The methods of serving process set out in article 3 of this chapter constitute sufficient service of process in all civil actions and proceedings, but are alternatives to and do not restrict different methods specifically provided by law. Substantial compliance with any method of serving process effects valid service of process if the court finds that, notwithstanding some irregularity or omission, the party served was made aware that an action or proceeding was pending in a specified court that might affect the party or the party's status or property.
K.S.A. 60-204.Process, generally
Last amended July 1, 2010 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceK.S.A. 60-204 makes the service methods in article 3 sufficient for serving process in any Kansas civil action, treats them as alternatives rather than limits on other lawful methods, and validates substantially compliant service if the party served was made aware the action was pending.
Full Text of K.S.A. 60-204
Amendment History
L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-204; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 71; July 1.
Plain-English Summary
Section 60-204 does two things in two sentences. First, it declares that the methods of serving process laid out in article 3 of chapter 60 count as sufficient service in every civil action and proceeding. Second, it makes clear those methods aren't the only ones available — they're alternatives to, and don't restrict, any different method of service specifically provided elsewhere by law.
The section also builds in a safety valve for imperfect service. Substantial compliance with any method of serving process is still valid, despite an irregularity or omission, if the court finds that the party served was made aware an action or proceeding was pending in a specified court that might affect that party, or the party's status or property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What service methods count as sufficient under 60-204?
The methods of serving process set out in article 3 of chapter 60 constitute sufficient service in all civil actions and proceedings.
Are the article 3 service methods the only way to serve process in Kansas?
No. Section 60-204 states these methods are alternatives to, and don't restrict, different methods of service specifically provided by law elsewhere.
What if service had some irregularity or omission?
Substantial compliance with any method of serving process is still valid if the court finds that, despite the irregularity or omission, the party served was made aware that an action or proceeding was pending that might affect that party or the party's status or property.
Does 60-204 apply to proceedings as well as actions?
Yes. It states its service methods constitute sufficient service of process in all civil actions and proceedings.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from the
Kansas Statutes Annotated, enacted by the Kansas Legislature. Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: kansas service of process sufficiency60-204 substantial compliance servicearticle 3 service methods kansaskansas process alternative service methods