Become a California Process Server

Step-by-Step

The following steps are required for the registration process in California:

1. Complete a Registration Form

Obtain from the County Clerk/Recorder’s Office a process server’s registration form. Complete, but do not sign the form until you are in the presence of the Clerk.

2. Get Fingerprinted

Fingerprints are required in order to become a registered process server. The purpose of the fingerprinting process is verification that an applicant has not been convicted of a felony.

The registrant shall submit a completed Request for Live Scan form confirming fingerprint submission to the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in order to verify that the registrant has not been convicted of a felony. The clerk shall utilize the Subsequent Arrest Notification Contract provided by the Department of Justice for notifications subsequent to the initial certificate of registration.

If, after receiving the results of the Request for Live Scan, the clerk is advised that the registrant has been convicted of a felony, the presiding judge of the superior court of the county in which the certificate of registration is maintained is authorized to review the criminal record and, unless the registrant is able to produce a copy of a certificate of rehabilitation, expungement, or pardon, as specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 22351, notify the registrant that the registration is revoked. An order to show cause for contempt may be issued and served upon any person who fails to surrender a registered process server identification card after a notice of revocation.

3. Obtain a Bond

A $2,000 bond is required in order to register as a process server. You must contact an insurance or surety company in order to obtain a bond. The bond must be valid for the two-year term of the registration. The effective date of the bond and the date of the term of the registration must match, so plan ahead, particularly since fingerprinting appointments might be booked weeks in advance. You should expect to pay approximately $50.00 for a $2,000 bond. Do not confuse a surety bond with an errors and omissions policy. Consult your insurance company for a detailed explanation. You may contact any bonding or insurance company.

4. Register with your County

With your registration form and a valid ID in hand, go to your county clerk's office keeping in mind that you may need to schedule an appointment. Here, you will sign your registration form and pay your fee.

5. Fees

The base fee to register as a process server is $100.00 plus processing fees and a fee for the ID card. Keep in mind that fees may differ by county. You will also be charged a recording fee for the Bond.

Once you have completed steps 1 through 5, you are ready to appear before the county clerk to deliver the registration form and Livescan form signed off by law enforcement. You will need to bring your Bond, the two passport photos, and appropriate fees. Be prepared to show valid photo ID. As mentioned above, each county in California may have specific rules, forms & fees. The foregoing is intended as a general summary for your assistance only.

You may also wish to join the California Association of Legal Support Professionals. They provide helpful guides, classes and other information to assist you in your daily operations. Please see visit calspro.org for a membership form and other information about the association.