Substitute Service on an individual can be made If an individual defendant cannot be
personally served after required "
due diligence" attempts,
substituted service may be made.
Substituted service is made by leaving a copy of the service documents with someone other than the defendant at the defendant's dwelling house, usual place of abode, usual place of business, or usual mailing address (other than a USPS postal box). The documents must be left with a person over the age of 18 years, a competent member of the household or a person in charge of the business at the time of service. The person with whom the documents are left must be informed of the general nature of the documents. (
CCP 415.20(b))
Substitute Service on a Corporation may be made by serving a person authorized to accept a personal service by delivering the documents to a person apparently in charge of the business at the time of service during normal business hours. The law does not require a
diligent effort to effect personal service. Substituted service may be made on the first attempt. (
CCP 415.20)