How Many Attempts Does a Process Server Make in California?
The short answer: three — on different days, at different times. Here's why that number just became California law.
For years, "three attempts" was the informal industry standard for demonstrating reasonable diligence before falling back to substituted service. As of AB 747 (the SPARE Act), it's written into the Code of Civil Procedure: effective January 1, 2027, reasonable diligence means good-faith attempts at personal delivery on at least three occasions, on three different days, at three different times.
At My Investigative Services, routine serves include 3 attempts spread across different days and times of day. Restraining orders and family law documents include up to 5 attempts — rushed at no extra cost. Every attempt is photo-documented and GPS-stamped, so if we do need to escalate to substituted service, the diligence record is already court-ready.
What Happens When Nobody Answers
Substituted service (CCP § 415.20): after diligent attempts, documents can be left with a competent adult at the residence or workplace, with a copy mailed. This is the most common escalation.
Stakeouts: when someone is actively dodging, we wait — early morning, late evening, weekends — and complete personal service when they appear. See our stakeout service.
Skip tracing: if the address turns out to be stale, skip tracing locates the current one before more attempts are wasted.
Court alternatives: when all else fails, courts can authorize service by publication or posting — your attempt documentation is the evidence that makes those motions succeed.
Attempts FAQ
How many attempts does a process server make in California?
Three attempts is the industry standard for routine service — and starting January 1, 2027, California law (AB 747) formally defines "reasonable diligence" as good-faith attempts on at least three occasions, on three different days, at three different times, before substituted service is allowed. Many servers, including us, include 3 attempts in the base fee; restraining orders include 5 with us.
What happens after the attempts are used up?
Options include substituted service (leaving documents with a competent adult at the home or workplace plus mailing a copy, per CCP § 415.20), a stakeout to catch the person directly, skip tracing if the address is bad, or court-approved alternatives like service by publication.
Do attempts at different times of day matter?
Enormously — and under AB 747 they're required. A person who isn't home at 2pm on Tuesday is often home at 7am or 8pm. Professional servers vary morning, afternoon, and evening attempts across different days.
Do I get charged if the serve is unsuccessful?
Generally yes — time, mileage, and attempts are billable regardless of outcome, and you receive documentation of every attempt. That documentation isn't wasted: it's exactly what supports a motion for substituted or alternative service.
General information, not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific case.
Need someone served — properly?
Three documented attempts minimum, photo + GPS on every one. Call us or submit your job online.