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SC-104COptional

How to Serve a Business or Public Entity (Small Claims)

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective July 1, 2025

This form explains the rules for correctly delivering court papers to a business or a public agency in a Small Claims case. It provides specific instructions on who to serve and what information to write on the Proof of Service form.

The court describes it as: Explains how to have court forms delivered ("served") to the other side in your Small Claims case when they are a business or public agency.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This form is used when a person needs to know the correct way to officially deliver court documents to a business or a government agency they are suing in Small Claims court.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

What is this form for?
This form explains how to properly deliver court papers to a business or a public agency in a Small Claims case.
Do I need to file a claim before suing a public entity?
Yes, before suing a public entity, you must first file a claim with that entity. You can find information on how to file a claim at www.dgs.ca.gov/ORIM/File-A-Claim.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect July 1, 2025.

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