How to Find the Defendant's Agent for Service of Process (California)
If the defendant you are suing is a corporation, limited liability company, or public entity, you will need to indicate the person or agent authorized for service of process when filling out your SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go To Small Claims Court).
The agent authorized for service is an individual or a corporation that is designated by a business for the purposes of receiving legal documents, such as lawsuits. This agent will also be the service target after you file the lawsuit and need to serve your court papers to the other party. The agent will notify the business owner and be sure that they are aware a lawsuit is filed against them.
Finding the agent
All corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships are required by the state of California to have a designated agent for service of process. Finding the agent will depend on the business type that you are suing. Learn more about business structures.
Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships
If the business you are suing is one of these business types, you can look up the business in California SOS Business Search. Enter the name of the business and it will pull up a record of that business. As part of the search results, you will be able to see information about the company including the designated agent for service of process.
Limited Liability Partnerships, General Partnerships, Associations, other entity types
If the business you are suing is one of these business types, it will not be available in an online search. You will need to fill out and file the Business Entities Records - Order Form to receive information about the business along with the agent information request.
Cómo Encontrar al Agente del Demandado para la Notificación del Proceso (California)
Si el demandado que está demandando es una corporación, compañía de responsabilidad limitada o entidad pública, deberá indicar la persona o agente autorizado para la notificación del proceso al completar su SC-100 (Reclamo del demandante y orden de ir a la Corte de Reclamos Menores).