A Process Server is defined as any person who makes more than 10 services of process within this state during one calendar year, for specific compensation or in expectation of specific compensation.

Any corporation or partnership that derives, or expects to derive, compensation from service of process within this state shall also file a certificate of registration as a process server with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation or partnership has its principal place of business.

All employees who serve 10 or more services of process in one calendar year will be required to register as a NATURAL PERSON in order to be in compliance with Sections 22350 et seq., of the Business & Professions Code.

Process Servers shall file a certificate of registration with the county clerk of the county in which he or she resides or has his or her principal place of business.

Process Server registration requirements:

• Registration form      

• Request for live scan service.  [3 identical copies are included, 1 for the applicant, 1 for the Live Scan Operator, and 1 for the requesting agency]

• $2,000 Process Server bond

• Valid California driver's  license or ID 

• Passport photo

• Process Server Registration Fee

Renewal information:

A certificate of registration is effective for a period of two years or until the date the bond expires, whichever occurs first. The renewal can take place up to 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current registration. As long as the renewal takes place on or before the expiration date, the registration number will remain the same, and a new Live Scan will not be required. The renewal fee is the same as the Registration fee.

Application links:

Individual application

Corporation or Partnership application

Fingerprinting Services

A Professional Photocopier is defined as any person who for compensation obtains or reproduces documents authorized to be produced, and who, while engaged in performing that activity, has access to the information contained therein.

Notary public requirement – At least one person involved in the management of a professional photocopier shall be required to hold a current commission from the Secretary of State as a notary public in this state.

A Professional Photocopier shall file a certificate of registration with the county clerk of the county in which he or she resides or has his or her principal place of business.

Professional Photocopier registration requirements:

• Registration form

• $5,000 Professional Photocopier bond

• Valid California driver's license or ID

• Professional Photocopier Registration Fee

Renewal information:

A certificate of registration is effective for a period of two years or until the date the bond expires, whichever occurs first. The renewal can take place up to 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current registration. As long as the renewal takes place on or before the expiration date, the registration number will remain the same. The renewal fee is the same as the Registration fee.  

Application links:

Individual application

Corporation application

A Legal Document Assistant is defined as any person who provides, or assists in providing, or offers to provide, or offers to assist in providing, for compensation, any self-help service to a member of the public who is representing themselves in a legal matter, or who holds themselves out as someone who offers that service or has that authority. This shall not apply to any individual whose assistance consists merely of secretarial or receptionist services.

Legal Document Assistant requirements:

• Registration form

• $25,000 bond for individual, corporation or partnership with 1-4 employees

• $50,000 bond for individual, corporation or partnership with 5-9 employees

• $100,000 bond for individual, corporation or partnership with  employees 10 or more employees

•  Valid California driver's license or ID

• Legal Document Assistant Registration Fee

Secondary County Registrations:

An application for secondary registration shall meet all of the above requirements except that in place of filing another original bond a certified copy of the bond from the primary county of registration, shall be submitted. The term of registration with the secondary county shall be the remaining balance of the two-year term of coverage of the primary-county bond.

Renewal information:

A certificate of registration is effective for a period of two years or until the date the bond expires, whichever occurs first. The renewal can take place up to 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current registration. As long as the renewal takes place on or before the expiration date, the registration number will remain the same. The renewal fee is the same as the Registration fee.  

Application links:

Individual application

Corporation or Partnership application

An Unlawful Detainer Assistant is defined as any individual who for compensation renders assistance or advice in the prosecution or defense of an unlawful detainer claim or action, including any bankruptcy petition that may affect the unlawful detainer claim or action.

 Unlawful Detainer Assistant registration requirements:

• Registration form

• $25,000 bond for individual, corporation or partnership with 1-4 employees

• $50,000 bond for individual, corporation or partnership with 5-9 employees

• $100,000 bond for individual, corporation or partnership with 10-4 employees or more employees 

• Valid California driver's license or ID

• Unlawful Detainer Assistant Registration Fee

Secondary County registration:

An application for secondary registration shall meet all of the above requirements except that in place of filing another original bond a certified copy of the bond from the primary county of registration, shall be submitted. The term of registration with the secondary county shall be the remaining balance of the two-year term of coverage of the primary-county bond.

Renewal information:

A certificate of registration is effective for a period of two years or until the date the bond expires, whichever occurs first. The renewal can take place up to 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current registration. As long as the renewal takes place on or before the expiration date, the registration number will remain the same. The renewal fee is the same as the Registration fee. 

Application links:

Individual application

Corporation or Partnership application