🎯 Skip Tracing & Locate Services

Skip Tracing for Hard-to-Find Defendants

When the address on file is bad, mail is returned, or someone has moved, LocateServe can help identify a better address before or during service of process. We use compliant data sources and practical field experience to find where to try next.

Request Skip Trace Back to Services & Pricing

When to Use Skip Tracing

Skip tracing is not needed on every case. It’s the right tool when you suspect the address is wrong or the defendant is actively avoiding service.

  • âś” Mail has been returned “undeliverable” or “moved, no forwarding.”
  • âś” Prior service attempts at the current address have all failed.
  • âś” The defendant is believed to have moved cities or counties.
  • âś” You want a fresh address before filing or re-issuing a citation.
  • âś” You need confirmation the subject is still in Texas before investing in service.

Skip tracing is not a background check.

Our focus is locating a better address for civil process serving — not credit history, employment reports, or any consumer “screening.” All work is performed in a way that supports Texas service of process and court documentation.

Skip Tracing Options & Pricing

Pricing below applies per subject (per person or business). If you have multiple defendants or multiple addresses to research, we’ll outline that clearly in your quote.

Most Common
Standard Skip Trace
đź“Ť
$75
per subject
  • Search for current residential address using multiple compliant databases.
  • Confirmation of likely best address for service (within Texas).
  • List of 1–2 alternate addresses when available.
  • Brief notes regarding recency of records and confidence level.
Best choice for most routine civil cases where the subject has simply moved.
Order Standard Skip Trace
Complex Cases
Enhanced Skip Trace
🔎
$125
per subject
  • Deeper research for subjects with frequent moves or limited recent data.
  • May include utility, property, and limited business record checks where appropriate.
  • Additional alternate addresses and contact points when available.
  • Summary notes suitable for supporting your decision on further service attempts.
Recommended when the subject is highly mobile, evasive, or previous traces have failed.
Order Enhanced Skip Trace
If we believe a trace is unlikely to produce usable results, we’ll tell you before proceeding.

What You Receive with Each Skip Trace

Our goal is simple: give you a clean, usable address strategy so you can decide how to move forward with service of process.

  • âś” Written report with our recommended address for service.
  • âś” Any alternate addresses identified during the search.
  • âś” Brief explanation of why a specific address is considered “best current.”
  • âś” Optional follow-on service attempts by LocateServe at the new address (billed separately).

Skip Tracing FAQs

What information do you need to start a skip trace?
At minimum, we need the subject’s full name and last-known address. Date of birth, phone numbers, email, or employer details are very helpful if you have them, but not required in every case.
Is skip tracing guaranteed to find someone?
No service can guarantee a locate on every subject. Some people leave very little trace, or records may be outdated. We will always provide our best findings and explain the confidence level of any recommended address.
What happens if the trace doesn’t produce a usable address?
If no reasonable address can be identified after a good-faith search, we’ll provide a report explaining that result. Many clients still use this to support further court options, such as alternative service strategies as allowed by Texas rules.
How fast do you complete a skip trace?
Most standard traces are completed within 1–3 business days. Complex cases may take a little longer; we’ll let you know if we expect a delay before billing.
Can you also serve at the new address you find?
Yes. Once a better address is identified, we can move straight into service attempts under our normal Routine, Rush, Same-Day, or Priority service options.
Do you perform “people searches” for non-legal reasons?
No. Our skip tracing is limited to legitimate civil process and related legal matters. We do not provide consumer lookups, tenant screening, or any unrelated “find my ex” type services.

Ready to Track Down a Better Address?

Send us what you know about the defendant or business, choose the skip tracing level that fits your case, and we’ll work on finding the best address for service — so your case doesn’t stall over bad information.

Request Skip Trace →