How do I serve a Suit?

In Louisiana State Court

The citation must state "(Defendant's Name) through the Louisiana Secretary of State." Service of process filed in any Louisiana state court cannot be mailed directly to the Secretary of State. To effect proper service, service must be sent to the Sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish along with a service fee of $50 per service made payable to the Secretary of State. Service of process exempt from paying any fees must be clearly marked. The address for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office is P.O. Box 3277, Baton Rouge, LA 70821, telephone 225.389.4824. There is also a service fee to the Sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish.

The only exception on serving a Louisiana state suit personally on the Secretary of State is if the individual serving the documents provides the original and a copy of the order signed by the judge stating that "John Doe" is appointed as special process server to serve the documents on the Secretary of State. The order must state the case number and caption. This individual must also provide a picture ID, such as a driver's license, for verification.

In United States District Court

Service of process filed in any United States District Court can be either personal service or mailed directly to the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125. Service of process exempt from paying any fees, must attach an affidavit. If a stamped return of the summons is requested, please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. A service fee of $50 per service made payable to the Secretary of State must be included.

In Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation Court

Service of process filed in any Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation Court must be forwarded to this office only by the Office of Workers Compensation. Service of process exempt from paying any fees, such as pauper cases, must attached an affidavit. A service fee of $50 per service made payable to the Secretary of State must be included.