Wash. Rev. Code » Title 59 · Chapter 59.12
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.085 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) When the plaintiff, after the exercise of due diligence, is unable to personally serve the summons on the defendant or defendants, the court may authorize the alternative means of service described in this section.
(2) Upon filing of an affidavit from the person or persons attempting service describing those attempts, and the filing of an affidavit from the plaintiff, plaintiff's agent, or plaintiff's attorney stating the belief that the defendant or defendants cannot be found, the court may enter an order authorizing service of the summons as follows:
(a) The summons and complaint must be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises unlawfully held not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons; and
(b) Copies of the summons and complaint must be deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, by both regular mail and certified mail directed to the defendant or defendants' last known address not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons.
(3) When service on the defendant or defendants is accomplished by this alternative procedure, the court's jurisdiction is limited to restoring possession of the premises to the plaintiff and no money judgment may be entered against the defendant or defendants until jurisdiction over the defendant or defendants is obtained.
[ 2014 c 3 s 1.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 2019–2025 · leading case: Wells Fargo Bank v. Daniel G. Szmania (Wash. Ct. App. 2019).
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Wells Fargo Bank v. Daniel G. Szmania (Wash. Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 3× “This allowed alternative service of process by (1) posting the summons and complaint in a conspicuous place on the premises unlawfully held, and (2) by mailing a copy of the summons and complaint to the defendant’s last known address by regular and certified mail.”
The Lodges in West Yakima, LLC v. David Perez Ortiz (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “Ortiz and an order to show cause by alternative means under RCW 59.12.085. The court granted the request, while permitting service through posting and mailing the amended unlawful detainer action documents.”
Halo Props. & Investments Llc, V. Romuald Zuchowski (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “On October 24, 2024, Halo moved for service by alternative means under RCW 59.12.085. In support of this motion, Halo attached a declaration of non-service from the process server, who stated that he made three unsuccessful attempts to personally serve Zuchowski at the premises.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.085(2)(a) — 1 case
Wells Fargo Bank v. Daniel G. Szmania (Wash. Ct. App. 2019). “This allowed alternative service of process by (1) posting the summons and complaint in a conspicuous place on the premises unlawfully held, and (2) by mailing a copy of the summons and complaint to the defendant’s last known address by regular and certified mail.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.085(2)(b) — 1 case
Wells Fargo Bank v. Daniel G. Szmania (Wash. Ct. App. 2019). “This allowed alternative service of process by (1) posting the summons and complaint in a conspicuous place on the premises unlawfully held, and (2) by mailing a copy of the summons and complaint to the defendant’s last known address by regular and certified mail.”
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