Series 63 Consent to Service Chart
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
📝 Series 63 Consent to Service Chart
One of the most frequently tested administrative procedures on the Series 63 exam is the Consent to Service of Process. Understanding when this document is required — and who must file it — is essential for success on exam day.
This Consent to Service Chart is your quick-reference tool to memorize the rules surrounding this foundational part of state securities registration.
📄 What Is the Consent to Service of Process?
The Consent to Service of Process is a legal document that allows the State Administrator to receive legal documents on behalf of the registrant in the event of a civil action.
It must be filed once at the time of initial registration and applies to civil actions involving violations of the state’s securities laws.
📊 Consent to Service Filing Requirements
| Registrant Type | Is Consent Required? | When Is It Filed? | Is Renewal Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker-Dealer (BD) | ✅ Yes | With initial state registration | ❌ No — one-time filing |
| Agent | ✅ Yes | With initial state registration | ❌ No — one-time filing |
| Investment Adviser (IA) | ✅ Yes | With initial state registration | ❌ No — one-time filing |
| Investment Adviser Rep (IAR) | ✅ Yes | With initial state registration | ❌ No — one-time filing |
| Federal Covered Adviser | ❌ No (unless required for notice filing) | N/A | N/A |
| Issuer of Securities | ✅ Yes (if required for registration or exemption) | At time of registration or filing for exemption | ❌ No — one-time filing |
⚖️ Key Rules to Remember
- 📌 Filed only once per state unless there’s a break in registration
- 📬 Grants the Administrator the authority to receive legal documents on behalf of the registrant
- 🧾 Applies to civil actions but not to criminal matters or routine exams
- 🛑 Failure to file means the registration is considered incomplete and will be rejected
🧠 Series 63 Exam Tip
Expect at least one question asking who must file the Consent to Service and when. Use this chart to distinguish clearly between BDs, agents, IAs, IARs, and issuers. Memorizing the “Yes – At Initial Registration – One Time Only” rule will save you on test day.
📥 Download the Series 63 Consent to Service Chart
Reinforce this key concept with a printable study sheet you can review anytime.
👉 Download now at FINRA Exam Mastery