Service of Documents Cost Calculator — Canada

Each province sets the rules. In Ontario, the plaintiff's claim must be served by personal service or an alternative to personal service under Rule 8 of the Rules of the Small Claims Court. Other provinces allow personal service, registered mail, or service by a court bailiff depending on the document and defendant.

A private process server typically charges roughly $75 to $150 per defendant for personal service, more for rush service or multiple attempts. Registered mail is far cheaper but is only permitted for certain documents. Court bailiff service in Quebec follows a set tariff.

Yes. Reasonable service disbursements are normally added to your recoverable costs if you succeed. Keep the process server invoice and file the affidavit of service, which is also required to prove the defendant received the documents.

If you cannot locate or personally serve the defendant, you can ask the court for an order permitting substituted service — for example by email, social media, or leaving documents with a relative. You must file a motion showing your reasonable attempts to serve the normal way.