The Clayton County Sheriff's Office is mandated by the Code of Iowa to charge a fee for service of civil documents. The Clayton County Sheriff's Office can refuse to serve most civil documents without the payment of advance service fees. Iowa attorneys in good standing and certain pre-approved companies may be billed for the service fees. All others must pay advance service fees. Cashier's checks, cash and money orders are acceptable methods of payment. No personal checks. The type of paper served and the location for service determines the amount of service fees required.

Pursuant to the Iowa Court Rules (Rules of Civil Procedure) after serving a document with a court case number, the Return of Service will be sent to the appropriate Clerk of Court unless requested to do differently. If no court case number is indicated, the Return of Service will be sent to the person or firm who requested the service. Before the Clayton County Sheriff's Office will serve any civil process, Directions to the Sheriff and the required advance fees must be received, along with the documents you want served. A printable copy of the Directions to the Sheriff is available on this website.