Rule 811.Service by Publication in Actions Under Section 17.003, Civil Practice and Remedies Code

Last amended January 1, 1988 · Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 811 allows service on the defendants in a section 17.003 suit to be made by publication under Rules 114 through 116, or by service of notice in the character and manner that Rule 108 provides.

Full Text of Rule 811

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In actions authorized by Section 17.003, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, service on the defendant or defendants may be made by publication as is provided by Rules 114 -116 or by service of notice of the character and in the manner provided by Rule 108.

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Plain-English Summary

Rule 811 sets how the defendants in a section 17.003 title suit are served. Service may be made by publication under the citation-by-publication rules, Rules 114 through 116, or by serving notice of the character and in the manner Rule 108 provides for out-of-state defendants. The choice fits the common problem in these suits: defendants who are unknown or cannot be found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are defendants served in a Texas suit to determine title under section 17.003?

By publication under Rules 114-116, or by notice in the manner Rule 108 provides (Rule 811).

Why does Rule 811 allow service by publication in these suits?

Because section 17.003 suits often involve defendants who are unknown or cannot be located, and publication reaches them when direct service cannot.

Does Rule 811 require the plaintiff to choose one method of service for every defendant?

No. Rule 811 lets the plaintiff use publication for some defendants and Rule 108 notice for others, depending on which fits each one.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 811), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: service by publication suit to determine titlesection 17.003 servicetwo methods of serving defendantsrule 108 notice service optionTRCP 811