How Do I Serve My Documents?

The required method of service depends on what you are serving. There are specific requirements for serving a Notice of Claim for the first time.

The Small Claims Court Certificate of Service form outlines the permitted methods of serving a Notice of Claim based on the type of defendant (for example, an individual or a corporation). Identify the defendant's category, use the corresponding method of service, and retain proof of service—particularly if serving by registered mail—to complete your Certificate of Service.

Categories of Service:

  • Leave a copy of the document directly with them

  •  Mail a copy by registered mail to them.

  • Registered mail to its registered office;

  • Leaving a copy at its registered office;

  • Leaving a copy at its place of business with a receptionist or person who appears to manage or control the business; or

  • Leaving a copy with a director, officer, liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, or receiver-manager.

If the company is registered outside BC but has an attorney (BC Company summaries indicate an attorney on the form) on file with the corporate registry:

  • Mail a copy by registered mail to the attorney shown in the corporate registry

  • Leave a copy with that attorney

  • If the head office is in BC, leave a copy at, or mail a copy to, that head office

Individual

Company

Extra-Provincial

  • Mail a copy by registered mail

  • Leave a copy direct with a partner

  • Leave a copy at the place of business with someone who appears to manage or control the business there

  • Leave a copy with a receptionist working at the partnership's place of business

  • Registered mail to its registered office;

  • Leaving a copy at its registered office;

  • Leaving a copy at its place of business with a receptionist or person who appears to manage or control the business; or

  • Leaving a copy with a director, officer, liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, or receiver-manager.

  • Mail a copy by registered mail to the mailing address of the society's registered office on file with the Registrar of Companies

  • Leave a copy at the delivery address of the society's registered office

  • Leave a copy with a director, officer, receiver manager, or liquidator of the society

Partnership

Minor

Society

  • Mail a copy by registered mail

  • Leave a copy direct with a partner

  • Leave a copy at the place of business with someone who appears to manage or control the business there

  • Leave a copy with a receptionist working at the partnership's place of business

Municipal Corporation, Regional District, or Local Government Body:

  • Give a copy to the clerk, deputy clerk, or a similar official [Note there are strict limitation requirements for this type of action, we suggest that you contact our office for this type of claim

Corporation (Non-BC)

Other (See Below)