Process servers in New Jersey aren’t regulated by the state. Any “competent adult” without an interest in the case may become a process server in New Jersey and serve civil process.
If you want to start your own business, it’s as simple as meeting your local small business requirements and finding your first few process server clients.
From the New Jersey rules of civil procedure:
4:4-3. By Whom Served; Copies
Summons and Complaint.
Summonses shall be served together with a copy of the complaint, by the sheriff, or by a person specially appointed by the court for that purpose, or by plaintiff’s attorney or the attorney’s agent, or by any other competent adult not having a direct interest in the litigation. If personal service cannot be effected after a reasonable and good faith attempt, which shall be described with specificity in the proof of service required by R. 4:4-7, service may be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the usual place of abode of the defendant or a person authorized by rule of law to accept service for the defendant or, with postal instructions to deliver to addressee only, to defendant’s place of business or employment. If the addressee refuses to claim or accept delivery of registered or certified mail, service may be made by ordinary mail addressed to the defendant’s usual place of abode. The party making service may, at the party’s option, make service simultaneously by registered or certified mail and ordinary mail, and if the addressee refuses to claim or accept delivery of registered mail and if the ordinary mailing is not returned, the simultaneous mailing shall constitute effective service. Mail may be addressed to a post office box in lieu of a street address only as provided by R. 1:5-2. Return of service shall be made as provided by R. 4:4-7.
While a license or certification isn’t required to become a process server in New Jersey, the New Jersey Professional Process Servers Association offers a voluntary certification program.
Get more information from their website.
Legal Forms for New Jersey Process Servers
Download a free affidavit of service form, and generic legal forms for process servers from the New Jersey State Judiciary.