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POS-040Optional

Proof of Service—Civil (Proof of Service)

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2020

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

The court describes it as: Tells the court that you had legal papers in a civil case - other than a summons - delivered to (served on) the other party. Lists the papers that were served and tells who they were served on, where, when, and how 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 documents have been delivered in a civil case to officially tell the court that the service was completed.

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 served the documents must complete this Proof of Service form. A party to the case cannot serve the documents themselves.
What does this form show proof of?
It shows proof of service for methods like personal delivery, mail, overnight delivery, messenger service, or fax. It should not be used for a summons and complaint or for electronic service.
Is there a fee involved?
The instructions do not mention a filing fee, but the form requires the person filling it out to sign and date it under penalty of perjury.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2020.

Related forms

  • POS-040(D)

    Attachment to Proof of Service—Civil (Documents Served)

    This form is an attachment used with the main Proof of Service form. It provides extra space to list and describe specific legal papers that were delivered to a party in a civil case.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • POS-040(P)

    Attachment to Proof of Service—Civil (Persons Served)

    This form is an extra sheet used to list the names and addresses of people who received legal papers in a civil case. It is meant to be attached to the main Proof of Service form (POS-040).

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  • POS-050

    Proof of Electronic Service

    This form is used to tell the court that legal papers were delivered to another person using electronic means. It asks the person filing it to list what papers were sent, who received them, and when the electronic delivery happened.

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  • ADR-100

    Statement of Agreement or Nonagreement

    This form is used by a mediator to tell the court if a mediation session happened and if the people involved reached an agreement. It also confirms that the mediator gave a copy of this form to the parties.

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  • CIV-120

    Notice of Entry of Dismissal and Proof of Service

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