Kern County Sheriff's Office Headquarters
Kern County Sheriff's Office

Civil Processing Unit

The Sheriff's Civil Process Unit serves civil process as prescribed by law. The majority of procedures and laws governing the service and execution of civil process are set forth in the California Code of Civil Procedure. The Sheriff’s Civil Unit works in conjunction with the Civil Courts in Kern County and Civil Courts throughout the state of California in the execution and service of process.

It is the goal of the Civil Unit to serve all processes in a timely manner, while maintaining an impartial position between all parties involved. The Sheriff’s Office role in civil enforcement is that of a neutral party, acting only on a lawful court order.

Civil process includes: The service of summons and complaints; small claims documents; restraining orders; subpoenas; and evictions. Other services include levies on wages, bank accounts, personal property, real property, or any other asset of the judgment debtor.

The Civil Unit is not permitted to give legal advice, nor can we conduct investigative services including computer inquiries (DMV, arrest records, etc.) to verify names and/or addresses; therefore, successful service of documents is not guaranteed.

It is the goal of the Civil Unit to serve all received process in a reasonable and timely manner, while maintaining a professional image reflecting the overall mission of the Sheriff's Office.



Office Address

34970 McMurtrey Avenue 2nd Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: (661) 392-6750
Fax: (661) 392-6768
Secured drop box accessible to the public 24 hrs a day.

Mailing Address

KCSO Civil Section
P.O. Box 80786
Bakersfield, CA 93380
Email: Civil@KernSheriff.org

Public Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.