Minn. R. Civ. P. 4.03

As amended through October 28, 2024

Rule 4.03 - Personal Service

Service of summons within the state shall be as follows:

(a) Upon an Individual. Upon an individual by delivering a copy to the individual personally or by leaving a copy at the individual's usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein.

If the individual has, pursuant to statute, consented to any other method of service or appointed an agent to receive service of summons, or if a statute designates a state official to receive service of summons, service may be made in the manner provided by such statute.

If the individual is confined to a state institution, by serving also the chief executive officer at the institution.

If the individual is a judicial officer or employee of the Minnesota judicial branch, and the complaint is related to the individual's office, employment, or agency, service may be made by delivering a copy to: (1) the court administrator of the district court or their designee, for district court judges and employees; or (2) the Clerk of the Appellate Courts or their designee, for Court of Appeals judges and employees, Supreme Court Justices and employees, and the State Court Administrator and the administrator's employees.

If the individual is an infant under the age of 14 years, by serving also the individual's father or mother, and if neither is within the state, then a resident guardian if the infant has one known to the plaintiff, and if the infant has none, then the person having control of such defendant, or with whom the infant resides, or by whom the infant is employed.

(b)Upon Partnerships and Associations. Upon a partnership or association which is subject to suit under a common name, by delivering a copy to a member or the managing agent of the partnership or association. If the partnership or association has, pursuant to statute, consented to any other method of service or appointed an agent to receive service of summons, or if a statute designates a state official to receive service of summons, service may be made in the manner provided by such statute.

(c)Upon a Corporation. Upon a domestic or foreign corporation, by delivering a copy to an officer or managing agent, or to any other agent authorized expressly or impliedly or designated by statute to receive service of summons, and if the agent is one authorized or designated under statute to receive service any statutory provision for the manner of such service shall be complied with. In the case of a transportation or express corporation, the summons may be served by delivering a copy to any ticket, freight, or soliciting agent found in the county in which the action is brought, and if such corporation is a foreign corporation and has no such agent in the county in which the plaintiff elects to bring the action, then upon any such agent of the corporation within the state.

(d)Upon the State. Upon the state by delivering a copy to the attorney general, a deputy attorney general or an assistant attorney general.

(e)Upon Public Corporation. Upon a municipal or other public corporation by delivering a copy

(1) To the chair of the county board or to the county auditor of a defendant county;

(2) To the chief executive officer or to the clerk of a defendant city, village or borough;

(3) To the chair of the town board or to the clerk of a defendant town;

(4) To any member of the board or other governing body of a defendant school district; or

(5) To any member of the board or other governing body of a defendant public board or public body not hereinabove enumerated.

If service cannot be made as provided in this Rule 4.03(e), the court may direct the manner of such service.

Minn. R. Civ. P. 4.03

Amended effective 1/1/2024.

Advisory Committee Comment-2023 Amendment

Rule 4.03(a) is amended to permit judges, justices, and court staff to be served at their office, if the complaint is related to the individual's office, employment, or agency. The purpose of the rule change is to minimize service of judicial branch personnel at their home, and corresponding security concerns, by establishing an alternative means of service.