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SV-200-INFOOptional

What is “Proof of Personal Service”?

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2026

This form explains what it means to give legal papers to another person in person, which is called "personal service." It tells people who can deliver the papers and how the service must be completed.

The court describes it as: Explains how to serve the other side by "personal service."

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 someone needs to prove that they gave legal papers, like those for a restraining order, to the other person involved in the case.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Who can sign this form?
Only the person who actually serves the papers can sign the Proof of Personal Service form. The person who is being protected does not need to sign it.
Can I mail the papers?
No, this form is specifically about personal or "in-person" service. The papers cannot be served by mail.
What if the person won't take the papers?
If the person will not take the papers, you can just leave the papers near them, and the service is still considered complete.

Revision history

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

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