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Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form SC-104A, Proof of Mailing (Substituted Service) (Small Claims)

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Form SC-104A, Proof of Mailing (Substituted Service) (Small Claims), page 1
Basic · 30/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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Form SC-104A, Proof of Mailing (Substituted Service), is a legal document for California small claims court. It serves as a sworn declaration by a server, who must be at least 18 and not a party to the lawsuit, confirming they mailed the required court documents after someone else performed the initial substituted service. This form is crucial for validating that the service of process was completed correctly according to legal standards. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Fillable fields28
Pages1
Form Complexity IndexBasic, 30/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

13 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

Case Number Presence and Format

This check ensures the 'Case Number' field is not empty and conforms to the standard format for the jurisdiction. The case number is essential for associating this proof of mailing with the correct legal proceeding. A missing or malformed case number will cause the document to be rejected or misfiled.

Document Served Selection Required

Validates that at least one checkbox in Section 1 ('Documents served by mail') is selected. This is critical to officially record which legal documents were served. If no document is indicated, the proof of service is incomplete and legally insufficient.

Conditional 'Other' Document Specification

If the 'Other' checkbox is selected in Section 1, this validation ensures the corresponding text field is filled out. This specification is necessary to create a clear record of all documents that were served. Failure to specify the 'Other' documents renders the service record ambiguous and potentially invalid.

Exclusive Service Target Selection

This check ensures that information is entered in either Section 2a (for a person) or Section 2b (for a business), but not both. The form is designed for serving a single target per submission, and filling both sections creates ambiguity. The form should be rejected if neither or both sections are completed.

Service Target Information Completeness

Verifies that all required fields within the selected part of Section 2 are completed. If serving a person (2a), their name and full address are mandatory. If serving a business (2b), the business name, authorized person, title, and full address are all required for the service to be legally valid.

Valid Service Address Format

This check validates the format of the address fields in Section 2, specifically the State and Zip code. The State should be a valid two-letter abbreviation, and the Zip code should be a 5 or 9-digit number. Correct formatting is crucial for verifying the service location and preventing mail from being returned as undeliverable.

And 7 more checks
  • Mailing Method Selection
  • Valid and Logical Mailing Date
  • Mailing Location Presence
  • Server's Address Completeness
  • Server's Name Requirement
  • Declaration Date Consistency
  • Server Not a Party to Lawsuit

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How to Fill Out SC-104A Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Navigate to Instafill.ai and upload or select Form SC-104A, Proof of Mailing (Substituted Service).
  2. Enter the case number in the designated field at the top of the form.
  3. In Section 1, check the boxes corresponding to the documents that were mailed (e.g., SC-100, SC-120) or specify others.
  4. Complete Section 2 with the full name and address of the person, business, or public entity that was served.
  5. In Sections 3 and 4, describe the mailing process by indicating the method, date, and location from which the documents were mailed.
  6. The server must provide their own address in Section 5, then date, print their name, and sign the declaration in Section 6.
  7. Review all entered information for accuracy, then use the AI tool to download, print, or e-file the completed form as required for your case.

Common Mistakes in Completing SC-104A

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Ineligible Server Completing the Form
The person who signs as the 'server' is a plaintiff or defendant in the lawsuit, which is explicitly prohibited. This often happens when a party to the case tries to handle the service themselves to save time or money. The consequence is that the service is invalid, which can lead to case delays or dismissal, forcing the service process to be redone correctly. To avoid this, the mailing and signing must be done by a neutral third party who is at least 18 years old and not listed in the lawsuit.
Missing or Incorrect Case Number
Filers often forget to enter the case number at the top of the form or make a typographical error when entering it. The case number is the primary identifier that links this proof of service to the correct court file. Without it, the court clerk cannot file the document properly, leading to it being rejected or lost, and the court will have no record that service was completed. Always double-check the case number against the initial claim form (SC-100) before submission.
Using the Form for the Wrong Type of Service
This form, SC-104A, is exclusively for the mailing portion of a 'substituted service' and must be attached to form SC-104. People mistakenly use it for other methods, like standard service by mail, which has different requirements and forms. Using the wrong form creates a defective proof of service that will be rejected by the court. To avoid this, carefully read the form's title and instructions to ensure it matches the specific type of service performed.
Incomplete Information for Service on a Business
When serving a business (Section 2b), people often list the business name and address but omit the full name and job title of the specific person who was served. Proper service on a business requires delivering documents to a designated agent or an appropriate officer. Failure to document who was served and their capacity can lead to a legal challenge that the service was improper, potentially invalidating it. Always record all required details for the person who accepted the service on behalf of the business.
Forgetting to Sign the Declaration
The server's signature in Section 6 is the most critical part of the form, as it is a declaration made under penalty of perjury. It is a common and fatal error to leave this line blank after filling out all other details. An unsigned proof of service is legally invalid and will be rejected by the court, meaning service is not complete. To prevent this, make it a final habit to review the form and sign on the 'Server signs here' line before filing.
Incorrect Date of Mailing
In Section 4a, the filer enters the wrong date, such as the date they are filling out the form rather than the actual date the documents were placed in the mail. This creates a factual inaccuracy in a legal declaration. If the date of mailing is incorrect or does not align with the timeline of the substituted service, it can be used to challenge the validity of the service. The server should fill out this section on the same day as the mailing to ensure accuracy.
Server Signs the Form Before Mailing the Documents
The server signs the declaration in Section 6, which attests that they have already completed the mailing. Signing the form before the act of mailing has occurred is technically perjury. The signature date must be on or after the mailing date listed in Section 4a. To avoid this, the server should always perform the mailing first, then complete and sign the declaration.
Failing to Attach the Form to SC-104
The instructions clearly state this form is an attachment to Form SC-104 (Proof of Service). Filers sometimes submit SC-104A as a standalone document, not realizing it only proves the mailing part of substituted service. The court will reject this as an incomplete filing, as it lacks the SC-104 portion detailing the initial in-person delivery. Always staple SC-104A to the back of the corresponding SC-104 form before filing.
Incorrect or Incomplete Address of the Served Party
Simple data entry errors like typos in the street name, city, or ZIP code in Section 2 are frequent. An incorrect address calls into question whether the mailing was sent to the legally required location. This can be grounds for a defendant to claim they were never properly served, potentially leading to the service being invalidated. Using an AI-powered tool like Instafill.ai can help prevent these mistakes by automatically validating addresses. If the form is a non-fillable PDF, Instafill.ai can also make it fillable to ensure clarity.
Failing to Specify 'Other' Documents Served
When a document other than the standard SC-100 or SC-120 is served, filers may check the 'Other' box in Section 1c but forget to write in the name of the document. This leaves the court record ambiguous as to what the defendant received. A defendant could later challenge the service by claiming they were not notified of a specific motion or order. To avoid this, always specify the full title and form number of any additional documents served in the provided space.

Frequently Asked Questions About SC-104A

 

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Can I fill other forms too?
This plan is for your SC-104A: your own AI agent fills it as often as 5 times a month. To fill other forms and upload your own, choose a Professional plan from your account.
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How does the AI fill out SC-104A?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of SC-104A, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is SC-104A to fill out?
SC-104A has a Form Complexity Index of 30 out of 100, in the basic tier: 28 fillable fields across 1 page. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is the purpose of Form SC-104A, Proof of Mailing?
This form is used in a small claims case to prove that you mailed court documents to the person or business being sued after someone else already hand-delivered a copy to them. It is part of a two-step process called 'substituted service' and must be attached to Form SC-104.
Who is supposed to fill out and sign this form?
The person who actually mailed the documents must fill out and sign this form. This individual, known as the 'server,' must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a party (plaintiff or defendant) in the lawsuit.
Can I, the plaintiff, mail the documents and sign this form myself?
No, as a party to the lawsuit, you are not permitted to serve court papers. You must have a neutral third party who is at least 18 years old mail the documents and complete this form on your behalf.
What is 'substituted service' and why do I need this form for it?
Substituted service is an alternative method of delivering court papers that involves leaving them with a competent person and then mailing a second copy. This form proves the mailing part of that process occurred, while Form SC-104 proves the initial delivery.
What information do I need to have ready to complete Form SC-104A?
The server will need the court case number, the names of the documents being served, the full name and address of the party served, and the date and city from which the documents were mailed.
How do I fill out Section 2 if I served a business instead of a person?
In Section 2b, you must write the full name of the business or public entity, the name of the person authorized to accept service, and that person's job title, along with the address.
What is the difference between the mailing options in Section 3?
Option 3a is for dropping the envelope in a standard U.S. Postal Service mailbox. Option 3b is for leaving it in an office or business mail drop where you know mail is collected daily for delivery to the USPS.
What do I do with this form after it's been filled out and signed?
Once completed by the server, Form SC-104A must be attached to Form SC-104 (Proof of Service). The combined documents should then be filed with the court clerk before your hearing.
When should the server sign and date the form?
The server must sign and date the form in Section 6 only *after* they have actually mailed the documents. The signature is a declaration under penalty of perjury that the mailing was completed as stated.
Can an AI tool help me fill out Form SC-104A?
Yes, services like Instafill.ai use AI to accurately auto-fill form fields, which can save time and help prevent common errors. The server must still personally review the information for accuracy and provide a valid signature.
How can I fill out this form online if I only have a PDF?
You can use a service like Instafill.ai to fill out the form on your computer. Simply upload the SC-104A PDF, and the platform will make it an interactive form where you can type your information directly into the fields.
The PDF of Form SC-104A I downloaded is not fillable. What can I do?
If you have a non-fillable or 'flat' PDF, you can upload it to a service like Instafill.ai. Their technology can convert the document into an interactive, fillable form that you can easily complete online.
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small claims forms: Form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), SC-108, Request to Correct or Cancel Judgment and Answer (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-105, Request for Court Order and Answer (Small Claims), SC-120, Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-108, Request to Correct or Cancel Judgment and Answer (Small Claims), SC-105, Request for Court Order and Answer (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-120, Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Small Claims), Form SC-100, Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, Form N161, Appellant’s notice (All appeals except small claims track appeals and appeals to the Family Division of the High Court), Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100), Form N161, Appellant's Notice (All appeals except small claims track appeals and appeals to the Family Division of the High Court), Form SC-100A, Other Plaintiffs or Defendants (Attachment to Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court), Form A, Claim Form, European Small Claims Procedure, Form EJ-001, Abstract of Judgment—Civil and Small Claims, Form SC-109, Authorization to Appear (Small Claims), Form SC-112A, Proof of Service by Mail (Small Claims), Form SC-114, Request to Amend Party Name Before Hearing (Small Claims), Form SC-132, Attorney-Client Fee Dispute (Attachment to Notice of Entry of Judgment)

court claim forms: Form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, Judicial Council of California Form SC-105, Request for Court Order and Answer (Small Claims), SC-120, Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Small Claims), SC-105, Request for Court Order and Answer (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-120, Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Small Claims), Form SC-100, Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, Certificate of Service (Civil Court Claim), Form N161, Appellant’s notice (All appeals except small claims track appeals and appeals to the Family Division of the High Court), Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100), Form N161, Appellant's Notice (All appeals except small claims track appeals and appeals to the Family Division of the High Court), Form SC-100A, Other Plaintiffs or Defendants (Attachment to Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court), Form N461: Claim for judicial review, Statement of Small Claim and Notice, Trial Court of Massachusetts, State of Michigan, Form MC 25, Notice of Intent to Escheat Unclaimed Personal Property, Form MC 35, Complaint, Claim and Delivery, Form MC 36, Motion for Possession Pending Judgment, Claim and Delivery, Order of Possession Pending Judgment, Claim and Delivery, Form MC 38, Bond, Claim and Delivery, Form MC 39, Judgment, Claim and Delivery, Form MC 55, Claim of Appeal

proof of service forms: Form POS-040, Proof of Service—Civil, Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Form DV-200, Proof of Personal Service (CLETS) (Domestic Violence Prevention), Illinois Circuit Court Eviction Summons and Proof of Service of Eviction Summons & Eviction Complaint (Form E-S 3507.3), proof-of-electronic-service-appellate, Form APP-009, Proof of Service (Appellate Division), Form APP-109, Proof of Service (Appellate Division), Form GC-020(P), PROOF OF PERSONAL SERVICE OF NOTICE OF HEARING— GUARDIANSHIP OR CONSERVATORSHIP, Form APP-109E, Proof of Electronic Service (Appellate Division), Proof of Personal Service of Notice of Initial Appearance—CARE Act Proceedings, Form CARE-116, Proof of Personal Service of Notice of Hearing—CARE Act Proceedings, Form CR-106, Proof of Service — Criminal Record Clearing, CARE-107, Proof of Personal Service of Notice of Order for CARE Act Report, Form CIV-120, Notice of Entry of Dismissal and Proof of Service, Form DAL-012, Proof of Service—Disability Access Litigation, Form DE-120(P), Proof of Personal Service of Notice of Hearing—Decedent's Estate or Trust, Form EA-200, Proof of Personal Service (Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention), Form EA-260, Proof of Service of Order After Hearing by Mail (Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention), Form FL-115, Proof of Service of Summons (Family Law—Uniform Parentage—Custody and Support)

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