Substituted serviceWhen an individual party to be served is unavailable for personal service, many jurisdictions allow for substituted service. Substituted service allows the process server to leave service documents with another responsible individual, called a person of suitable age and discretion, such as a cohabiting adult or a teenager. Under the Federal Rules, substituted service may only be made at the abode or dwelling of the defendant.[4] California, New York,[5] Illinois, and many other United States jurisdictions require that in addition to substituted service, the documents be mailed to the recipient.[5] Substituted service often requires a serving party show that ordinary service is impracticable, that due diligence has been made to attempt to make personal service by delivery, and that substituted service will reach the party and effect notice.[5]
In addition, in some jursidictions, substituted service may be affected through motion and public notice, followed by sending the documents by Certified Mail.[6]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_of_process#Substituted_service
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