How to Domesticate an Out-of-State Subpoena in Missouri

To domesticate an out-of-state subpoena in Missouri, the requesting party must work with a Missouri-licensed attorney. Because Missouri has not adopted UIDDA, foreign subpoenas cannot simply be submitted to the clerk. A Missouri attorney must prepare and file the request in the appropriate circuit court. Fees vary by county (e.g., St. Louis County $105.50; Jackson County $112.50). Countrywide Process partners with Missouri attorneys to prepare the subpoena, file it, advance all fees, and coordinate service with vetted Missouri process servers.

How to Domesticate an Out-of-State Subpoena in Missouri
AUTHOR:

Countrywide Process

DATE:

August 25, 2025

Current Procedure (Pre-UIDDA)

Missouri remains one of the states that has not adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA). As a result, out-of-state litigants cannot directly submit a foreign subpoena to the court clerk. Instead, they must engage a Missouri attorney to prepare and file the necessary documents with the local circuit court.

Why Subpoena Domestication Requires a Missouri Attorney

Unlike UIDDA states, Missouri requires attorney representation for domestication. Only a Missouri-licensed attorney can:

  • Draft or adapt the Missouri subpoena form, 
  • File the foreign subpoena with the circuit court, 
  • Ensure compliance with Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 57 for depositions, Rule 58 for non-party document subpoenas), and 
  • Present motions for enforcement, modification, or protective relief.

Without Missouri counsel, foreign subpoenas carry no effect.

Step-by-Step Procedure in Missouri

1. Retain Missouri Counsel

A Missouri attorney must be engaged to handle the domestication filing.

2. Provide the Foreign Subpoena

Submit the foreign subpoena and case details to Missouri counsel.

3. Filing with the Circuit Court

The Missouri attorney prepares and files the subpoena in the circuit court of the county where the witness or records are located.

4. Issuance of a Missouri Subpoena

The clerk issues a Missouri subpoena in compliance with Missouri rules.

5. Fees

Circuit courts assess issuance fees. For example:

  • St. Louis County: $105.50 
  • Jackson County: $112.50 

Other counties set similar local fees. Countrywide Process advances these fees on behalf of clients.

6. Service of the Subpoena

Once issued, the Missouri subpoena must be served under Missouri law.

Service by Countrywide Process

Countrywide Process ensures proper service through a network of vetted professional Missouri process servers. We:

  • Partner with Missouri attorneys for filing and issuance, 
  • Advance and track fees, 
  • Oversee service by licensed professionals, and 
  • Return both the issued subpoena and formal proof of service, with online status updates throughout. 

Enforcement and Objections

If a subpoenaed party objects or fails to comply, motions to enforce, quash, or modify must be filed by the Missouri attorney in the issuing court. Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure provide protections to ensure fairness while allowing discovery to proceed.

Why Countrywide Process Makes It Faster & Reliable

  • We provide Missouri subpoena forms 
  • Coordinate with Missouri attorneys for filing and issuance 
  • Advance issuance fees across all counties 
  • Serve subpoenas through vetted Missouri process servers 
  • Deliver issued subpoenas + proof of service 
  • Maintain full online tracking for every stage

Ready to Begin?

Let Countrywide Process handle your Missouri subpoena domestication—from attorney coordination to service of process.
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No. Missouri has not enacted UIDDA. A Missouri-licensed attorney must handle the filing and issuance of out-of-state subpoenas.

Only a Missouri attorney can prepare and file the subpoena with the circuit court for issuance.

The Missouri attorney files with the circuit court clerk in the county where the witness resides or the documents are located.

Fees vary by county. For example, St. Louis County charges $105.50, while Jackson County charges $112.50 for subpoena issuance.

No. Filing and issuance by a Missouri attorney does not constitute a court appearance.

Service must comply with Missouri rules. Countrywide Process arranges service through vetted Missouri process servers.

The Missouri attorney may file a motion to enforce, quash, or modify the subpoena in the issuing circuit court.

Yes. Subpoenas may command records, testimony, or both, but non-party document subpoenas must comply with Rule 58 protections.