How to Domesticate an Idaho Subpoena in California
If you’re involved in litigation in Idaho and need discovery from someone in California, you can’t serve your Idaho subpoena directly. Learn how to domesticate it properly under California law using the UIDDA process.
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:
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, pursuant to 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 in accordance with 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 service 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.
FAQs
Q: Can I serve my Idaho subpoena directly in California?
No. It must be reissued by a California court for legal validity.
Q: Does my firm need a California attorney?
No. Under UIDDA, attorney representation in California is not required for civil discovery subpoenas.
Q: Can Countrywide Process prepare my documents?
No. However, we provide the correct forms and review them after the attorney has completed them.
Q: What if I’m subpoenaing electronic documents or data?
Be specific about format, scope, and deadlines in your original subpoena before submitting for domestication.
