7 days free

AI form filling · 60 fields · 2 pages · done in seconds

Yes! You can use AI to fill out Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims)

Q: How complex is SC-104 to fill out?

SC-104 has a Form Complexity Index of 51 out of 100 (moderate tier), calculated deterministically from the form structure: 60 fillable fields across 2 pages, 12 sections, 22 conditional fields. A base score weighs field count (36%), input difficulty by field type (26%), page count (15%), conditional logic (16%) and structure (7%), then adds modifiers for tables, instruction pages and layout density. The Instafill AI fills SC-104 accurately in under a minute.

Don't type 60 fields by hand. Tell our AI about yourself, or upload a document you already have, and it fills every field in seconds. You check it, then download, print or sign.

7 days free, then $19.99/month · Cancel anytime

AI fills it, no typingEncrypted, never used to train AICancel in two clicks

Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), page 1

Moderate · 51/100Form Complexity Index

The AI does the filling. You just check it.

No typing into boxes, nothing to install.

Tell the AI about youAnswer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. That is all the typing there is.

AI fills every field in secondsIt puts each answer in the right box on every page, checkboxes included.

Check it and downloadReview every field, change anything, then download, print or sign the PDF.

What this form asks for

The AI fills all of it, from your answers or your documents.

Form SC-104 (Proof of Service—Small Claims) is an optional Judicial Council of California form used to record the details of serving small claims court documents on the opposing party or an authorized recipient. It identifies who was served, what documents were served, and whether service was personal or substituted (with required follow-up mailing). The server signs under penalty of perjury, making the form a key piece of evidence that service complied with California law. Courts rely on this proof to confirm proper notice before a hearing and may delay or dismiss matters if service is not properly documented.

Fillable fields60

Pages2

Sections12

Questions that depend on earlier answers22

Form Complexity IndexModerate, 51/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

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

Court Venue Completeness (County and Court Address)

Validates that the Superior Court county and the court street address fields are completed. This is required to identify the correct filing venue and ensure the proof of service is associated with the proper court location. If missing or incomplete, the filing may be rejected or misrouted, delaying the hearing and service verification.

Case Identification Required Fields (Case Number and Case Name)

Ensures the Case Number and Case Name are present and meet basic formatting expectations (e.g., case number not blank and not containing invalid characters). These fields link the proof of service to the correct small claims matter. If validation fails, the court and parties may be unable to match the service record to the case, risking rejection or disputes about service.

Hearing Schedule Fields Validity (Date, Time, Department)

Checks that Hearing Date is a valid date, Time is present and in a valid time format, and Department is provided if required by the court. The form instructions require filing at least 5 days before the hearing, so the hearing schedule must be unambiguous. If invalid or missing, the proof may not be accepted or may not demonstrate timely service.

Served Party Type Selection and Completeness (Person vs. Business/Entity)

Validates that the form is completed for either (1a) an individual person name or (1b) a business/entity name with an authorized person and job title, and that the unused path is not left ambiguously partially filled. This prevents uncertainty about who was legally served and whether service was directed to a proper recipient. If both are blank or conflicting, service may be challenged as defective.

Business/Entity Service Authorization Details (Authorized Person and Job Title)

When serving a business or public entity, verifies that 'Person Authorized for Service' and 'Job Title' are provided and not generic placeholders (e.g., 'employee' without role). Proper service on entities requires delivery to a person authorized by law or the entity’s structure. If missing or vague, the service may be invalid and the case may be continued or dismissed for lack of proper service.

Documents Served Selection (At Least One Document Checked)

Ensures at least one item in section 3 is selected (SC-100, SC-120, Order for Examination form option, or 'Other' with specification). Proof of service must identify exactly what documents were delivered. If none are selected, the proof is incomplete and cannot establish what was served.

And 11 more checks

‘Other’ Document Specification Required When Selected
Order for Examination Personal Service Constraint
Service Method Exclusivity (Personal vs. Substituted)
Personal Service Event Details (Date, Time, AM/PM, Address)
Substituted Service Recipient Category and Recipient Identification
Substituted Service Mailing Requirement Completeness
Address Consistency for Substituted Service Mailing
Server Eligibility Attestation (Age and Not Named in Case)
Server Contact Information Format (Name, Phone, Address)
Registered Process Server Details Conditional Requirement
Signature and Date Execution (Perjury Declaration)

Let AI fill out your SC-104

No typing. Every field filled in seconds, checked, ready to sign.

7 days free, then $19.99/month · Cancel anytime

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

What the AI walks you through.

Enter the court information and case details (county, case number, case name, hearing date/time/department).
Identify who is being served: either the individual’s name or, for a business/public entity, the entity name plus the authorized person for service and their job title.
Select and list the documents served (e.g., SC-100, SC-120, SC-134, AT-138/EJ-125, or other specified documents).
Record the method of service: complete the Personal Service section with date/time/address, or complete the Substituted Service section with the recipient type, date/time/address, and the recipient’s name/description.
If substituted service was used, complete the mailing details (date mailed, city/state mailed from, and how it was mailed; attach SC-104A if someone else mailed it).
Complete the server’s information (name, phone, address, service fee, and process server registration details if applicable), then sign and date the declaration under penalty of perjury.

Common Mistakes in Completing SC-104

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Leaving the court and case header blank or inconsistent

People often skip the top section (county, court address, case number, case name, hearing date/time/department) because they assume it’s already “in the system” or will be filled in by the clerk. If any of these items are missing or don’t match the filed claim, the court may reject the proof of service or it may not be linked to the correct case file. Copy the information exactly from the filed SC-100/SC-120 and the hearing notice, including the department and time.

Listing the wrong person or entity in Item 1

A common error is writing the server’s name, the plaintiff’s name, or a nickname/partial name instead of the exact person or legal entity that must be served. This creates doubt that the correct party received notice and can lead to a continuance or dismissal for improper service. Use the exact name as it appears on the claim and, for individuals, include full legal name (first/last) rather than informal names.

Serving a business without naming an authorized person and job title

For businesses and agencies, people frequently write only the business name and omit the “Person Authorized for Service” and “Job Title,” or they list a random employee. Service on the wrong individual can be invalid, meaning the defendant may not be properly brought into the case. Identify an authorized recipient (owner/partner/officer/general manager/authorized agent/Secretary of State agent) and record both the person’s name and their title in Item 1(b).

Attempting to serve a public entity without first filing a claim

The form notes that public entities generally require a claim to be filed with the entity before service, but filers often miss this instruction. If the prerequisite claim process wasn’t completed, the case can be delayed or dismissed regardless of whether papers were delivered. Confirm the government-claim requirement applies, complete it first when required, and then serve the correct official (clerk, chief officer/director, or authorized agent).

Using an ineligible server (under 18 or a party to the case)

People sometimes have a plaintiff, defendant, or someone under 18 deliver the papers to save time or money. The form requires the server to be at least 18 and not named in the case; violating this can invalidate service and force re-service, risking missed deadlines. Choose a neutral adult server (friend, professional process server, sheriff) and ensure they are not listed as a party on the case.

Checking the wrong documents served (or forgetting to check any)

It’s common to check the wrong box (SC-100 vs. SC-120), forget to list “Other,” or fail to specify what “Other” includes. If the proof of service doesn’t match what was actually delivered, the court may find service incomplete or unclear. Before serving, confirm the exact packet being delivered and then check every document in Item 3, specifying any “Other” documents by full name.

Using substituted service incorrectly (wrong recipient or missing mailing step)

Substituted service is often done incorrectly by leaving papers with someone who is under 18, not living at the home, not “in charge” at the workplace, or at an improper address (like a U.S. Post Office box). Another frequent mistake is forgetting that substituted service requires mailing a copy afterward and documenting the mailing details. To avoid invalid service, ensure the recipient qualifies, use a valid physical address (or qualifying private mailbox scenario), and complete the mailing section with date, city/state, and method.

Mixing up Personal Service vs. Substituted Service sections

Servers sometimes fill out both sections, or they complete the wrong one (e.g., marking personal service but describing leaving papers with another adult). This creates contradictions that can cause the clerk or judge to question whether service complied with the rules. Fill out only the section that matches what actually happened: Item 4(a) for personal hand-delivery to the named person, or Item 4(b) for substituted service plus mailing.

Incomplete service details (missing date, time, address, or AM/PM)

A very common rejection issue is leaving out the service date, time, AM/PM selection, or the full service address (including city/state/zip). Without these specifics, the court cannot confirm service timing and location, and the proof may be deemed insufficient. Record the exact date and time of delivery, select AM or PM, and write the complete address where service occurred.

Not identifying the person who received the papers in substituted service

When substituted service is used, people often leave blank the “Name or description of the person I gave the papers to” or provide a vague entry like “front desk.” This weakens the proof because it doesn’t show the papers were left with a qualifying adult. Write the recipient’s full name if known; if not, provide a clear description (approximate age, role, relationship, and where they were encountered).

Missing server information, process server registration details, or signature under penalty of perjury

Filers frequently forget to complete the server’s name, address, phone, fee, or (if applicable) the county of registration and registration number, and they sometimes forget the signature/date at the end. An unsigned or incomplete declaration can make the proof of service invalid and require re-filing. Ensure Item 5 is complete, include registration details if the server is registered, and sign and date the declaration after service is completed.

Failing to return the proof of service in time (5-day rule)

People often serve the papers but don’t get the completed SC-104 back to the filer early enough for court filing at least 5 days before the hearing. Late filing can result in the hearing being continued or the case being dismissed because the court cannot confirm timely notice. Plan service early, have the server complete SC-104 immediately after service, and file it with the court well before the 5-day deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions About SC-104

Is it really free for 7 days?

Yes. You pay $0 today. Cancel before Nov 1 and you are never charged. Keep it, and it is $19.99 a month for 5 fills of your SC-104.

Can I fill other forms too?

This plan is for your SC-104: 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.

How do I cancel?

From your account, in two clicks, any time. No email, no call.

How does the AI fill out SC-104?

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-104, 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-104 to fill out?

SC-104 has a Form Complexity Index of 51 out of 100, in the moderate tier: 60 fillable fields across 2 pages. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.

What is Form SC-104 (Proof of Service—Small Claims) used for?

Form SC-104 is used to prove to the court that the required small claims papers were properly delivered (“served”) to the other party. The server fills it out after service and it is filed with the court.

Who should fill out and sign Form SC-104?

The person who served the papers must complete and sign the form. The server must be at least 18 years old and cannot be named in the case.

What court papers can be listed in section 3 of SC-104?

Section 3 is where the server checks which documents were served, such as SC-100 (Plaintiff’s Claim), SC-120 (Defendant’s Claim), or other documents specified. If an order for examination was served, the server must identify which form was used (e.g., SC-134 or AT-138/EJ-125).

How do I fill out item 1 if I’m serving an individual person?

In item 1(a), write the person’s full name exactly as it appears on the court papers. This should match the party being served in the case.

How do I fill out item 1 if I’m serving a business or public entity?

In item 1(b), list the business/agency name, the person authorized to accept service, and that person’s job title. The form also lists examples of who can be served for businesses (e.g., owner, partner, officer, general manager, or authorized agent).

Who is allowed to accept service for a business?

You must serve an appropriate person such as the owner (sole proprietorship), a partner/general partner, an officer or general manager, or an authorized agent (including an agent on file with the Secretary of State for certain entities). Serving the wrong person can make service invalid.

Are there special rules for serving a public entity?

Yes—before serving a public entity, you must first file a claim with that entity. Then you serve an authorized person such as the city/county clerk, the agency’s chief officer/director, or another person authorized to accept service.

What is the difference between Personal Service and Substituted Service on this form?

Personal Service means the server handed the papers directly to the person named in item 1. Substituted Service means the server left the papers with a qualified adult at the person’s home, workplace, or usual mailing location (as allowed), and then mailed a copy to the person.

If I use substituted service, do I have to mail a copy too?

Yes. The form requires the server to mail a copy of the documents to the person at the same address where the papers were left, using first-class prepaid postage, and to record the mailing date and location.

Can substituted service be done at a U.S. Post Office box?

No. The form states substituted service cannot be done at a U.S. Post Office box. It may be done where the person usually receives mail only if it is not a U.S. Post Office box (for example, a private mailbox) and there is no known physical address.

What information must the server include about where and when service happened?

The server must provide the date, time (a.m./p.m.), and the full address (including city, state, and zip code) where the papers were personally delivered or left for substituted service. For substituted service, the server must also describe or name the adult who received the papers.

When does the completed SC-104 need to be returned and filed with the court?

The server must give or mail the completed proof of service to the person who requested service in time for it to be filed with the court at least 5 days before the hearing. If it is filed late, the hearing may be postponed or service may be challenged.

What is Form SC-104A and when is it required?

SC-104A is used when someone other than the server actually mails the documents after substituted service. If the server checks the option that another person mailed the documents, that person’s completed SC-104A must be attached.

Do orders for examination have special service requirements?

Yes. The form notes that an order for examination must be personally served, and that a civil arrest warrant may be issued for failure to appear only if personal service was done by a registered process server, sheriff, marshal, or someone appointed by the court.

What server information is required in section 5, and what if the server is a registered process server?

The server must provide their name, phone number, and address, and may list any fee charged. If the server is a registered process server, they must also include the county of registration and registration number.

Encrypted in transit and at restNever used to train AIDelete your forms any time

Get your SC-104 filled out by AI

$0 today. Cancel before Nov 1 and you pay nothing.

Other forms like this one

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-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), Form SC-152, Order on Request to Postpone Trial (Small Claims)

VA claim forms: Form OWCP-915, Claim for Medical Reimbursement, Form 8862, Information To Claim Certain Credits, Form CA-7, Claim for Compensation, Form CA-5, Claim for Compensation, Form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim, Form 104, List of Creditors 20 Largest Unsecured Claims, Form 941-X (Rev. April 2023), Adjusted Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return or Claim for Refund, Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) – Refugee Protection Division (RPD) Basis of Claim Form (for persons claiming refugee protection in Canada) (RPD.02.01), 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), Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC) / Aflac Group Critical Illness Claim Form (with Attending Physician’s Statement, HIPAA Authorization to Obtain Information, and Electronic Funds Transaction Authorization), 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), Small Claim and Notice of Small Claim (ORS 46.425) (OJD Official) (Jan 2026), VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, Form SSA-795, Statement of Claimant or Other Person

proof of service forms: Form POS-040, Proof of Service—Civil, 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), Form CR-401, Proof of Service for Petition/Application Under Health and Safety Code Section 11361.8—Adult Crimes

7 days free, then $19.99/month · Cancel anytime