How much does a process server cost in Ontario?

What drives the price

• Distance: most process servers price by zone or charge mileage from their office.
• Attempts: some quotes include several attempts, others charge per attempt.
• The affidavit of service: the sworn proof you file with the court is sometimes charged separately.
• Turnaround: next-day and same-day service usually cost extra.
• People served: serving a company and its director at the same office should cost less than two separate visits.

DirectFile prices

• Toronto: $100, affidavit included, before HST
• Greater Toronto: $120, affidavit included, before HST
• Extended Region: $140, affidavit included, before HST

Each further person at the same address costs $25, including their own sworn affidavit.

Faster turnaround is charged once per address: next day +$25, same day +$50.

Every price includes up to 3 attempts at different times of day, each logged with GPS and photos. 13% HST is added and shown before you pay; there are no mileage charges.

Is it worth paying a process server?

In civil and Small Claims cases you can often serve documents yourself, and in family cases a friend or relative over 18 can serve. A process server is useful when the other side may avoid service, when you need a dated record of every attempt for a substituted-service motion, or when you want an independent person to swear the affidavit.