What are the Missouri statutes and regulations regarding service of process?

§ 375.256;§ 375.261;§ 375.906, RSMo and 20 CSR 800-2

Under these statutes, the Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance is appointed to receive service on behalf of all foreign authorized insurance companies, in any action instituted in any court of this state.

How do I know if the company is licensed in Missouri?

Visit our insurance company search page.

How do I serve a foreign authorized insurance company?

There are two ways to serve a foreign authorized insurance company: 

1) Have the Cole County, Missouri Sheriff, the United States Marshal’s Office, or a person over 18 years of age who is not a party to the lawsuit, deliver a copy of the summons and petition to the Department of Commerce and Insurance.

2) Mail a copy of the summons and petition via first class mail, postage prepaid, to the Department of Commerce and Insurance.  If serving by mail, you must include two copies of a Notice and Acknowledgment Letter and a postage paid return envelope.  

What is the address for Service of Process?

{Name of Insurer}
c/o Director, Department of Commerce and Insurance
301 W. High Street
Truman State Office Building, Room 530
Jefferson City, MO 65101

Is there a fee for service?

No. The Department of Commerce and Insurance does not charge a fee for accepting service of process.

Will I receive anything from the Department of Commerce and Insurance indicating that service has been made?

The Department of Commerce and Insurance will contact you if service is rejected. If personal service is effective, we will send an affidavit of service to the clerk of the court in which the case is filed; if service by mail is effective, we will return a signed copy of the Notice and Acknowledgement letter to you.

Why might service be rejected?

• If it is not an initial summons and petition
• If service is attempted on an individual or a non-insurance entity
• If the name of the company on the summons is incorrect
• If service is not delivered by a person over 18 years of age
• If service is mailed without a completed (i.e., signed and dated) Notice and Acknowledgment letter
• If service is attempted on a domestic insurance company
• If service is for a lawsuit that is not in a Missouri state or federal court

Who do I call if I have a specific question about service of process?

You can contact the Department of Commerce and Insurance at (573) 526-4199