Why Domestication Is Required

Courts in California don’t recognize the authority of out-of-state subpoenas unless those subpoenas are first domesticated—reissued by a California Superior Court.

Fortunately, both Idaho and California have adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA). UIDDA creates a standardized, administrative process for domesticating subpoenas between participating states, allowing you to bypass costly motions or court appearances.

Step-by-Step Guide to Domesticate an Idaho Subpoena in California

1. Attorney Prepares the Required Documents

To begin the process, the attorney must prepare:

• A file-stamped copy of the original Idaho subpoena
  
• A completed California Application for Discovery Subpoena (SUBP-030)
  
• The appropriate California subpoena form, depending on your request:
  • SUBP-035 – Deposition Subpoena for Personal Appearance

    SUBP-040 – Deposition Subpoena for Production of Business Records

  • SUBP-045 – Deposition Subpoena for Personal Appearance and Production of Documents

Countrywide Process, LLC, provides these forms and, after the attorney completes them, reviews them for completeness and conformity with local requirements.

2. File in the Correct California Superior Court

The completed documents are then filed in the Superior Court in the California county where the discovery target is located. Under UIDDA:

• No California attorney is required
• No motion or hearing is needed
• eFiling may be available depending on the court

Countrywide Process assists by submitting the filing on the client’s behalf after confirming all forms are correctly prepared.

3. Pay the Required Filing Fee

A $45.00 fee applies for filing the SUBP-030 Application, under California Government Code § 70626(b)(5). Countrywide Process will notify the attorney of any county-specific fees or additional costs for certified copies.

4. Serve the California-Issued Subpoena

Once issued by the California court, the subpoena must be served under California law:

• By a non-party adult or registered process server
• In compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure and Evidence Code (especially §§ 1560–1561 for records)

Countrywide Process arranges and completes legal services throughout California.

Why UIDDA Makes It Easier

Because both Idaho and California have adopted UIDDA, the domestication process is:

• Administrative (no appearance or formal motion required)
• Faster than traditional methods (1–3 days in most counties)
• Uniform across UIDDA states

When You Might Need This Process

• Depositions of California-based witnesses in Idaho civil litigation
• Document production from businesses or record custodians based in California
• Subpoenas for electronically stored information (ESI) or other discovery matters

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Sending an Idaho subpoena directly to the California witness without domestication
• Submitting incorrect or incomplete forms
• Filing in the wrong California county
• Missing additional court-specific requirements

How Countrywide Process, LLC Supports Your Subpoena Domestication

While Countrywide Process does not prepare legal documents, we support the attorney by:

• Supplying the correct California UIDDA forms
• Reviewing completed forms for accuracy and format
• Filing with the appropriate Superior Court in California
• Serving the subpoena in accordance with California law
• Providing court-stamped copies and proof of service

Ready to Domesticate Your Idaho Subpoena in California?

Use our Subpoena Domestication Platform or call (888) 962-9696 to get started today.