Civil Process

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) 

• 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**

**We will not accept papers that do not meet the Court's time requirements. Papers that do not meet the time requirements will be returned to the sender. Please visit Clerk of Court's Office to review all document requirements.**

There is a $40 pre-payment requirement for papers submitted for service unless you have an account with our office and the account has been maintained in good standing. 

Per the Dane County Board of Supervisors, the following fees are charged for service of process:

Service Fee- $40 per paper, per person, per attempt or service of civil papers. This includes all summons, complaints, writs, orders, injunctions, subpoenas, executions, judgments, or other legal process. Service will typically be attempted up to three (3) times. You will be billed for fees incurred in excess of the pre-payment amount.  [Authority: Dane County Ordinance Amendment 26, 2004-2005]

Mileage- Mileage is charged at the IRS mileage rate (currently $.725 per mile), if service is completed. Mileage is calculated on a round-trip basis. No mileage is charged for unsuccessful attempts. Mileage will be charged once per address, notwithstanding the number of people served at one address. [Authority: Dane County Resolution 48, 04-05]

Copies- You must provide one (1) copy for each person/company/ entity to be served, PLUS one (1) copy for office use. The office use copy will be returned to you with the affidavit(s) of service. If a sufficient number of copies are not provided, a charge of $.25 per copy will be added. 

Notary Fee- $.50 cents per notarized document.

Sheriff Sale Fees – See Sheriff Sales Page for current pricing and fees.

Eviction/Execution Fees – See Eviction & Execution Page for current pricing and fees.

Additional Information: 

• If you are seeking fee exemption, please refer to the FAQ section or the Dane County Clerk of Courts website.
• If no prepayment is received, an invoice for the total balance will be mailed to you with the affidavit of service. If a prepayment is received, your invoice will reflect the amount prepaid and the amount outstanding. 
• Checks or money orders can be made payable to Dane County Sheriff. 
• Please refer to our Notificacion de Honorarios for fee information in Spanish.