California Process Servers

United States Process Serving Corp provides professional and reliable process serving across California. Our extensive network of registered process servers ensures your legal documents are delivered promptly and in compliance with the California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 415.10–415.95 and the Business and Professions Code §§ 22350–22360.

California Process Serving Laws

California requires professional process servers who serve more than 10 documents per year for compensation to register with the county clerk in the county where they reside or maintain their principal place of business, under Business and Professions Code § 22350. Registration requires the applicant to be a California resident for at least one year, submit fingerprints via Live Scan for a criminal background check, post a $2,000 surety bond, and sign a statement under penalty of perjury that they have not been convicted of a felony (unless a certificate of rehabilitation or pardon has been obtained). Registration is statewide — once registered in one county, the process server may serve documents anywhere in California. Licensed private investigators, attorneys, sheriffs, marshals, and government employees acting within the scope of their duties are exempt from registration. Any person who is at least 18 years old and not a party to the case may serve process under CCP § 414.10, but those doing so regularly for compensation must be registered.

California Legal Resource Centre

Serving documents in California requires compliance with the California Code of Civil Procedure and the Business and Professions Code. Below are answers to common questions regarding service of process in this state.

Frequently Asked Questions (California)

What is the Small Claims limit in California?

The Small Claims limit in California is $12,500 for individuals and $6,250 for businesses, exclusive of interest and costs, under CCP §§ 116.220 and 116.221 (effective January 1, 2024, per Senate Bill 71). Small claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Division of the Superior Court. Attorneys are not permitted to represent parties at trial. An individual may file no more than two small claims actions exceeding $2,500 in a single calendar year. The limit against a guarantor is $8,125.

Who can serve process in California?

Under CCP § 414.10, any person who is at least 18 years old and not a party to the action may serve process in California. However, anyone who serves more than 10 documents per year for compensation must register as a process server with the county clerk under Business and Professions Code § 22350. Registration requires one year of California residency, fingerprinting via Live Scan, a $2,000 surety bond, and a declaration of no felony conviction. Sheriffs, marshals, licensed private investigators, and attorneys are exempt from registration requirements.

What are the rules for substitute service in California?

Under CCP § 415.20(b), if personal service cannot be made after the exercise of reasonable diligence (generally three to four attempts at different times and on different days), a copy of the summons and complaint may be left with a competent member of the household who is at least 18 years of age at the person’s dwelling house, usual place of abode, or usual place of business, and a copy must then be mailed by first-class mail to the address where the documents were left. Service is deemed complete 10 days after the date of mailing. For businesses, substitute service at a place of business may be made on the first attempt if the person to be served cannot be found.

Comprehensive Services in California

We offer a full suite of legal support services across California, including:

  • Professional process serving for all document types
  • Court filing and document retrieval
  • Skip tracing and locate services
  • Rush and same-day service (where available)
  • Sworn Affidavit of Service for every serve

Coverage Area

Our California network covers the entire state, including major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento, as well as rural and suburban communities throughout California’s 58 counties.

All California Locations (A-Z)

Click on a city below to connect with our local process server:

Do you offer rush service in California?

Yes, same-day and next-day rush service is often available in California’s major metropolitan areas. We recommend calling or emailing us first to confirm availability so we can prioritize your file immediately.

Contact Information

United States Process Serving Corp
Phone: 1-800-465-7378
Website: www.unitedstatesprocessserving.com