Seal of Dane County County of Dane
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The seal of the County of Dane
Dane County Sheriff's Office

Civil Process

The Civil Process Unit is a sub-division of the Support Services Division of the Dane County Sheriff's Office. 

The Civil Process Unit is comprised of three civilian staff members and seven deputies. Two deputies are assigned to evictions/executions. Five deputies are assigned to serve legal papers within the City of Madison and throughout Dane County.

Submitting Papers

Papers can be submitted to our Civil Process window at the Public Safety Building. Papers can also be mailed to: 

Dane County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Civil Process
115 W. Doty St
Madison, WI 53703

Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm  (excluding holidays)
Civil Process Phone - 608-284-6824

Fax Number- 608-284-6156
Deputy Service Hours are Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm (dependent on staffing) 

Submission Requirements

  • Provide one copy for each person/company that is to be served.
  • Provide ONE ADDITIONAL copy for office use that will be returned with affidavit(s) of service.
  • A self-addressed envelope with postage is requested for the return of papers to the original sender. 
  • Please include the Aid In Serving Form OR a cover sheet with all pertinent information including person being served, return information and court dates or deadlines if they apply. 

**The Dane County Sheriff’s Office cannot guarantee service on short notice or rush papers**
 

Service Fees

  • $40 service fee per attempt – Service will typically be attempted up to (3) times.
  • One time mileage fee upon successful service – Roundtrip mileage and based on IRS mileage rate.
  • If appropriate amount of copies are not provided you will be charged $0.25 per page for any copies made..
  • If seeking fee exemption refer to the FAQ section or the Dane County Clerk of Courts website for application.
  • Sheriff Sale Fees – See Sheriff Sales Page for current pricing and fees.
  • Eviction/Execution Fees – See Eviction & Execution Page for current pricing and fees.
  • Notary Fee - $0.50 per notarized document requested.
  • Please refer to our Notice Of Fees for additional information. If no prepayment is received with your documents, an invoice for the total balance will be mailed with the affidavit of service. If a prepayment is included, your invoice will reflect the amount prepaid and amount outstanding. 
  • Checks or money orders can be made payable to ‘Dane County Sheriff’.