The Form USM-285 is a five-copy form set designed as a control document for process served
by a U.S. Marshal or designee. Process may include, but is not limited to, a summons and
complaint, subpoena, writ, or court order. The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is
authorized by law (28 U.S.C. 1921) to charge fees for the service of process. The amount of
fees charged is established by regulation (28 C.F.R. 0.114). Except in cases where the litigant
has been granted permission by the court for waiver of prepayment of fees and costs, the USMS
must request advance payment of the estimated fees and expenses for service of process.
Please type or print legibly. Submit one copy of the Form USM-285 and one copy of each
process for each individual, company, corporation, government agency, etc., to be served or
property to be seized.
In cases where the court has directed the USMS to effect service of a summons and complaint
upon an officer or agent of the United States Government, submit a copy of the summons and
complaint and Form USM-285 for each officer or agent upon whom service is desired. Submit
two (2) additional copies of the summons and complaint for service upon the Government of the
United States. The U.S. Marshal or designee will serve one copy upon the U.S. Attorney and
will forward the other copy to the Attorney General of the United States. (When the applicable
box is checked, completion of the final signature block by the U.S. Marshal or designee certifies
service on the U.S. Attorney and the U.S. Attorney General, regardless of whether other
defendants on the summons were served). Failure to provide sufficient copies will delay service
of the summons.
Mark all applicable check boxes and use the "Special Instructions" to advise of any information
that will assist the USMS in expediting service. You are responsible for providing accurate and
sufficient information that will identify the individual or entity to be served or the property to be
seized.
If more than one item of process and Form USM-285 is submitted on a single case, the U.S.
Marshal or designee will receipt for all of them on the first Form USM-285. You will receive
for your records the "Acknowledgment of Receipt" copy for all the USM-285 forms you submit.
When the process is served, you will receive the "Notice of Service" copy. This copy will be
identical to the return to the Clerk of the U.S. District Court.
Upon completion of all services, you will receive a "Billing Statement" copy of Form USM-285.
You should return this "Billing Statement" copy to the USMS, together with your payment, in
the form of a certified or bank check payable to the U.S. Marshal, for any amounts still owed.
Alternatively, the USMS will accept cash. The USMS will not accept personal checks.
Additional USM-285 forms may be obtained, without cost, from the Clerk of the U.S. District
Court, U.S. Marshal, or printed from http://www.usmarshals.gov/process/usm 285.pdf.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING USM-285, PROCESS RECEIPT AND RETURN
