Service of Process

General Guidelines for Service of Process

The California Military Department – Office of the General Counsel receives service of process documents and subpoenas between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 10601 Bear Hollow Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.

Please note that Office of the General Counsel may only accept service of process on behalf of the California Military Department, and its elements and subordinate units, which include the California National Guard, the California State Guard, The California Cadet Corps, and California Military Department officials named in their official capacity.

The California Military Department has not agreed to electronic or facsimile service of summons, complaints, subpoenaes or other legal documents in civil cases per the California Rules of Court or other applicable laws.

For documents naming “California Military Department” or “California National Guard” or any subordinate unit/entity of the California Military Department, service may be accomplished by contacting the Office of the General Counsel at (916) 854-3505 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM and coordinating personal service at the security building located at 10601 Bear Hollow Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.

THE CMD WILL NOT ACCEPT SERVICE IN THE FOLLOWING INSTANCES:

Documents naming an individual Soldier, Airman or civilian employee as a party in their unofficial or private capacity;
Documents naming “State of California,” “The United States of America,” “The Army National Guard,” “The Air National Guard,” “The United States Army,” “The United States Air Force,” “The United States Space Force,” or “The Department of Defense” as a party.

Documents and subpoenas directed to the “State of California” must be served on the Office of the California Attorney General (the California Attorney General’s Sacramento office is located at 1300 I Street).

NOTE: The California Military Department Office of the General Counsel cannot advise you whether you are required to serve your document under a specific statute or in a specific manner. If you are unsure about the requirements of service, we suggest that you seek guidance from a private attorney.