How to Serve a Bank Levy in Alameda County (2026 Attorney Guide)

Who Serves the Bank Levy in Alameda County?

Alameda County is one of several California counties where the Sheriff does not perform the actual service of the levy unless the creditor:

• Has a certified court order fee waiver, or
• Is an inmate in custody and able to pay the Sheriff’s fee.

A court order is required for the Sheriff to serve the levy in most cases. The Sheriff will only serve a bank levy if you have a certified court order fee waiver or are an in-custody inmate and able to pay the Sheriff’s fee. The Sheriff charges $50.00 for each bank to be served.

In most cases, attorneys must hire a Private Registered Process Server to serve the financial institution. Professional process servers are responsible for serving the bank levy documents when the Sheriff does not serve. The Sheriff’s Office only acts as the levying officer, managing the flow of funds and exemption claims after the process server has performed service.

What Documents Are Required to Serve a Bank Levy?

To open a levy file with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Civil Unit, the following must be submitted:

1. Original Writ of Execution (Form EJ-130) (submit one copy of the original document)
2. Notice of Levy (EJ‑150)
   • Two copies required: one addressed to the financial institution and one addressed to the judgment debtor
3. Memorandum of Garnishee (EJ‑152) (bank copy; submit one copy to the bank)
4. Debtor Exemption Forms
   • EJ‑155
   • EJ‑160
   • EJ‑165 (if applicable)
5. Judicial Council Form SER-001 – Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers
   • On page 4, Section 6, you must select the option stating:
     “No. I only want the sheriff to act as levying officer. A Registered “Private” process server has or will serve my papers.”
   • SER-001 Form Sample
6. Judicial Council Form SER-001A – Special Instructions for Writs and Levies
   • Must include the bank name and branch, and debtor information.
   • SER-001A Form Sample
7. Letter of Instruction
   • Needs to be signed by the attorney of record or self-represented creditor.
   • Must state:
     • That a Registered Private Process Server will serve the papers.
     • The process server’s name, address, and phone number.
     • The debtor’s name and specific bank branch to be served.
8. Sheriff’s Fee:
   • $50.00 per financial institution, paid at file opening.

Keep detailed records of all filings, submissions, and communications related to the levy. Timely filing of all required documents is critical to protect your rights and ensure proper processing.

⚠️ You must include TWO sets of levy papers:

• One addressed to the bank.
• One addressed to the debtor.

The best method of delivering the documents to Alameda County Sheriff’s Civil Unit, is to have the Private Process Server serving the bank deliver it in person to avoid delays.

After the levy is served, the bank is required to respond to the Sheriff with a completed Memorandum of Garnishee within 10 days. If the bank fails to respond, it is up to you to make inquiries to the bank on why they did not respond to the levy. Promptly review any notices you receive by mail and respond as required to protect your interests.

What Does the Registered Process Server Do?

Once the file is opened with the Sheriff:

• The Private process server serves 2 sets of documents on the financial institution named in the writ and follows by mailing one set to the debtor.

• After service is executed, the Private process server must return the completed Proof of Service and a copy of the served levy documents to the Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff then becomes responsible for:

• Receiving any funds from the financial institution,
• Notifying involved parties,
• Processing Claims of Exemption and Oppositions to Levy. Debtors have 15 days from the date they were personally served with the Notice of Levy (form EJ-150) to file a claim. If the notice was served by mail, the deadline is extended to 20 days. When filing a claim, debtors must provide evidence showing that the funds taken came from a source of income that is exempt from collection. Additionally, they may establish ownership of the funds or assets as part of the claim process.

Where to Submit the Bank Levy Package in Alameda County

Sheriff’s Civil Division
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
Address: [Visit the official ACSO Civil Page for current mailing and walk-in addresses]
Website: https://www.alamedacountysheriff.org
Phone: (510) 272-6910 (verify before mailing)

Submitting your bank levy package by mail is an option, so having access to the correct address and contact information is important. If you need assistance or want to verify submission details, contact the Sheriff’s Civil Division directly. They can provide guidance and help ensure your documents are processed correctly.

Attorney Notes — Common Mistakes to Avoid

Only including one Notice of Levy→ You must serve both the bank and the debtor.

❌ Incorrect writ timing→ The Writ of Execution must be issued within 180 days of the date of levy.

❌ Failure to return Proof of Service→ The Sheriff does not act until they receive proof of completed service.

• Act in a timely manner: It is crucial to respond to notices and file any required claims or objections promptly to avoid missing important deadlines that could affect your rights or ability to challenge the bank levy in Alameda County.
• One-time action, repeatable: A bank levy is a one-time action, but the creditor or collector can return to court to request it again if the debt remains unpaid.
• Seek legal advice: If you are facing a bank levy, seek legal assistance to obtain relief or guidance on how to proceed.
• Post-levy options: After a levy, you may challenge the levy, request a release, negotiate a settlement, or pursue legal relief.
• Plan your actions: Attorneys and creditors should plan their actions carefully, including notice review, exemptions, and ongoing monitoring, to maximize the effectiveness of the levy process.

Need Help Finding a Registered Process Server in Alameda County?

Countrywide Process, LLC is a California-based legal support firm with three generations of trusted experience. We serve bank levies daily throughout Alameda County and the entire state of California. Our process servers are experienced in handling small claims and can serve bank levies and other legal documents to both businesses and individuals (persons) involved in the legal process. We ensure that the correct party is served, following all legal process requirements to guarantee proper service.

📬 Submit a Bank Levy Package Today👉 https://countrywideprocess.com

Avoid costly errors. Get it done right the first time.