Is process service on an old address valid?
<p>Pick your favorite jurisdiction in the U.S.</p>

<h2>Hypothetical Facts</h2>

<ol>
<li><strong>A</strong> wants to serve <strong>B</strong> with a complaint and notice to appear in court.</li>
<li>The address on <strong>B</strong>'s ID card is address <strong>C</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>B</strong> does not live at nor have any contact with anyone at <strong>C</strong>. (And hasn't for several months.)</li>
<li><strong>A</strong> serves court papers for <strong>B</strong> at address <strong>C</strong> via process server who rings the doorbell and when an adult answers the door, hands the service paperwork to adult <strong>D</strong>.</li>
</ol>

<h1>Question</h1>

<p>Is <strong>A</strong>'s service of <strong>B</strong> valid?</p>

<p>Under Fed. R. Civ. P. One can be served according to the state law or:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(2) doing any of the following: (A) delivering a copy of the summons
  and of the complaint to the individual personally; (B) leaving a copy
  of each at the individual’s dwelling or usual place of abode with
  someone of suitable age and discretion who resides there; or (C)
  delivering a copy of each to an agent authorized</p>
</blockquote>

<p>None of those would apply to your facts. Thus you would have to find some jurisdiction that would allow service of process under your fact. I dare say that none will and that due process would come into play.</p>

<p>In NJ, due process applies and service may be made</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(1) Upon a competent individual of the age of 14 or over, by
  delivering a copy of the summons and complaint to the individual
  personally, or by leaving a copy thereof at the individual's dwelling
  place or usual place of abode with a competent member of the household
  of the age of 14 or over then residing therein, or by delivering a
  copy thereof to a person authorized by appointment or by law to
  receive service of process on the individual's behalf;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>It has to be the current place of abode.</p>

united-states process