(B&P Code Section 22350)

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, where that compensation is directly attributable to the service of process, shall file and maintain a verified certificate of registration as a process server within the county clerk of the county in which he or she resides or has his or her principal place of business

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

To register as a first-time Process Server in San Mateo County, please complete and provide the following in person (if renewing, see information below):

  • A completed registration form (see below)
  • A completed Request for Live Scan Service. 
    Note: please make 3 copies (1 for applicant, 1 for Live Scan Operator and 1 for requesting agency.) Request for Live Scan Service Form
  • A process server Bond. The bond must show date of issuance and date of expiration. The recorded bond will be returned by mail within 5 to 6 weeks.
  • Process server registration fee
  • Valid California Driver License 
Renewal Information

(B&P Code Section 22354 & 22355) 

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 and the effective date of the renewal will be the date the current registration expires. Upon renewal of a certificate of registration, the same number shall be assigned, provided that the applicant is renewing registration in the same county in which he or she was previously registered and there is no lapse of 3 or more years in period of registration. The above-listed requirements (including fees) still apply when renewing except for Live Scan service.

Individual Registration as a Process Server

Corporate Registration as a Process Server