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POS-020Optional

Proof of Personal Service—Civil (Proof of Service) / Information Sheet for Proof of Personal Service—Civil

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2005

This form is used to tell the court that certain legal papers in a civil case were delivered in person to a person. It asks the person filing it to list what papers were served, who received them, where, and when.

The court describes it as: Tells the court that legal papers in a civil case - other than a summons - were delivered in person to (personally served on) a party. Lists the papers that were served and tells who they were served on, where and when they were served, and who served them. Also explains how to fill out this form.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Hearing

Stage: Hearing

This form is used after legal papers have been personally delivered to a party in a civil case. It is not to be used to show service of a Summons and Complaint.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who can fill out this form?
The person who personally served the documents must complete this proof of service form. You cannot serve documents if you are a party to the action.
What does this form prove service of?
It proves service of legal papers in a civil case, but it should not be used to show service of a Summons and Complaint.
Does the person filing this form have to be a lawyer?
No, the person who served the documents must be over 18 years of age and not a party to the case.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2005.

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