Process Server Invoice Template
A process server invoice should carry the case caption and number, the party served, the document type, each attempt with date and time, and separate lines for rush service, mileage beyond the included radius, skip tracing, and filing. Non-service jobs are billed the same way with the attempts documented. ShowTheReceipts saves those lines so a law firm invoice goes out the day the affidavit does.
Header block
- Business name, server license / registration number, phone
- Law firm or client name, attorney of record, billing contact
- Case caption and case number
- Party to be served, document type
- Invoice number, terms, your job reference
Service lines
- Standard service of process — includes stated attempts and radius
- Additional attempts — each, with date and time listed
- Rush / same-day
- Evening, weekend, or holiday attempt
- Mileage beyond radius — per mile
- Skip tracing — flat or hourly
- Stakeout / extended surveillance — hourly
- Court filing, pickup, or research
- Notarization / document preparation
- Affidavit of non-service — attempts documented
Attempt log block
| Attempt | Date | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — | No answer |
| 2 | — | — | Vehicle present, no answer |
| 3 | — | — | Served / non-service |
The attempt log is what turns three charges into three facts. It ends the conversation before it starts.
Terms
Net terms as agreed with the firm, remit-to details, and your job reference for their records. Individual clients pay at intake, not on completion.
What not to do
- Don’t omit the case number — it’s the single most common reason a legal invoice stalls
- Don’t bury attempts in a lump “service” line
- Don’t write off a non-service because it feels like a failure
- Don’t extend net terms to an individual client
Frequently asked questions
Why does the case number matter?
Because the firm passes your fee through to their client and codes it to a matter. Without the case number your invoice can't be coded, so it waits — and 'waiting' in a law office is measured in months, not days.
Should attempt dates and times be listed?
Yes. They justify the attempt charges, they mirror the affidavit, and they're the answer to the only question anyone ever asks about a process serving invoice.
How do I bill a job where service was never made?
As a non-service, with attempts itemized and the affidavit of non-service as the deliverable. You performed the work, documented it, and produced a court-usable document — that's a billable job, and firms understand it as one.
Should mileage be included or itemized?
Include a stated radius in the base rate and itemize beyond it. It keeps routine serves simple and stops rural serves from silently costing you money.