Locating and Serving Military Personnel

When initiating a legal action against a military member, you must formally "serve" the member. Finding the member is often difficult.

If you have the member's social security number (SSN), you have better chances. You can locate the SSN on the joint tax return; military pay statement; or military orders.

If you are an authorized client of any service, you may contact the nearest military legal assistance office. The judge advocate can assist you in locating the service member. 

You can also contact the base locator or attempt to locate the member on the "global" email network, which lists contact information. If you know the member's unit or former unit, you can contact the commander for assistance.

As a last resort, you can attempt to gain a work address for a military member through the Worldwide Military Locator services. You can find further information at the DoD Knowledge Base.

Once located, it is usually best to effect service by certified mail, return receipt requested, if allowed by state rules. A process server may also be an option if allowed on base. The local sheriff can also normally travel on base. 

You should consult with the local rules of procedure for the jurisdiction in which the legal action is based to ensure you are effecting service consistent with the requirements.