Becoming a process server in Los Angeles County requires a specific registration process to ensure you are authorized to legally serve court documents. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps, requirements, and fees involved in registering as an individual process server in LA County.
Application Process
To register as a process server, you must schedule an in-person appointment at the Norwalk Headquarters. Appointments can be booked up to three weeks in advance, allowing you to plan your application process effectively.
In-Person Appointment
Scheduling an appointment is mandatory before visiting the Norwalk office. You can conveniently book your appointment online using the MyTime scheduling system.
How to Apply
Upon arrival at the Norwalk Headquarters for your scheduled appointment, designated kiosks are available to assist you in completing your application. Alternatively, to expedite the process, you can fill out and print the Individual Certificate of Registration as a Process Server application form beforehand and bring it with you. Remember, an appointment is necessary regardless of whether you pre-fill the application or plan to use the kiosk.
Once you have completed your application at the kiosk, proceed to window #6 to finalize your registration. At this stage, photographs will be taken for both temporary and permanent identification cards, which are essential for practicing as a registered process server in Los Angeles County.
Registration Requirements
To successfully register as a process server in Los Angeles County, you must personally appear at the Norwalk office and fulfill the following mandatory requirements:
Identification and Location
You must present a valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license or passport. Furthermore, your principal place of business or your residential address must be located within Los Angeles County to be eligible for registration in this jurisdiction.
Surety Bond
A surety bond is a critical component of the registration process. You are required to present a bond in the amount of $2,000. This bond must name you as the principal and be valid for a term of two (2) years, clearly stating both the commencement and expiration dates.
Live Scan Fingerprinting
In compliance with Business and Professions Code § 22350, 22351.5, fingerprinting via Live Scan is mandatory. This process involves submitting a completed Request for Live Scan application form to confirm fingerprint submission to both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This background check verifies that you have not been convicted of a felony, a necessary condition for process server registration.
Initially, a 90-day temporary identification card will be issued to you while awaiting the Live Scan results from the Department of Justice. Once your Live Scan results are reviewed and accepted, your permanent identification card will be issued. You can download the Process Server Request for Live Scan Application form online or obtain it in person at the County Clerk’s office.
Fees for Registration
Registering as a process server involves specific fees, which are detailed in the table below:
| ### Individual Process Server Registration Fees | |
|---|---|
| Service | Fee |
| Individual Process Server Registration Fee | $182 |
| Each additional page of the bond | $3 |
| Replacement identification card | $10 |
The Individual Process Server Registration Fee of $182 includes the recording/filing fee for a single-sided, single-page bond. However, please note that this fee may vary slightly depending on the specifics of your bond document. Ensure you are prepared to pay the additional fee of $3 for each page beyond the first page of your bond. Should you require a replacement identification card at any point, the fee for this service is $10.
By following these steps and meeting all requirements, you can successfully complete your Los Angeles County Process Server registration and begin your work in legal support services.
