How to Become a California Process Server

A California process server is an individual who is licensed to deliver or “serve” legal notices and court documents to parties and legal representatives. This includes papers such as summonses, complaints, subpoenas and more. California process server licensing is conducted by individual counties in the state.

Read on to learn the six-step process for getting a process server license in California.

Note: This is a general guide for the state of California. Processes vary by county, including fees and applications. Please check with your county for exact requirements.

What Is Required to be a Process Server in California?

Before going to the county clerk/recorder's office, you will need the following items:

An unsigned application form
Fingerprints via FD-285 fingerprint cards or a signed Live Scan form
A California process server surety bond
2 passport-style photographs
A valid photo ID
Payment for appropriate fees

How to Get a California Process Server License

Step 1: Complete the application form

Get a process server registration form from your local county clerk/recorder’s office or website. Fill out the application but do not sign until in the presence of the clerk.

Step 2: Get fingerprinted

The state of California requires fingerprints as a form of identification and background check. Verify which of these two fingerprinting methods your county requires:

FD-285 Fingerprint Cards: Make an appointment at a local police station. Get two cards to send to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI.
Live Scan: Fill out a request form and visit a Live Scan location to get fingerprinted. Your scans will be sent to the DOJ and FBI.

Note: Los Angeles County uses Individual Process Server Registration for Live Scans.

There is a $56 fee to run your fingerprints with the DOJ and FBI. Additional costs vary by county, but you can expect to pay around $75 in total.

Step 3: Purchase a surety bond

You can buy your $2,000 California process server bond instantly online for $50 with SuretyBonds.com. The effective date of your bond must match the start date of the registration term.

You’ll receive your official bond form by mail. Take the bond form to the county clerk’s office along with your application documents.

Step 4: Get your photos

Get two 2” x 2” passport-style photos. This can be done at most UPS and USPS stores, libraries, and some drug stores.

Step 5: Pay registration fees

The statewide registration fee for process servers in California is $134. Additional fees vary by county.

Step 6: Appear in front of the county clerk

After completing all five steps, you can appear in front of the county clerk. You may need to present a photo ID. You’ll also pay a filing fee as well as any other county-specific fees.

Again, each county in California has different rules, forms and fees. Confirm your county’s requirements before appearing in front of the clerk.

How to Renew Your California Process Server License

California process server licenses expire every two years and can be renewed 60 days before expiration. Check with your county for renewal instructions.

California process server bonds expire after two years, minus one day. A SuretyBonds.com representative will contact you with renewal instructions to keep your bond active.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a California Process Server License

Exact costs vary by county, but you can expect to pay around $400 to get a California process server license.

Registration fees: $90–$232*
Fingerprinting fee: $75*
Passport-style photos: $10*
Surety bond: $50
Filing fee base price: $134*

*Costs are estimated due to price variation and fees by county.

How to Become a Process Server In California