Kansas Statutes Annotated

K.S.A. § 60-304 (2026)

Service of process, on whom made

✓ current as of May 2026

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60-304. Service of process, on whom made. As used in this section, "serving" means making service by any of the methods described in K.S.A. 60-303, and amendments thereto, unless a specific method of making service is prescribed in this section. Except for service by publication under K.S.A. 60-307, and amendments thereto, service of process under this article must be made as follows:

(a) Individual. On an individual other than a minor or a disabled person, by serving the individual or by serving an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process. If the agent is one designated by statute to receive service, such further notice as the statute requires must be given. Service by return receipt delivery must be addressed to an individual at the individual's dwelling or usual place of abode and to an authorized agent at the agent's usual or designated address. If the sheriff, party or party's attorney files a return of service stating that the return receipt delivery to the individual at the individual's dwelling or usual place of abode was refused or unclaimed and that a business address is known for the individual, the sheriff, party or party's attorney may complete service by return receipt delivery, addressed to the individual at the individual's business address.

(b) Minor. On a minor, by serving:

(1) The minor; and

(2) either:

(A) The minor's guardian or conservator, if the minor has one within this state;

(B) the minor's father, mother or other person having the minor's care or control or with whom the minor resides; or

Service by return receipt delivery must be addressed to an individual at the individual's dwelling or usual place of abode and to a corporate guardian or conservator at the guardian's or conservator's usual place of business.

(1) Serving:

(A) The person's guardian, conservator or a competent adult member of the person's family with whom the person resides;

(B) if the person resides in an institution, the director or chief executive officer of the institution; or

(2) unless the court otherwise orders, serving the disabled person.

Service by return receipt delivery must be addressed to the director or chief executive officer of an institution at the institution, to any other individual at the individual's dwelling or usual place of abode, and to a corporate guardian or conservator at the guardian's or conservator's usual place of business.

(d) Governmental bodies. On:

(1) A county, by serving one of the county commissioners, the county clerk or the county treasurer;

(2) a township, by serving the clerk or a trustee;

(3) a city, by serving the clerk or the mayor;

(4) any other public corporation, body politic, district or authority, by serving the clerk or secretary or, if the clerk or secretary is not found, any officer, director or manager thereof; and

(5) the state or any governmental agency of the state, when subject to suit, by serving the attorney general or an assistant attorney general.

Service by return receipt delivery must be addressed to the appropriate official at the official's governmental office. Income withholding orders for support and orders of garnishment of earnings of state officers and employees must be served on the state or governmental agency of the state in the manner provided by K.S.A. 60-723, and amendments thereto.

(e) Corporations, domestic or foreign limited liability companies, domestic or foreign limited partnerships, domestic or foreign limited liability partnerships and partnerships. On a domestic or foreign corporation, domestic or foreign limited liability company, domestic or foreign limited partnership, domestic or foreign limited liability partnership or a partnership or other unincorporated association that is subject to suit in a common name, by:

(1) Serving an officer, manager, partner or a resident, managing or general agent;

(2) leaving a copy of the summons and petition or other document at any of its business offices with the person having charge thereof; or

(3) serving any agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process, and if the agent is one authorized by statute to receive service and the statute so requires, by also mailing a copy to the defendant.

Service by return receipt delivery on an officer, partner or agent must be addressed to the person at the person's usual place of business.

(f) Resident agent for a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership or limited liability partnership. A domestic corporation, domestic limited liability company, domestic limited partnership or domestic limited liability partnership, and, if it is authorized to transact business or transacts business without authority in this state, a foreign corporation, foreign limited liability company, foreign limited partnership or foreign limited liability partnership irrevocably authorizes the secretary of state as its agent to accept on its behalf service of process, or any notice or demand required or permitted by law to be served on it, when: (1) It fails to appoint or maintain in this state a resident agent on whom service may be had; or (2) its resident agent cannot with reasonable diligence be found at the registered office in this state. Service on the secretary of state of any process, notice or demand must be made by delivering to the secretary of state, by personal service or by return receipt delivery, the original and two copies of the process and two copies of the petition, notice or demand. When any process, notice or demand is served on the secretary of state, the secretary must promptly forward a copy of it by return receipt delivery, addressed to the corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership or limited liability partnership at its principal office as it appears in the records of the secretary of state, or at the registered or principal office of the corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership or limited liability partnership in the state of its incorporation or formation. The secretary of state must keep a record of all processes, notices and demands served on the secretary under this subsection, and must record the time of the service and the action taken by the secretary. A fee of $40 must be paid to the secretary of state by the party requesting the service of process, to cover the cost of serving process, except the secretary of state may waive the fee for state agencies. The fee must not be included in or paid from any deposit as security for costs or the docket fee required by K.S.A. 60-2001 or 61-4001, and amendments thereto.

(g) Insurance companies or associations. Service of summons or other process on any insurance company or association, organized under the laws of this state, may also be made by serving the commissioner of insurance in the same manner as provided for service on foreign insurance companies or associations.

(h) Service on an employee. If a party or a party's agent or attorney files an affidavit or a declaration pursuant to K.S.A. 53-601, and amendments thereto, that to the best of the affiant's or declarant's knowledge and belief the person to be served is employed in this state, and is a nonresident or that the place of residence of the person is unknown, the affiant or declarant may request that the sheriff or other duly authorized person direct an officer, partner, managing or general agent or the individual having charge of the place at which the person to be served is employed, to make the person available to permit the sheriff or other duly authorized person to serve the summons or other process.

(i) Service on a series of a limited liability company. On a series established under a domestic or foreign limited liability company by service on such domestic or foreign limited liability company in the same manner as described in subsections (e) and (f), but if service is made on the resident, managing, general or other agent of the limited liability company upon which service may be made or the secretary of state on behalf of any such series, such service shall include the name of the limited liability company and the name of such series.

History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-304; L. 1965, ch. 354, § 5; L. 1970, ch. 235, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 234, § 1; L. 1976, ch. 251, § 15; L. 1981, ch. 232, § 2; L. 1982, ch. 363, § 9; L. 1983, ch. 88, § 74; L. 1986, ch. 215, § 15; L. 1990, ch. 202, § 5; L. 1994, ch. 273, § 1; L. 2000, ch. 172, § 10; L. 2001, ch. 211, § 14; L. 2002, ch. 114, § 72; L. 2005, ch. 203, § 1; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 148; L. 2011, ch. 48, § 14; L. 2019, ch. 47, § 50; L. 2021, ch. 34, § 2; July 1.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 168 cases (56 in the last 5 years), 1937–2026 · leading case: Wanjiku v. Johnson Cnty., 173 F. Supp. 3d 1217 (D. Kan. 2016).

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Wanjiku v. Johnson Cnty., 173 F. Supp. 3d 1217 (D. Kan. 2016). · cites it 64× “In his Response, plaintiff asserts that he served the Summons properly - under *1228 K.S.A. § 60-304. Doc. 14 at 1. He contends that it was permissible to serve Detective Grigsby at his place of employment because “the detective[’]s place of abode is not [available in the]…”

Spiess v. Meyers, 483 F. Supp. 2d 1082 (D. Kan. 2007). · cites it 42× “K.S.A. § 60-304(a) governs service of process upon individuals under Kansas law, including government employees sued in their individual capacities.”

Fisher v. DeCarvalho, 260 P.3d 1218 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011). · cites it 40× “K.S.A. 60-304 delineates the proper procedure for effecting service of process, and subsection (a) states that an individual, other than a minor or disabled person, must be served: "by serving the individual or by serving an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive…”

Oltremari Ex Rel. McDaniel v. Kansas Soc. & Rehabilitative Serv., 871 F. Supp. 1331 (D. Kan. 1994). · cites it 16× “any process by certified mail, evidenced by return receipt signed by any person or by restricted de *1349 livery____ The sheriff, attorney for the party seeking service or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, shall cause a copy of the process and petition…”

Fisher v. DeCarvalho, 314 P.3d 214 (Kan. 2013). · cites it 13× “In addition, K.S.A. 60-304, entitled “Service of process, on whom made,” provided further directions.”

Mathiason v. Aquinas Home Health Care, Inc., 187 F. Supp. 3d 1269 (D. Kan. 2016). · cites it 2× “On January 19, 2016, pursuant to K.S.A. § 60-304(f), service was made upon the Kansas Secretary of State as defendant’s statutory agent because Aquinas had failed to maintain a Kansas registered agent for service of process.”

Myers v. Bd. of Cnty. Commissioners, 127 P.3d 319 (Kan. 2006). · cites it 4× “Although K.S.A. 60-304 (Corrick 1964) has since been amended to allow service of process at a defendant’s business if service at the defendant’s home is refused or unclaimed, the then current version of 60-304 did not authorize service at a person’s business.”

Pieren-Abbott v. Kansas Dep't of Revenue, 106 P.3d 492 (Kan. 2005). · cites it 3× “The amendment specifically stated: “Service of the petition shall be made on the department pursuant to K.S.A. 60-304(d) and amendments thereto. All subsequent filings and proceedings under this section and the contents of the petition shall be governed by the code of civil…”

Bd. of Cnty. Commissioners v. Coleman Am. Props., Inc. (In Re Am. Props., Inc.), 30 B.R. 239 (Bankr. D. Kan. 1983). · cites it 6× “Did the debtor’s notice comply with the requirements of K.S.A. § 60-304(d) (Supp.1981). 2. Does a tax lien creditor have a claim in bankruptcy.”

Merriman v. Crompton Corp., 146 P.3d 162 (Kan. 2006). · cites it 3× “17-7301 requires foreign corporations wishing to do business in Kansas to file an application for authority including “an irrevocable written consent of the foreign corporation that actions may be commenced against it in the proper court of any county where there is proper venue…”

Myers v. Bd. of Jackson Cnty. Comm'rs, 280 Kan. 869 (Kan. 2006). · cites it 4× “Although K.S.A. 60-304 (Corrick 1964) has since been amended to allow service of process at a defendant's business if service at the defendant's home is refused or unclaimed, the then current version of 60-304 did not authorize service at a person's business.”

Fisher v. Lynch, 531 F. Supp. 2d 1253 (D. Kan. 2008). · cites it 2× “K.S.A. § 60-304(a). The record reflects that plaintiff first attempted service on Lynch on May 1, 2007 by placing the summons and complaint “under locked door in [Lynch’s] office [at 2858 SW Villa West Dr.”

Show all 168 citing cases →

— K.S.A. § 60-304(0) — 1 case

Gideon v. Gates, 611 P.2d 166 (Kan. Ct. App. 1980).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(a) — 50 cases

Wanjiku v. Johnson Cnty., 173 F. Supp. 3d 1217 (D. Kan. 2016). “In his Response, plaintiff asserts that he served the Summons properly - under *1228 K.S.A. § 60-304. Doc. 14 at 1. He contends that it was permissible to serve Detective Grigsby at his place of employment because “the detective[’]s place of abode is not [available in the]…”

Spiess v. Meyers, 483 F. Supp. 2d 1082 (D. Kan. 2007). “K.S.A. § 60-304(a) governs service of process upon individuals under Kansas law, including government employees sued in their individual capacities.”

Fisher v. DeCarvalho, 260 P.3d 1218 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011). “K.S.A. 60-304 delineates the proper procedure for effecting service of process, and subsection (a) states that an individual, other than a minor or disabled person, must be served: "by serving the individual or by serving an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive…”

Fisher v. DeCarvalho, 314 P.3d 214 (Kan. 2013). “In addition, K.S.A. 60-304, entitled “Service of process, on whom made,” provided further directions.”

Oltremari Ex Rel. McDaniel v. Kansas Soc. & Rehabilitative Serv., 871 F. Supp. 1331 (D. Kan. 1994). “any process by certified mail, evidenced by return receipt signed by any person or by restricted de *1349 livery____ The sheriff, attorney for the party seeking service or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, shall cause a copy of the process and petition…”

— K.S.A. § 60-304(a)(l) — 1 case

Swarts v. Dean, 766 P.2d 1291 (Kan. Ct. App. 1989).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(a7) — 1 case

Dunn v. City of Emporia, 643 P.2d 1137 (Kan. Ct. App. 1982).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(b) — 1 case

United States v. O'Gilvie, 149 F.R.D. 645 (D. Kan. 1993).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(b)(2) — 1 case

Shelter Mut. Ins. v. Williams, 804 P.2d 1374 (Kan. 1991).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(c) — 4 cases

In the Interest of Baby Boy Bryant, 689 P.2d 1203 (Kan. Ct. App. 1984).

In Re the Marriage of Powell, 766 P.2d 827 (Kan. Ct. App. 1988).

Mid Kansas Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass'n v. Burke, 666 P.2d 203 (Kan. 1983).

Jackson v. Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. (D. Kan. 2021).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(d) — 29 cases

Bd. of Cnty. Commissioners v. Coleman Am. Props., Inc. (In Re Am. Props., Inc.), 30 B.R. 239 (Bankr. D. Kan. 1983). “Did the debtor’s notice comply with the requirements of K.S.A. § 60-304(d) (Supp.1981). 2. Does a tax lien creditor have a claim in bankruptcy.”

Blackmon v. U.S.D. 259 Sch. Dist., 769 F. Supp. 2d 1267 (D. Kan. 2011).

Pieren-Abbott v. Kansas Dep't of Revenue, 106 P.3d 492 (Kan. 2005). “The amendment specifically stated: “Service of the petition shall be made on the department pursuant to K.S.A. 60-304(d) and amendments thereto. All subsequent filings and proceedings under this section and the contents of the petition shall be governed by the code of civil…”

Dunn v. City of Emporia, 643 P.2d 1137 (Kan. Ct. App. 1982).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(d)(1) — 7 cases

United States v. Tarkowski (D. Kan. 2024).

Zesiger v. Leavenworth Cnty., Kansas (D. Kan. 2025).

Zesiger (D. Kan. 2025).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(d)(3) — 9 cases

Myers v. Bd. of Cnty. Commissioners, 127 P.3d 319 (Kan. 2006). “Although K.S.A. 60-304 (Corrick 1964) has since been amended to allow service of process at a defendant’s business if service at the defendant’s home is refused or unclaimed, the then current version of 60-304 did not authorize service at a person’s business.”

Hopkins v. State, 702 P.2d 311 (Kan. 1985).

Myers v. Bd. of Jackson Cnty. Comm'rs, 280 Kan. 869 (Kan. 2006). “Although K.S.A. 60-304 (Corrick 1964) has since been amended to allow service of process at a defendant's business if service at the defendant's home is refused or unclaimed, the then current version of 60-304 did not authorize service at a person's business.”

Fulcher v. City of Wichita, 445 F. Supp. 2d 1271 (D. Kan. 2006).

Kuhn v. Schmidt, 277 P.3d 1141 (Kan. Ct. App. 2012).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(d)(4) — 5 cases

Bland v. Kansas City, Kansas Cmty. Coll., 271 F. Supp. 2d 1280 (D. Kan. 2003).

Hajda v. Univ. of Kansas Hosp. Auth., 356 P.3d 1 (Kan. Ct. App. 2015).

Cid v. Butler (Kan. Ct. App. 2022).

Bell v. USD 458 Basehor-Linwood, Bd. of Educ. (D. Kan. 2022).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(d)(5) — 17 cases

Mehus v. Emporia State Univ., 295 F. Supp. 2d 1258 (D. Kan. 2004).

Mason v. Twenty-Sixth Jud. Dist. of Kansas, 670 F. Supp. 1528 (D. Kan. 1987).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(d)(l) — 2 cases

In Re City of Garnett/East Kansas Agri-Energy, L.C.C., 177 P.3d 1279 (Kan. Ct. App. 2008).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(e) — 23 cases

Hoffman v. United Telecomm., Inc., 575 F. Supp. 1463 (D. Kan. 1983).

First Mgmt., Inc. v. Topeka Inv. Grp., LLC, 277 P.3d 1150 (Kan. Ct. App. 2012).

Richardson v. All. Tire & Rubber Co., 158 F.R.D. 475 (D. Kan. 1994).

Beck v. Atl. Contracting Co., 157 F.R.D. 61 (D. Kan. 1994).

Vap v. Diamond Oil Producers, Inc., 671 P.2d 1126 (Kan. Ct. App. 1983).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(e)(1) — 2 cases

Andover Senior Care, LLC v. Called to Care Investments Kansas, LLC (Bankr. D. Kan. 2024).

Unified Gov't of Wyandotte Co./KCK v. Adauto (Kan. Ct. App. 2024).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(e)(2) — 5 cases

First Mgmt., Inc. v. Topeka Inv. Grp., LLC, 277 P.3d 1150 (Kan. Ct. App. 2012).

In Re Starlite Houseboats, Inc., 426 B.R. 375 (Bankr. D. Kan. 2010).

United States v. Tarkowski (D. Kan. 2024).

Towers v. Unified Gov't of Wyandotte Cnty. & Kansas City, Kansas (D. Kan. 2025).

Towers (D. Kan. 2026).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(e)(l) — 2 cases

In Re Starlite Houseboats, Inc., 426 B.R. 375 (Bankr. D. Kan. 2010).

Porter v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 257 P.3d 788 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(f) — 9 cases

Mathiason v. Aquinas Home Health Care, Inc., 187 F. Supp. 3d 1269 (D. Kan. 2016). “On January 19, 2016, pursuant to K.S.A. § 60-304(f), service was made upon the Kansas Secretary of State as defendant’s statutory agent because Aquinas had failed to maintain a Kansas registered agent for service of process.”

Howard v. Jenny's Country Kitchen, Inc., 223 F.R.D. 559 (D. Kan. 2004).

Grimandi v. Beech Aircraft Corp., 512 F. Supp. 764 (D. Kan. 1981).

Slawson v. Dome Petroleum Corp., 561 F. Supp. 67 (D. Kan. 1983).

Jackson v. Am. Best Freight Sys., Inc., 709 P.2d 983 (Kan. 1985).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(f)(1) — 1 case

Stacker v. Intellisource, LLC (D. Kan. 2021).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(g) — 1 case

Vazquez v. Gomez (D. Kan. 2021).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(h) — 7 cases

Fisher v. DeCarvalho, 314 P.3d 214 (Kan. 2013). “In addition, K.S.A. 60-304, entitled “Service of process, on whom made,” provided further directions.”

Davis v. United States Dep't of Just. (D. Kan. 2023).

— K.S.A. § 60-304(o) — 1 case

McCall v. McCall, 592 P.2d 469 (Kan. Ct. App. 1978).

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