How to Domesticate an Out‑of‑State Subpoena in Arkansas

How to Domesticate an Out‑of‑State Subpoena in Arkansas
AUTHOR:

Countrywide Process

DATE:

July 14, 2025

Arkansas allows out‑of‑state subpoenas to be domesticated under UIDDA via Ark. R. Civ. P. 45.1. Submit your foreign subpoena and a matching Arkansas form to the circuit court clerk, pay the small issuance fee, and have it served under Rule 45—all without local counsel.

Arkansas adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act in 2018 via Ark. R. Civ. P. 45.1, enabling attorneys to easily domesticate and serve subpoenas in-state without motions or local counsel.

Why You Need to Domesticate

A subpoena issued by another state has no legal force in Arkansas unless domesticated. Under Rule 45.1, you can obtain an enforceable Arkansas subpoena with a simple clerical filing—no judge or hearing required. This ensures compliance with jurisdictional rules and allows enforcement and service in Arkansas according to local discovery law (Arkansas Civ Pro).

Arkansas UIDDA Requirements (Ark. R. Civ. P. 45.1)

  • Submit the foreign subpoena and an Arkansas subpoena form, mirroring the original terms, to the circuit court clerk of the relevant county (Undisputed Legal Inc.).
  • Include contact information for all counsel and unrepresented parties (Process Server One).
  • Effectively invoke Arkansas jurisdiction through the clerk’s issuance—no local attorney needed (Undisputed Legal Inc.).

 

Arkansas Subpoena Rules (Rule 45, Ark. R. Civ. P.)

  • Service must occur at least five business days before a deposition, or two days before trial or hearing (Arkansas Judiciary).
  • Witness fee of $30/day and $0.25/mile must be tendered upon service under Rule 45(d–e) (Arkansas Judiciary).
  • Objections, motions to quash, or protective orders must be handled under Arkansas Rule 45(b)(e), with the recipient allowed 10 days to object in writing (Undisputed Legal Inc.).

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Domesticate and Serve

  1. Prepare documents – Obtain foreign subpoena and complete Arkansas form consistent with Rule 45.1.
  2. File with clerk – Submit both forms to the circuit clerk where discovery is sought; pay small issuance fee (varies, typically around $5–$30).
  3. Receive Arkansas subpoena – Clerk issues enforceable subpoena.
  4. Serve properly – Use licensed server or deputy; include $30/day witness fee + mileage.
  5. Handle objections – Party has 10 days to object; file motions under Rule 45 if needed.

Filing Fee to Issue Subpoena in Arkansas

  • Issuance Fee: Typically $5–$30—check local court clerk for exact amount.
  • Service Fees: Licensed server plus witness fees and mileage under Rule 45(d–e).
  • Objection/Motion Fees: Standard court filing fees apply.

Subpoena Types Allowed Under UIDDA Arkansas

  • Deposition subpoenas (oral or remote testimony)
  • Subpoenas duces tecum (document production)
  • Inspection subpoenas
  • Combined subpoenas for both testimony and documents

Why Choose Countrywide Process?

  • Expertise with Arkansas UIDDA and Rule 45 forms and filings
  • No need for local counsel—we handle everything
  • Licensed Arkansas process servers, witness fee submission, and proof of service
  • Assistance with motions or objections if they arise
  • GPS tracking updates & faster turnaround than local filings

Ready to Domesticate Your Arkansas Subpoena?

Start now with Countrywide Process—place your order online or call (888) 962‑9696. We’ll handle your subpoena domestication and service from start to proof, so you can focus on litigation.

Click Here to Place Your Subpoena Order

Yes. Arkansas enacted UIDDA via Ark. R. Civ. P. 45.1 in 2018, streamlining out-of-state subpoena domestication.

No. Under Rule 45.1, you can file the foreign subpoena and Arkansas form with the circuit clerk without local counsel.

File with the circuit court clerk in the county where the witness or records are located.

Issuance fees typically range from $5–$30 depending on the county; service fees and witness fees are additional.

At least five business days in advance of a deposition, or two days prior to trial/hearing, per Rule 45.

Yes. A $30 per-day fee and $0.25 per mile must be tendered when serving a subpoena.

Deposition subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, inspection subpoenas, or any combination under UIDDA.

They have 10 days from service to file a written objection or motion to quash under Rule 45(e).

A non-party adult or licensed server, such as a sheriff’s deputy or private process server.

You may file a motion to enforce the subpoena in the circuit court where it was issued.

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