Sacramento Sheriff Civil Division — Process Serving Services
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Civil Bureau handles service of process for the public — but when turnaround times are slow or deadlines are tight, Sacramento Registered Process Server picks up where they leave off.
Licensed & Bonded · Sacramento County Reg #024-027 · Same-Day Service Available
The Sheriff’s Civil Division and Process Serving in Sacramento
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office operates a Civil Bureau at 2969 Prospect Park Drive, Suite 200, in Rancho Cordova. This division is responsible for serving civil process — delivering legal documents like summons, subpoenas, restraining orders, and eviction notices on behalf of the public and the courts.
For many people filing a lawsuit or responding to one, the Sheriff’s Office is their first point of contact for service of process. The Civil Bureau accepts requests at their public counter, through a drop box, or via their online E-Services Portal. They charge a flat fee — typically $50 per service attempt — and assign a deputy to deliver the documents.
But the Civil Bureau has limitations that create real problems when deadlines are involved. Their field deputies serve process Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. They do not serve on weekends. Turnaround times can stretch to two, four, even six weeks with no guaranteed timeline. When your summons has a response deadline approaching, or a restraining order needs to be served before a hearing date, waiting weeks is not an option.
How It Works
Submit Your Documents
Upload the documents that need to be served through our online intake form. Select your timeline and tell us anything you know about the person — addresses, schedules, workplace, known aliases. The more we know, the faster we serve.
We Serve Evenings and Weekends
Our process servers cover the hours the Sheriff cannot. We attempt personal service in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays when needed. If the person you need to serve works 9-to-5, we go after 5.
Court-Ready Proof of Service
Every service comes with a signed Proof of Service accepted by all California courts. If you need it filed, we handle that too for $30.
Pricing
Standard document delivery is a flat-rate service
All document types accepted — no extra charge for complex documents
Standard
5 business days.
- Multiple service attempts at varying times and days to maximize successful delivery
- No hidden fees or mileage charges within Sacramento
- Court-ready proof of service included
Expedited
3 business days.
- Multiple service attempts at varying times and days to maximize successful delivery
- Ideal when your court date is within the next few weeks and you need a tighter turnaround
- Court-ready proof of service included
Rush
24 Hours.
- Priority same-day/next-day service for urgent deadlines
- A registered process server is assigned and begins attempts immediately upon receipt
- Court-ready proof of service included upon completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a private process server instead of the Sheriff?
Yes. California law allows any registered process server, any person over 18 who is not a party to the case, or the Sheriff to serve civil process. Many attorneys prefer private process servers for the faster turnaround and flexible scheduling.
What if the Sheriff already tried and couldn’t serve the person?
This is one of the most common reasons people contact us. If the Sheriff’s attempts failed — typically because the person was not home during weekday business hours — we take over with evening and weekend attempts.
Is a private process server’s Proof of Service accepted by the court?
Absolutely. A registered California process server’s Proof of Service carries the same legal weight as the Sheriff’s. Our process servers are registered with Sacramento County (Registration #024-027).
Can the Sheriff serve documents outside Sacramento County?
The Sacramento County Sheriff serves process within Sacramento County only. For service in Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, or San Joaquin County, you’d need to contact that county’s sheriff or use a private process server. We cover all five counties.
How much does the Sheriff charge for service of process?
The standard fee is $50 per service attempt, non-refundable whether or not service is successful. Evictions cost $180. Wage garnishments cost $45. These fees are set by California Government Code.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit your documents through our intake form. We handle pickup, service, proof of service, and court filing — usually same-day across Sacramento County.
Sacramento Region We Serve
Same-day service across Sacramento County and the surrounding region. Click any city to see local details.