To domesticate a foreign subpoena in the District of Columbia under UIDDA Rule 28-I, submit the foreign subpoena, a local District of Columbia subpoena form, and a Mandatory Sworn Statement to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. The court will issue a DC-compliant subpoena without requiring a court appearance. Filing fees are typically $10 per subpoena. Ensure compliance with Civil Rule 45 and serve using an authorized process server. Let Countrywide Process assist with court filing and proper service.
Countrywide Process
July 25, 2025
The District of Columbia has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), codified under Rule 28-I of the D.C. Superior Court Rules. Under UIDDA, attorneys from other states must domesticate their subpoena before it becomes enforceable in D.C.
You cannot serve a subpoena issued by an out-of-state court directly in Washington, D.C., without first domesticating it. The domestication process ensures compliance with local court rules and gives the subpoena enforceability under D.C. law.
Washington D.C. courts follow the UIDDA, allowing out-of-state attorneys to obtain a local subpoena without appearing in court or hiring local counsel. Rule 28-I governs this process and outlines a streamlined mechanism to issue a discovery subpoena in D.C. from a foreign jurisdiction.
Key Requirements under Rule 28-I:
To domesticate an out-of-state subpoena in the District of Columbia, you’ll need:
Make sure your foreign subpoena contains the required details. Prepare the D.C. subpoena form and Mandatory Sworn Statement template from the Superior Court’s website or request the appropriate forms from Countrywide Process.
File your completed D.C. subpoena form, the original or a copy of the foreign subpoena, and the sworn statement with the Clerk of the Superior Court in Washington, D.C. through Countrywide Process
As of this writing, the filing fee is $10, payable to the Clerk of the Court. This may vary slightly, so always check the latest fee schedule or call ahead; however, there is no need to worry. Countrywide Process will advance any necessary fees required by the court.
Once the documents are reviewed and accepted, the Clerk will issue a D.C.-compliant subpoena for service.
Countrywide Process coordinates compliant service of process by a qualified process server in Washington, D.C. We provide you with a valid Proof of Service after completion.
Avoid costly mistakes and delays. Click below or call to have our team assist you with the filing and service process from start to finish.
Yes. Washington, D.C, has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, codified in Rule 28-I.
File with the Clerk of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia where discovery is sought.
No. UIDDA allows out-of-state attorneys to obtain a D.C. subpoena without local counsel or a court appearance.
The filing fee is currently $10, payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
You need the foreign subpoena, D.C. subpoena form, a mandatory sworn statement, and, optionally, a cover letter.
The Clerk of the Superior Court will issue the subpoena once all documents are filed.
No. Service must comply with D.C. court rules and must be done by a qualified process server.
No appearance is necessary. UIDDA allows the clerk to issue the subpoena without a hearing.
Yes. A mandatory sworn statement must accompany the foreign subpoena filing.
No. Countrywide Process does not prepare documents, but can provide the correct forms and facilitate filing and service.
