Process Server & Court Filing in District of Columbia

Courts we file and serve in

4 District of Columbia courthouses

E-filing required: Mandatory for attorneys (Civil, Probate, Tax Divisions incl. Landlord & Tenant and Small Claims; self-represented and clinics may but not required)
E-filing system: eFileDC (Tyler Odyssey File & Serve; live Oct 31, 2022)
E-filing portal: Court e-filing page
New civil complaint fee: $120 (complaint; each additional summons $10.00)
Small claims fee: $5 (≤$500); $10 ($500–$2,500); $45 ($2,500–$10,000)
Family law petition fee: $80.00 (Family Court complaint/petition incl. Absolute Divorce; waiver available)
Fee schedule: Court fee schedule
Case lookup: Court case search

DC Superior Court500 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001(202) 879-1010Civil, Criminal, Family, ProbateE-filing

H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse500 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001(202) 879-1010Criminal, FelonyE-filing

Family Court500 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001(202) 879-1212Family, Divorce, Child Custody, Child SupportE-filing

DC Court of Appeals430 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001(202) 879-2700AppellateE-filing

Court information from 1Court, our partner company, verified October 22, 2026. District of Columbia court information on 1Court

Our services in District of Columbia

What we do and how fast

Nationwide Legal serves process, files with the court, and retrieves records in District of Columbia for law firms across the country. We cover all 4 courthouses listed above, with live status updates and proof of service on every order.

Process serviceSame-day service attempts on rush orders; standard orders in 1 to 3 business days.Proof of service or non-service affidavit on every order, with photo confirmation on personal service.Court filing and e-filingSame-day filings before clerk cutoff times.Conformed copies delivered within hours.Records retrieval and subpoenasSame-day records pickup in most jurisdictions.Subpoena preparation, service and follow-up.Court reportingCertified reporters, videography and trial support.InvestigationsSkip tracing, asset searches and background checks.

Pricing: quoted per order. Request a quote

More coverage

Other counties we cover

All locations

Getting started

How to start an order

Open your firm's accountFive-minute online setup. No volume commitment required.

Submit your documentsUpload through our portal or send by secure email. Your dedicated coordinator confirms intake.

Track every stepReal-time status updates, photographic confirmations, and electronic proof delivery as work completes.

Open Your Account Talk to Our Team

Ready to send an order in District of Columbia?

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FAQ

Common questions

Is e-filing required in District of Columbia?

1Court lists e-filing in District of Columbia as: Mandatory for attorneys (Civil, Probate, Tax Divisions incl. Landlord & Tenant and Small Claims; self-represented and clinics may but not required). We file electronically or at the counter, whichever the court requires.

Which District of Columbia courthouses hear civil cases?

DC Superior Court. We file and serve for cases at this courthouse.

What is the filing fee for a new civil complaint in District of Columbia?

$120 (complaint; each additional summons $10.00), per 1Court. The court's fee is separate from our service charge.

How fast can you serve papers in District of Columbia?

Same-day service attempts are available on rush orders. Standard orders complete in 1 to 3 business days, with a proof of service or non-service affidavit on every order.

How is District of Columbia service priced?

We quote each order. Request a quote with the documents and addresses and we reply with the price.