Civil Division
Support Services
About the Civil Division
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division is responsible for serving civil court documents, enforcing court orders, conducting evictions, executing writs, and carrying out Sheriff’s Sales throughout Imperial County.
Our mission is to provide professional, impartial, and timely service while ensuring all court orders are executed in accordance with California law. Because civil matters involve disputes between private parties, the Sheriff’s Office remains neutral and cannot provide legal advice or favor either side in a case.
Please note: civil process service cannot be guaranteed. Unlike criminal investigations, the Sheriff’s Office cannot use investigative resources such as surveillance, DMV records, or criminal databases to locate individuals for service.
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Civil Division Services
- Service of civil process
- Service of restraining orders
- Enforcement of writs
- Wage garnishments
- Bank levies
- Evictions (Writs of Possession)
- Sheriff’s Sales
- Other court-ordered civil services
Exact change is required for all transactions and fees. Please provide original documents plus 2 additional copies for each service.
Please refer to the Civil Fee Schedule for applicable fees and deposits.
Fee Schedule PDF to be linked here once provided by the team.
Evictions (Unlawful Detainer)
An eviction — sometimes referred to as a lockout or restoration — is the final step in the Unlawful Detainer process.
The Sheriff’s Office may only conduct an eviction after the Imperial County Superior Court issues both a Judgment for Possession and a Writ of Possession. The Sheriff’s Office does not decide whether an eviction is appropriate; our role is to enforce the Court’s order while remaining neutral.
How the Eviction Process Works
Once the landlord submits the required documents and fees:
- A Sheriff’s representative posts a Notice to Vacate at the property
- The tenant is provided a copy of the Writ of Possession
- An earliest enforcement date is identified
- If the tenant has not vacated by that date, deputies restore possession of the property to the landlord
Service of Restraining Orders
A restraining order is a court order issued by a judge to protect an individual from harassment, abuse, threats, violence, or other prohibited conduct. Only a judge can issue a restraining order. The Sheriff’s Office cannot issue restraining orders or provide legal advice.
To Request Sheriff’s Service, Submit:
- Completed Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers form
- Complete set of court documents
- Court-approved fee waiver (if applicable)
- Applicable fees (if required)
The Sheriff’s Office will make a diligent effort to complete service but cannot guarantee successful service.
Civil Process Fees
Most civil services require payment of statutory fees and, in some cases, deposits before service can begin.
Fees are charged per person served. Additional deposits may be required depending on the complexity of the service.
Important — Effective January 1, 2026: California Code of Civil Procedure §684.130 now requires a Declaration of Address Verification for post-judgment requests for Sheriff’s collection services.
Sheriff’s Sales
The Sheriff’s Office conducts public auctions of real or personal property as ordered by the Court to satisfy judgments.
Sheriff’s Sales are open to the public and conducted in accordance with California law. Sheriff’s personnel cannot provide legal advice or answer questions regarding property offered for sale.
Online Service Requests (Coming Soon)
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is working to make Civil Division services more convenient. Soon, customers will be able to:
- Submit — Eligible civil service requests online
- Upload — Court documents directly through the portal
- Pay — Applicable fees securely without visiting our office
Until the online portal becomes available, service requests must be submitted in person or by mail.
Legal Disclaimer
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division cannot provide legal advice or assist with legal strategy. If you need legal assistance, please contact an attorney or the Imperial County Superior Court.
Contact the Civil Division
For information about having your documents served, contact the Civil Division during business hours:
Phone: (442) 265-2011
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: Weekends and observed holidays
Mailing Address
Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
Civil Division
P.O. Box 1040
El Centro, CA 92244
Office Location
328 Applestill Road
El Centro, CA 92243