Identify the entity
Use the exact legal name and obtain the current DOS search page showing the entity and DOS ID.
Focused Albany service
New York Secretary of State process server
Business-day delivery of qualifying process to the Department of State when the Secretary of State is the statutory agent for the entity being served.
Official destination
Where process is delivered
New York Department of StateDivision of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
Who this route may cover
Entities commonly served through DOS
The Secretary of State acts as statutory agent for most New York domestic and authorized foreign business corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, general associations, and condominium boards.
Entity type and status matter. Unauthorized foreign or suspended entities may require a different number of copies and additional mailing or service steps.
Prepare the assignment
Common in-person requirements
Prepare the packet
For a domestic or authorized foreign entity, DOS generally requires two duplicate copies with the cover sheet and search page attached.
Include the fee
The common statutory service fee is currently $40 and is separate from Lawson’s advertised service fee.
Unauthorized or suspended entity? DOS states that personal delivery commonly requires one copy, and the governing statute may impose additional mailing or service obligations. Provide written legal instructions for these assignments.
Documents commonly served
- Summonses and complaints
- Petitions and citations
- Orders to show cause
- Subpoenas and arbitration papers
- Notices, demands, and notices of claim
- Judgments and post-judgment papers
- Other judicial or legally authorized process
What to upload
- Complete, legible service copies
- Current DOS search page
- Completed DOS cover sheet, if available
- Caption, case number, court, and deadline
- Entity status and exact legal name
- Special proof or statutory mailing instructions
Why Secretary of State assignments are delayed
Name mismatch
The entity name in the papers does not match the DOS record closely enough to identify the intended entity.
Incomplete packet
Copies, search pages, cover sheet, fee, or other required material is missing or incorrectly assembled.
Status complications
The entity is unauthorized, suspended, inactive, or governed by a different service provision than expected.
Secretary of State FAQ
Common questions
Is the $40 Department of State fee included in the $50 or $75 rate?
No. The advertised rates are Lawson service fees. The statutory fee and any printing, mailing, or special-handling costs are additional.
Can the Secretary of State be served by mail?
The Department of State states that personal service by mail is not permitted. DOS also provides an Electronic Service of Process system for eligible entities and circumstances.
How many copies are required?
DOS generally requires two duplicate copies for a domestic or authorized foreign entity. Unauthorized foreign or suspended entities commonly require one copy, with possible additional statutory steps. Current official instructions and legal direction control.
Can every document be served through the Secretary of State?
No. DOS accepts “process” within the applicable statutory definitions and only where the Secretary of State is authorized to act as agent. Consult counsel about the correct recipient and method.
Is rush service guaranteed?
No. Rush receives priority business-day handling but remains subject to complete papers, state office hours, closures, acceptance, travel, and availability.
Send a Secretary of State assignment
Select “Serve NY Secretary of State,” upload the papers and DOS information, and include the deadline.