Service" or "Service of Process" is making sure the other side getsa copy of the papers you are filing (for example, a complaint). If you are starting a case, your case cannot go forward until the other side is served. Someone who is capable of serving must physically give a copy of all necessary forms to the person whom you filed a complaint against in court. You cannot serve the other side yourself. Those who can serve are: Sheriff Private Process Certified Mail using a friend or relative or other adult.

Corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships are required by statute to designate an agent for service of process.

"Service" or "Service of Process" is making sure the other side gets a copy of the papers you are filing (for example, a complaint). If you are starting a case, your case cannot go forward until the other side is served. Someone who is capable of serving must physically give a copy of all necessary forms to the person whom you filed a complaint against in court. You cannot serve the other side yourself.

It is very important that you do this correctly. If you do not, then the court may dismiss your case. If you have an uncontested case and the other side is willing, there is a special rule to make service easier. 

The California Business Search contains abstracts of certain information relating to corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships based on the most current filings that are of record in this office, including the name and address of the agent for service of process, if any.

However, serving the designated agent is not the only method of serving a particular business entity with process. The Code of Civil Procedure and Corporations Code provide multiple methods for direct service and for substituted service of process. Please refer to the following code sections for further information:

• California Code of Civil Procedure, section 415.30 (notice and acknowledgement by mail)
• California Code of Civil Procedure, sections 416.10-416.40 (multiple methods of serving designated agents for service of process, as well as other agents of entities upon whom service may be made)
• California Corporations Code, sections 1702, 2011, 2111, 6410, 6721, 8410, 8723, 9670, 12610, 12662, 15800, 15901.16, 15911.05. 16310, 16905, 16914, 16962, 17061, 17355, 17540.5 and 18220 (methods of direct and substituted service of process for business entities)
• Government Code section 12197 (substituted service of process fees)

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Substituted service of process through the Secretary of State's office may be made upon a business entity if:

• Attempts at direct service of process have been unsuccessful;
• Attempts at direct service have been proven to the court to be reasonably diligent; and
• The court issues an order that service can be made upon the entity by hand delivering to the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento, as substituted service of process upon the entity, the following:
  • A copy of the process (generally the summons and complaint) to be served;
  • A copy of the court order permitting the service;
  • and The statutory $50.00 fee.

Substituted service of process in this manner is not permitted by mail. The order, process to be served and $50.00 fee must be hand delivered to our public counter in Sacramento office during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), at 1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 390.