Skip Tracing for Service of Process
When an address goes bad, our skip tracers work to find a current one so service can continue. We locate defendants, witnesses, debtors, and businesses for California law firms and legal departments.
What we need
Name, last address
and one more identifier
Date of birth, Social Security number, or driver's license number
- Law firmsand legal departments only
- Rushskip traces available
- Serviceat our process serving rates
- Defendants & witnesses
- Due diligence declarations
- Rush skip traces
- 65+ years in California
Since 1961, Direct Legal Support has served legal papers throughout California. When a person has moved or is avoiding service, our skip tracing team works to find a current address, and our process servers can serve the papers as soon as it is found. Skip tracing is available only to law firms and legal departments.
Skip Tracing and Search Rates
| Search | Law Firm Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard Skip TraceName, last known address, and one more identifier, such as date of birth, Social Security number, or driver's license number | $195 |
| Extensive Skip TraceFor limited information, such as name and date of birth only. Can include calls to located phone numbers, county jail searches, and marriage records searches. | Quoted |
| Priority (Rush) Skip TraceExpedited handling | $295 |
| Due Diligence Declaration for PublicationFlat rate, in addition to the skip trace fee | $175 |
| Post Office Box "Bust"Change of address or boxholder information for service of legal process. Name and last known address or P.O. box required. | $45 |
| Property Ownership SearchOwnership records for real property. The property address is required. | $75 |
| Basic Liability SearchIdentification, current and former addresses, corporate, LP, and fictitious business name searches, real estate, watercraft and aircraft, vehicle ownership, professional licenses, UCC filings, superior court civil litigation, bankruptcies, tax liens and judgments | $395 |
| Employment SearchCurrent employer information | $450 |
| Financial SearchBank and financial account information | $450 |
| Asset SearchAssets held by the subject | $795 |
Skip tracing is available only to law firms and legal departments. Service of process is not included and is billed separately at our process serving rates. Fees may vary by location, service level, and time required. Prices may change without notice.
What a Standard Skip Trace Includes
For a standard skip trace we need the subject's name, last known address, and a third identifier, such as date of birth, Social Security number, or driver's license number. Sources can include:
- Database searches
- USPS address verification
- Property data searches
- Credit header data
- Social media searches
- Secretary of State records for companies
When you have less to go on, such as a name and date of birth only, an extensive skip trace adds steps like calling located phone numbers, county jail searches, and marriage records searches, for an additional fee.
How Skip Tracing Works
Send Us What You Have
The subject's name, last known address, and any other identifiers, plus the case if service is next.
We Search
Our skip tracers search the sources that fit the case, with priority handling when you need it.
We Report the Results
You receive the results of the search, and a due diligence declaration if you ordered one.
We Serve the Papers
When a current address is found, our process servers can serve the papers at our regular rates.
Start an Order or call (800) 675-5376
Due Diligence for Service by Publication
When a defendant cannot be found, a court may allow service by publication under CCP § 415.50, but only after a showing that the defendant could not be served with reasonable diligence. Our due diligence declaration documents the search so you can support the application. It is a flat $175 in addition to the skip trace fee.
Learn more about how papers are served in California.
P.O. Box and Change of Address Requests
The Postal Service releases boxholder and change-of-address information to people serving legal process when the request is made in the form it requires. For $45 we prepare and submit the request. You'll need the subject's name and last known address or P.O. box.
Permitted Use of Search Data
Some sources, such as credit header data, are regulated by law and can only be used for permitted purposes. We run searches for legitimate legal purposes, such as locating a party or witness for service of process. That is why skip tracing is limited to law firms and legal departments.
Skip Tracing Questions
How much does a skip trace cost?
A standard skip trace is $195 for law firms and legal departments, and a Priority (rush) skip trace is $295. A due diligence declaration for service by publication is a flat $175. Service of process is billed separately.
What other searches do you offer?
A property ownership search is $75, and we need the property address to run it. An employment search and a financial search are $450 each, an asset search is $795, and a basic liability search is $395. A P.O. box bust is $45.
What information do you need for a skip trace?
The subject's name, last known address, and one more identifier, such as date of birth, Social Security number, or driver's license number. With less information, an extensive skip trace is available for an additional fee.
Can parties without an attorney order a skip trace?
No. Skip tracing is available only to law firms and legal departments.
What sources do you search?
A standard skip trace can include database searches, USPS address verification, property data, credit header data, social media, and Secretary of State records for companies.
Can you prepare a due diligence declaration for service by publication?
Yes. When a defendant can't be found, a court may allow service by publication under CCP 415.50 after a showing of reasonable diligence. Our due diligence declaration documents the search, for a flat $175 in addition to the skip trace fee.
What is a P.O. box bust?
It is a request to the Postal Service for change of address or boxholder information needed to serve legal process. We prepare and submit the request for $45. The subject's name and last known address or P.O. box are required.
Is service of process included in the skip trace fee?
No. Once we find a current address, our process servers can serve the papers at our regular process serving rates.
Need Someone Located?
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