How to serve someone in California

California has the strictest process-serving rules of any state — written into the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) and enforced by every county Superior Court.

Who can serve in California

Under CCP §414.10, any person 18+ who is not a party to the action may serve. Most counties also require process servers to be registered under BPC §22350 if they serve more than 10 papers per year for compensation. Servd's network is fully registered statewide.

Personal service (CCP §415.10)

The default method. The server hands the documents directly to the defendant. You only need one attempt for personal service to be valid, but you can't make it up — the server must positively identify the recipient.

Substituted service (CCP §415.20)

If three diligent attempts at different times of day fail, sub-service kicks in:

• Leave the papers with a competent adult at the defendant's home or workplace
• Mail a second copy via first-class mail
• File a declaration documenting the diligence

Service is complete 10 days after mailing.

Service by posting + mailing (eviction only)

For unlawful detainer (CCP §415.45) when personal + sub-service have both failed, the court may authorize posting on the property + mailing.

CCP §2015.5 affidavit

Every proof of service in California must carry the declarant statement, dates + times + addresses of each attempt, manner of service, and signature under penalty of perjury. Servd generates this automatically from server voice logs + GPS.

Deadlines

• 60 days to serve after filing for most civil cases (CCP §583.210 sets the outer limit at 3 years but Local Rules tighten this to 60).
• 5 days before hearing for OSC re contempt + most ex parte motions.
• Servd's auto-tier picks Expedited when your due date is ≤2 days, Rush when ≤5 days, Standard otherwise.

What it costs

Standard service: $99 flat statewide. Rush (24-48h): $159. Expedited (same day): $229. All include mileage up to 35 mi + CCP §2015.5 affidavit.