Educational guide
California Civil Proof of Service by Mail Checklist
A practical general-information checklist for serving many post-summons civil papers by first-class mail and completing form POS-030, based on California Courts instructions and rule 1.21. It is not individualized legal advice and does not determine whether mail service is permitted for a particular document.
- First confirm that first-class mail is an authorized method for the specific paper and stage of the case. California Courts states that POS-030 is for civil papers other than the Summons and Complaint; initial service and certain other documents use different procedures.
- Identify every person who must receive the papers. Under rule 1.21, serve a represented party through that party's attorney; serve each self-represented party and any other person required by statute, rule or court order.
- Choose an adult server who is at least 18 and is not a party to the case. The party who prepared or filed the papers should not personally place them in the mail when the official procedure requires service by another adult.
- Give the server complete copies and the current service addresses. The server should place each set in a properly addressed, sealed envelope with first-class postage fully prepaid and record the date and city from which it was mailed.
- Have the server—not the party—complete and sign Proof of Service by First-Class Mail—Civil, form POS-030. The form records the documents served, the mailing date and location, the server's address and the name and address of each recipient.
- Use form POS-030(D) when more space is needed to list the documents and POS-030(P) when more people were served than fit on the main form. Review every attachment before the server signs under penalty of perjury.
- File the signed proof of service when the applicable procedure requires it and keep a filed or complete copy with the served papers. A proof of service documents what the server did; it does not by itself establish that the underlying filing was timely or legally sufficient.
- Do not calculate response or filing deadlines from this checklist. Time extensions and completion of service can depend on the document, method, recipient and governing rule, so use the current official instructions and obtain qualified legal advice for a specific deadline or disputed service.
Official resources
This guide provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Rules and individual circumstances differ. In an emergency, call 911.