Service of process may be accepted by the person for whom it is intended by signing the proof of service and indicating the jurisdiction and state in which it was accepted. However, service of process in divorce or annulment actions may be accepted only as provided in § 20-99.1:1.
§ 8.01-327.Acceptance of service of process.
Chapter 8. Process · Article 4. Who to Be Served · Last amended 1988 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceSection 8.01-327 lets the person for whom process is intended accept service voluntarily by signing the proof of service and stating the jurisdiction and state where it was accepted, though divorce and annulment cases may accept service only through the separate procedure in §20-99.1:1.
Full Text of § 8.01-327
Plain-English Summary
Section 8.01-327 gives a defendant a simple way to shortcut formal service: accept it. Service of process may be accepted by the person for whom it is intended by signing the proof of service and indicating the jurisdiction and state in which it was accepted. That signed acceptance stands in for the return a sheriff or private server would otherwise file.
The section carves out one category entirely: service of process in divorce or annulment actions may be accepted only as §20-99.1:1 provides, not under this general rule. That distinction reflects the extra care Virginia law takes with service in domestic-relations cases, where a defendant’s actual awareness of the proceeding carries added weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a defendant just accept service instead of being formally served?
Yes, by signing the proof of service and stating the jurisdiction and state where service was accepted.
Does this apply to divorce and annulment cases?
No. Those cases may accept service only as provided in §20-99.1:1, not under this general acceptance rule.
What information must appear on the signed acceptance?
The jurisdiction and state in which service was accepted.
Who can accept service under this section?
The person for whom the process is intended.
Does accepting service this way replace the usual proof-of-service paperwork?
Yes. The acceptance itself functions as the proof of service, since it is made by signing that document.
Amendment History
1977, c. 617; 1987, c. 594; 1988, cc. 583, 642.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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