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Service of Process

​General Guidelines for Electronic Service of Process

Cal OES currently receives certain legal process electronically through their Service of Process portal.

Cal OES’s authority to accept service of process electronically is limited to the following types of documents:

  • Civil Subpoena Duces Tecum (for Personal Appearance and/or Documents)
  • Earnings Withholding Order / Wage Garnishment
  • Workers’ Compensation Subpoena Duces Tecum (for Personal Appearance and/or Documents)
  • Civil Litigation / Petition for Writ of Mandamus*

*If you are attempting to submit a Summons and Complaint, a Petition for Writ of Mandamus or other civil legal process, Cal OES may accept service of process electronically if:

  • For a civil matter filed in a federal district court in California, the Summons and Complaint and any related papers/pleadings are accompanied by a request for waiver of service pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(d);
  • For a civil matter filed in a California superior court, the Summons and Complaint and any related papers/pleadings are accompanied by a notice of acknowledgment and receipt pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure section 415.30;
  • Cal OES is a named party; and
  • Service is being effected prior to Cal OES’s counsel of record having made an appearance in the case; or
  • Cal OES has otherwise coordinated service with the serving party.

If service is being attempted in connection with an active litigation matter where Cal OES counsel has appeared in the matter, service should be made on Cal OES’s counsel of record.

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing (which may occur by electronic communication), Cal OES does not agree to accept same-day service for electronic service that is made after 5:00 p.m., on a weekend, or a state holiday. Cal OES will instead construe such service to have occurred the next business day at 9:00 a.m.

Documents naming “State of California” as a party must be served on the Office of the Attorney General.  (See https://oag.ca.gov/services-info)

For any document where personal service is required by law, Cal OES reserves the right to reject any document received through its electronic service of process portal. This includes, but is not limited to, where a defect in service is found, and/or where the type of legal process served, or any named party was not eligible for service through the portal.

To submit a Request for Electronic Service of Process, click here.

Once your request is submitted, a confirmation email from automation.engine@highq.com will be sent to the email address provided. If not received, please check your junk mail or spam folder.