AB 747 — the SPARE Act — Explained
California just rewrote the rules of process serving. Photo + GPS proof, a strict 3-attempt standard, and a new way to attack default judgments — operative January 1, 2027.
The short version: AB 747, the Service of Process Accountability, Reform and Equity (SPARE) Act, was signed into law on October 10, 2025 (Chapter 563, Statutes of 2025). Its core requirements take effect January 1, 2027. It targets "sewer service" — servers falsely swearing papers were delivered — by requiring hard evidence on every proof of service.
If you're an attorney, landlord, or property manager in the San Gabriel Valley, this changes what a valid serve looks like — and what happens to judgments built on sloppy ones.
The Five Changes That Matter
1. Photo + GPS on every proof of service
For personal service (CCP § 415.10), substituted service (§ 415.20), and unlawful detainer posting (§ 415.45), the proof of service must include photographs of the site of each effected or attempted service, stamped with the date, time, and GPS coordinates. At a home or business, at least one photo must show the door or entrance. Exceptions: server safety, and locations with no GPS/cellular signal (which require a written explanation instead).
2. "Reasonable diligence" now has a number
Three good-faith attempts at personal delivery, on three different days, at three different times, before substituted service or UD posting is allowed. In consumer debt cases, at least one attempt must be at the person's dwelling.
3. A new weapon against bad defaults — with no deadline
New CCP § 473.2 lets anyone who wasn't lawfully served move to vacate the resulting default or default judgment. Once they offer evidence of defective service, the plaintiff must prove lawful service by a preponderance of the evidence — and the statute states no time limit for bringing the motion. Thin proofs of service become permanent liabilities.
4. Public process server registry + numbers on proofs
County clerks must maintain a publicly available register of process servers, and every proof of service must show the server's county registration number. Verifying who actually served your papers becomes a matter of public record.
5. Evictions: notice service must be pleaded in detail
Under amended CCP § 1166, the UD complaint must state the specific method, date, time, and location of service of the termination notice. Courts also cannot enter default without the complete documentation described above.
Notably, the law contains no fines or criminal penalties for servers — its enforcement is procedural: defective proof means the service fails and the judgment falls. The Judicial Council is rolling out new mandatory forms (including a Declaration of Diligence, POS-012) effective January 1, 2027.
Why This Doesn't Scare Us
Time-stamped photos and GPS-verified attempts have been our standard operating procedure for years — not because a law required it, but because court-proof documentation is what wins challenges. When AB 747 goes operative, our proofs of service will look exactly like they do today.
If your current server can't show you a stamped photo from every attempt, 2027 is going to be a rough year for your default judgments. Ours can — on every serve, at no extra charge.
Get Ready Before January 1, 2027
Law firms: verify your servers through the new public registry, expect default packages to be rejected without photo/GPS documentation, and audit older default judgments — § 473.2 has no stated deadline.
Landlords & property managers: the way your termination notices are served now matters at the pleading stage. Start documenting notice service (method, date, time, location) today, not in 2027.
Everyone: a follow-up bill (AB 2042) is still moving through the Legislature and may refine these provisions before the operative date. We'll keep this page updated.
AB 747 FAQ
Is AB 747 already law?
Yes. AB 747, the Service of Process Accountability, Reform and Equity (SPARE) Act, was signed on October 10, 2025 (Chapter 563, Statutes of 2025). Its main provisions become operative January 1, 2027.
Does AB 747 require photos of every serve?
Starting January 1, 2027, proofs of service for personal service, substituted service, and unlawful detainer posting must include one or more photographs of the site of each effected or attempted service, with a readable stamp recording the date, time, and GPS coordinates. At a dwelling or business, at least one photo must show the door or entrance. Narrow exceptions exist for server safety and for locations with no GPS/cellular signal.
What counts as "reasonable diligence" under AB 747?
The law defines it: good-faith attempts at personal delivery on at least three occasions, on three different days, at three different times, before substituted service or unlawful detainer posting is available. In consumer debt collection cases, at least one attempt must be made at the person's dwelling.
Can old default judgments be challenged under AB 747?
New CCP § 473.2 lets a party who wasn't lawfully served move to vacate a default or default judgment — and once they offer evidence of defective service, the burden shifts to the plaintiff to prove lawful service by a preponderance of the evidence. Notably, the statute states no filing deadline for this motion.
What should landlords do differently?
Under the amended CCP § 1166, an unlawful detainer complaint must specifically state the method, date, time, and location of service of the termination notice. That means how your 3-day, 30-day, or 60-day notice gets served — and documented — now matters at the pleading stage. Use a server who photographs and GPS-stamps notice service.
This guide summarizes AB 747 (Chapter 563, Statutes of 2025) as of August 2026 and is provided for general information only — it is not legal advice. Consult an attorney about how the SPARE Act applies to your specific situation.
Need AB 747-ready serves today?
Photo-documented, GPS-verified, court-proof — that's been our standard all along.