Civil processes

NOTICE: Effective January 1st, 2024, a new fee schedule will be in place. 

Find our new fee schedule below or by clicking here. The San Francisco Sheriff's Office Civil Section is a full-service county. Many answers to questions about civil processes may be found in the content below. We do not handle civil disputes, civil crimes or give any legal advice. All civil disputes or civil crimes should be directed to the San Francisco Police Department. For assistance with a lawsuit, an eviction, a restraining order, or any legal advice, please contact California Superior court or an attorney.

Pursuant to CCP §262, all requests for service or levy must include a signed letter of instruction to the Sheriff. The San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office Civil Section can only serve documents in accordance with (AB2791 2022/2023) Gov §2666.2 & 26666.10.

Effective 1/1/2024 the public must use the judicial council letter of instruction SER-001 “Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers” to request services excluding wage garnishments and other levies.

Effective 1/1/2024 the public must use the judicial council letter of instruction SER-001A “Special Instructions for Writs and Levies-Attachment” to enforce a writ.

These forms are mandated by law. Again, the Sheriff’s Office is not allowed to give any legal advice or help with completion of the form. If you need assistance with completing the form, contact an attorney or the courts self-help.

Civil Unit Contact Information:

Please have your court case number and Sheriff file number when corresponding with the Civil Section. 

Civil Section email: SFSO.CivilFiling@sfgov.org

*This email address is for submitting documents for service ONLY! Call our office for all other inquiries

Pursuant to Gov §26666.5, our office will accept service via email only if you have a fee waiver or is exempt from fees (eg Restraining Orders)

Please submit the SER-001 & SER-001A (if necessary) along with all documents for service in PDF format.

Civil Section phone: 415-554-7235 Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Civil Section mailing address: 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 456, San Francisco, CA 94102