--- title: "Proof of Service Affidavit: What It Must Include | MCC" description: "After papers are delivered, the server signs a proof of service. See the details it needs, when notarization is required and the errors that get it rejected." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/proof-of-service-affidavit-basics" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Proof of Service: What the Affidavit Must Say Delivering legal papers is only half the job. The court needs written proof showing who served, who received, when and how. A careful proof of service prevents arguments later. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Proof of service is a document, often a form or an affidavit, in which the server states under oath or penalty of perjury how service was carried out, and it is filed with the court. Some courts have their own forms and others accept a custom statement with certain facts. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) · [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) · [What to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) **Free tools:** [Does my document need a notary?](/notary/does-my-document-need-a-notary) · [Can I get this notarized online?](/notary/can-i-notarize-online) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## What proof of service is Proof of service is a document, often a form or an affidavit, in which the server states under oath or penalty of perjury how service was carried out. It is filed with the court. Some courts have their own forms. Others accept a custom statement that includes certain facts. Rather not make the trip to the courthouse? [Have a runner file your court papers](/notary/court-filing), or [a business plan for repeat notary and court work](/business-plans). Check your court's rules for the required format. Some courts require specific wording, such as a statement about the server's age and lack of involvement in the case. Use the court's form if one exists. ## Facts it must include Typical items are the name of the server, the date and time, the exact address, the name of the person served or described, the documents delivered, and the method used. If substitute service was used, the form notes who accepted and how the person was described. Details about attempts that failed may also be requested. A description of the person served, like approximate height, hair color or clothing, may be requested when someone other than the named person accepted papers. ## Notarization or declaration Some courts want the server's signature notarized, which means the server signs in front of a notary after taking an oath. Others accept a declaration signed under penalty of perjury without a notary. The court's rules or forms say which applies. A notary does not check the facts of the service. The notary only handles the identity and signing. ## Who signs The server signs, not the party who started the case. The server must be a person qualified to serve. If a company sent a worker, the worker's name is on the proof. Do not sign for someone else. Do not sign before the service has occurred. If more than one person was served, a proof may be needed for each. If the server is outside the area, they can sign before a local notary and send the proof back. The state of the notary does not matter for the notarial act, but the court's format does. ## Want us to handle it? We serve court papers in New Jersey and send you the affidavit of service. **Price:** In New Jersey: from $150 per address. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay. Outside New Jersey it goes through our contractor network: quote-based, confirmed before any work starts, and booked once a local contractor accepts. [Request a serve](/notary/process-serving#request) ## Errors that cause trouble Wrong dates, missing addresses, inconsistent names, a missing notary stamp when one is needed, or a proof that does not list the documents. Courts and opposing lawyers sometimes challenge service based on small errors. Keep a copy of the proof, notes about the attempt and any photos or logs you made at the time. Proofread for typos in the case number and the party names. A small typo can make the clerk reject the filing. ## Filing and deadlines Once the proof is complete, file it with the court within the time allowed. Missing the deadline can delay the case or require extra motions. Ask the clerk how to file and whether a copy goes to the other side. ## Mistakes that get documents rejected Missing facts such as date, time, place and person served are the usual reasons proof of service is questioned. Others are signing before a notary when the form allows a declaration, and filing after a deadline. Check the court's rules for the form it requires. ## Checklist before you book Record who, when, where and how. Use the court's form if there is one. Sign before the notary if a jurat is required. File by the deadline. ## Common questions **Can I write my own proof of service?** If your court allows it, yes, but use the required facts and format. Check for a court form first. **Does a proof of service prove the other side read the papers?** No. It shows delivery by an approved method, which is what the court requires. ## More notary guides - [Notary Stamp vs Seal: What's the Difference?](/notary/guides/notary-stamp-vs-seal-whats-the-difference) - [What a Notary Journal Must Record, Entry by Entry](/notary/guides/what-a-notary-journal-must-record) - [How process serving works in New Jersey](/notary/guides/how-process-serving-works-in-new-jersey) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Process Serving Process serving across New Jersey for attorneys, landlords and individuals. Every attempt logged with date, time and notes, plus a signed affidavit of service. Process serving →](/notary/process-serving)[### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Handle It Yourself: NJ Court Paperwork Kit The steps, fees and paperwork for handling your own New Jersey court matter, so nothing gets bounced at the clerk's window. [See what's inside ($19)](/toolkits/nj-court-without-a-lawyer-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/nj-court-without-a-lawyer-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Related - [Affidavit of service notarization and New Jersey overflow serving](/notary/for-business/process-servers-private-investigators) ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)