How to Issue a Subpoena
Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective May 1, 2025
This guide explains the steps needed to get permission from the court and properly issue a subpoena. It describes two types of subpoenas: one to make someone appear at a case event, and one to make someone provide documents.
Where this fits in a case
DiscoveryStage: Discovery
This guide is used to instruct people on the process of issuing a subpoena, which is a court order requiring someone to appear or provide evidence. The steps differ depending on whether the case is criminal or civil.
Either party may file.
Common questions
- Is there a filing fee to issue a subpoena using this guide?
- The guide states that there is no filing fee for this process.
- What are the two main types of subpoenas mentioned?
- One type is a Subpoena to Appear, which requires someone to attend a scheduled event. The other is a Subpoena to Produce, which requires someone to provide documents or evidence.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect May 1, 2025.
Related forms
- JDF 80
District Court Subpoena
This form is a District Court Subpoena used to officially order someone to appear at a court event or to bring specific documents and items to a location. It asks the person receiving it to confirm their attendance and what materials they must bring.
Fillable PDFDiscovery
Eff. Apr 1, 2025
- JDF80.2
County Court Subpoena
This form is a County Court Subpoena used to officially order someone to appear in court or to bring specific items to court. It asks the court to order the person to either give testimony or produce certain items.
Fillable PDFDiscovery
Eff. May 1, 2025
- JDF80.3
Subpoena Affidavit
This form is an affidavit that must be attached to a subpoena. It is a sworn statement confirming certain details about the subpoena's purpose.
Fillable PDFDiscovery
Eff. May 1, 2025
- JDF85
Motion & Order to Issue a Subpoena (Criminal Cases)
This form is used to ask the court for permission to issue subpoenas in a criminal case. It asks the filer to list the witnesses or items they need and explain why those items are important to the case.
Fillable PDFDiscovery
Eff. Apr 1, 2025
- JDF 85.1
Certificate of Good Faith (Criminal Subpoenas)
This form is a Certificate of Good Faith that must be filed when a subpoena is issued in a criminal case. It asks the filer to state that they genuinely believe there is a legal reason to issue the subpoena.
WordDiscovery
Eff. Jul 1, 2023
- JDF98
Affidavit of Service
This form is an Affidavit of Service used to prove that certain legal papers were officially given to another person or party in a case. It asks the person filing it to detail who received the papers, where and when the service happened, and how the service was completed.
Fillable PDFGeneral & info
Eff. Apr 1, 2025
- JDF 80.1
Notice to Subpoena Recipient
This form provides guidelines for what happens when someone is asked by a subpoena to provide records or physical items. It explains rules about avoiding unfair burdens, handling private or protected records, and how parties can object to the request.
1 translationDiscovery
Eff. Sep 1, 2024
- JDF1
Forms Change Request
This form is used to officially request changes to existing court forms. It asks for a list of the forms that need updating and requires explanations for those changes.
Fillable PDFGeneral & info
Eff. Nov 1, 2025