How Process Servers Locate People in Texas (Legal Only)

Many civil cases stall because the address on file is outdated, incomplete, or simply wrong. People move, change jobs, or stay with family. That doesn’t mean your case is over.

In Texas, professional process servers use legal, ethical skip tracing to find better addresses and move the case forward — without crossing privacy or legal lines.

Section 1 — What Is Skip Tracing?

Skip tracing is the process of using lawfully available information to locate someone who has moved or is hard to reach.

It combines:

• Public records
• Commercial databases
• Property and address histories
• Employment and business information
• Known mailing and contact details

The goal is simple: find the most reliable address for service.

Section 2 — What Information Servers Start With

Most skip tracing starts with:

• Full legal name
• Last known address
• Date of birth (if available)
• Phone numbers or email (if available)
• Business or employer information

The more accurate starting information you provide, the faster and cleaner the search.

Section 3 — Common Legal Data Sources

Process servers may use:

• Address history and change-of-address data (where permitted)
• Real property and appraisal district records
• Business registrations and assumed names
• Court records and prior filings
• Professional licenses or certifications
• Lawful commercial skip-tracing tools

Private, sensitive data is not the goal. The goal is a better address for service.

Section 4 — How Skip Tracing Helps Your Case

Skip tracing can:

• Prevent wasted attempts at old addresses
• Reveal new residences or mailing addresses
• Identify updated workplaces
• Link to secondary residences (like family homes)
• Support requests for substitute service

When the defendant truly moved, skip tracing becomes one of the best tools to keep your case alive.

Section 5 — Examples of Real-World Skip Tracing Situations

• Apartment move: The tenant moved out without updating the address, but skip tracing shows a new complex across town.
• Job change: The person left their old job, but business records reveal a new employer.
• Staying with family: Patterns show mail or property ties to a relative’s home.

In all these scenarios, skip tracing creates a new path for service.

Section 6 — What Skip Tracing Does NOT Do

Ethical, legal skip tracing does not involve:

• Hacking accounts
• Accessing restricted databases illegally
• Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
• Sharing private information with unauthorized parties

Everything must remain inside legal and professional boundaries.

Section 7 — How Skip Tracing Ties into Service & the Court

Once a better address is found, the process server will:

• Attempt service at the new address
• Document all attempts and observations
• Use this information to support substitute service if needed

Court filings may refer to the history of attempts and the steps taken to locate the defendant, which helps show good faith and diligence.

Section 8 — How Clients Can Help

You can speed up skip tracing by sharing:

• Any recent phone or text contact
• Last known employer or job type
• Social patterns (night shift, rideshare, delivery, etc.)
• Known cities, neighborhoods, or counties
• Any address where they might receive mail

Even small pieces of information can help connect the dots.

Section 9 — Clear Next Steps

If your case is stuck because the person “can’t be found,” you don’t have to give up.

• Tell your server everything you know about the person’s history.
• Allow legal skip tracing to identify better addresses.
• Let the server handle attempts and documentation from there.