laws, inquiries should be directed to the relevant foreign authorities or qualified foreign legal counsel.
