What is a Proof of Service?
A Proof of Service records the service reported by the person who delivered the court papers. It identifies the documents and recipient, along with details of where, when and how service took place and who performed it. The appropriate form and supporting information depend on the matter.
Think of it as a specific service document, not a general label for every update about an assignment. A status message, an attempt record and a court-filed copy answer different questions about the work.
An attempt, a completed serve and a filing are different results.
Use the record that matches the reported outcome. The table separates practical assignment updates from the signed service document and the later evidence of filing. Ask for clarification if a status label does not tell you which result occurred.
| Record | What it describes | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Attempt record | A visit or other attempt and its recorded outcome. | What was attempted, at which address and what happened. |
| Unsuccessful result | Service was not completed during the work described. | Whether further instructions, an address update or additional work are needed. |
| Signed Proof of Service | The service performed, recorded on the applicable form by the server. | Case details, documents, recipient, recorded delivery details and signature. |
| Filed copy or filing confirmation | The separate court-submission result. | Whether filing was completed and which copy or confirmation should be retained. |
What should you check on the returned proof?
Compare the returned document with your matter and the prepared packet. The court’s POS-010 description identifies the papers, recipient, place, time, method and server as service details. Other forms can require different information, so use the instructions that apply to the actual form.
If a case number, name or document list appears inconsistent, ask the team to review it before using the document. Do not change another person’s signed description of the work. Explain the discrepancy and request clarification or an appropriate correction.
- Court, case reference and party information
- The documents listed and the person or entity served
- The recorded date, location and method of service
- The server’s information and signature where required
- Any referenced attachment and the requested return materials
Which California Proof of Service form applies?
There is no single form for every document and type of case. These official pages are starting points for understanding several common forms; the list does not select a form for your matter. Read the case-specific instructions and any directions provided with your papers.
| Form | Official purpose |
|---|---|
| POS-010 — Proof of Service of Summons | Records service of a summons or other papers and the details of that service. |
| SC-104 — Proof of Service (Small Claims) | Reports service of papers used to start a small claims case; the server signs it. |
| FL-330 — Proof of Personal Service | Records personal service of the listed papers, including when, where and by whom. |
What if service was not completed?
An unsuccessful attempt should be recorded as an attempt, not described as completed service. Review the address and outcome before requesting further work. A different address, revised packet or additional task needs clear instructions and a review of the applicable scope and fees.
An ordinary attempt log is not automatically a formal Declaration of Due Diligence. California Courts describes a signed declaration recording attempts for the civil substituted-service procedure. Whether that procedure or an attachment applies is a case-specific question; a missed visit alone does not answer it.
Does receiving the proof mean it has been filed?
No. Receiving a signed Proof of Service from the server and submitting it to the court are separate steps. California Courts’ civil service instructions distinguish completing and returning the proof from copying and filing it. Confirm who is handling the filing task and retain the available filing result with your matter.
The court’s accepted submission methods vary. Its general filing guide discusses in-person and mail filing, with electronic, fax or drop-box options available in some courts. Check the relevant court’s current instructions rather than assuming that one method works everywhere.
If you also request court filing through Affid, identify that task separately. Provide the court, case number, prepared packet and required return-copy instructions. Ask for the reported filing outcome; a delivery update alone should not be treated as a filed copy.
Specify the record you need when placing the request.
Include any supplied proof form and return instructions with the documents for service. Identify who should receive the service documents, whether original papers must be returned and whether a separate court task is needed. These details help keep the service result and the next handoff connected.
For a courthouse handoff, name the building and department rather than reusing the recipient’s address. The local guides below explain preparation for San Jose, Oakland, Redwood City and San Francisco and link to current official court information.
Questions about service records.
Who completes the proof? The person who performed service supplies the service details and signs the applicable form. You may be able to prepare case information in advance, but do not fill in another person’s account of a delivery that you did not perform.
When will my proof be available? Review the status of the actual assignment and ask the team about the required return. A requested due date or payment is not confirmation that service occurred or that a document has already been prepared or filed.
What should I do if a record is missing? Identify the matter, recipient and document you expected, then contact the team through your client workspace or the contact page. Distinguish a missing attempt update, an unsigned or incomplete proof, and a missing filing confirmation so the team can review the right step.
Official California Courts sources.
Follow the instructions for your case and check the relevant court’s current requirements. These links provide the official information referenced in this guide; Affid is not affiliated with the courts.
This guide explains service records and practical preparation. It does not determine the correct form, service method or deadline for a particular case. Check the relevant court instructions or your legal adviser when those requirements are unclear.
