CALSPro - California Association of Legal Support Professionals

The Path to a Great Career

Posted October 15, 2013 in Education, Legislation, Membership

With the current economy, there are few opportunities for a career with good pay and a solid future — especially without spending years in higher education and incurring crushing debt.

For the right person, becoming a registered process server is a career decision that can have immediate benefits. Better still, it is relatively inexpensive and does not require any particular educational degree, prior certification, or test.

5 Steps to Become a California Registered Process Server

 If you already serve more than 10 legal papers a year, you are required under California State law to become a registered process server.   If you seek to become a registered process server, you must have lived in California for one year and complete the 5 simple steps below:

1. Complete the Registration Form

Go to your County Clerk or Recorder’s Office to obtain a registration form. Complete the form, but do not sign it until you are in front of the Clerk’s or Recorder’s representative.

2. Fingerprints

You are required to be fingerprinted. You cannot be a registered process server with a felony conviction, unless you have a certificate of rehabilitation, expungement of your record, or a pardon.

Note, there are two possible fingerprinting methods; check with your county about which method is accepted there. The fees for this fingerprinting function are generally no more than about $80, and can be less.

3. $2,000 Bond or Cash Equivalent

You must post a $2,000 bond, which can be obtained from an insurance or surety company for about $50. Alternatively, you may be able to post a $2,000 cash bond.

4. Photographs

You will need two passport photographs.

5. Fees

In addition to the fingerprinting fees, there is a basic fee of $134.00 to complete the registration process. Some counties may charge additional amounts.

Completing the Process

After taking care of steps 1-5, go to the County Clerk’s or Recorder’s Office to appear before an official to deliver the registration form, the fingerprint forms, the bond, passport photos, and fees.  You will need a valid photo ID.

Since each county may have special or additional forms, rules, and fees, check ahead.

Source: California Business and Professions Code sections 22350 – 22360