Civil unit

The Civil Process Unit supports the Sheriff’s role as the ministerial officer of the court. The Civil Process Unit prepares the service and execution of court orders, including small claims, domestic relations papers, subpoenas, child support, and protection orders. Civil deputies and civilian support staff ensure that court processes are promptly served and accurately recorded.

The Law Enforcement Records Unit plays an integral part in the success of the Law Enforcement Division. Law Enforcement Records operates 24/7, and receives, processes and maintains law enforcement, warrant and protective order records for Multnomah County. The unit provides police reports generated by the Detective and Patrol divisions to the public through the public records request process. Additionally, the unit provides vehicle releases for vehicles that have been towed or impounded at the request of MCSO Law Enforcement.

The Concealed Handgun Unit administers and manages all aspects of applying for and the issuance of concealed carry licenses. The Unit is responsible for investigating applicants and issuing concealed handgun licenses to those who meet the legal standards set by Oregon Revised Statutes. The Unit monitors existing licenses and, when necessary, revokes licenses for reasons consistent with the law.

The Concealed Handgun Unit processes renewal notifications on a monthly basis and responds to questions from the public regarding the application process and other concealed carry related issues. A secondary function of the Concealed Handgun Unit is the issuance of Expedited Court Access ID cards. These ID Cards are issued as a courtesy to people who regularly need access to the Multnomah County Courthouse for their employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for or check on Restraining, Stalking or Extreme Risk Protection Orders?

A petition for a protective order may be made using any of the following methods:
• In-person hearings at the Multnomah County Courthouse located at 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• By telephone through the Gateway Center at 503-988-6400
• By telephone through Volunteers of America at 503-802-0506
• Online through the court’s website (click “Start Now” to begin filling out your petition).

Additional information about restraining orders and how to obtain them can be found here:
Protective Order Information - Multnomah County District Attorney's Office
Obtaining a Restraining Order

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How do I evict a tenant?

Eviction is a court process where a landlord sues a tenant for possession of the premises. The Sheriff's office may serve legal papers related to the court case. If the court rules against the tenant, and the tenant does not comply with the court's orders, the court may issue a writ to have the Sheriff's office physically evict the tenant.

More information may be found at the Oregon State Bar.

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How do I have a defendant served papers?

DUE TO LOW STAFFING LEVELS, PLEASE EXPECT A DELAY IN SERVICE OF YOUR DOCUMENTS IF YOU ARE REQUESTING SERVICE BY THE MULTNOMAH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

To request service of papers by the MCSO Civil Process Unit, send the following items to our office:

  • Instructions for Service – Must include address located in Multnomah County where service can be made and your address to provide a copy of the court return. Click on this link for a copy of Sheriff’s Instructions. 
  • Documents for service*
  • Fee for service – we accept cash (exact change), business check or money order made payable to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.  We can also accept credit card.

*Documents for service can be delivered to MCSO Civil in the following ways:

  • In person:  Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at 3083 NE 170th Place, Portland OR 97230
  • By mail:      2955 NE 172nd Place, Portland OR 97230
  • By email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – Send us a quick email with the requested service address and your contact information, and we’ll send you Sheriff Instructions to return along with your service documents. Please include your fee waiver if granted one by the court. If paying for service, payment can be taken over the phone by credit card.

Questions? Contact MCSO Civil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 503-988-0512 (phone hours are Monday-Friday between 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.)

The Sheriff’s Office will not serve letters or sealed envelopes. The Sheriff serves legal papers that have been filed with a court of law or issued by a governmental administrative agency. If you do not have an address where we should serve the defendant, please note that we are unable to investigate the defendant’s location or address for you.

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How do I check to see if my civil papers have been served?

You can check the status of civil papers being served by MCSO by visiting the Civil Case Status website.

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How do I collect a judgement when the debtor won't pay?

The Sheriff has statutory responsibility to execute several types of writs and court orders which may be used to collect on a judgment, such as Writs of Garnishment and Writs of Execution. We cannot give you legal advice about how to request such remedies, or what remedy is correct for your situation. You should consult with an attorney about what writ or court order is appropriate to use.

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How do I get my child returned from an unwilling parent?

The court can issue an order that commands the Sheriff to take custody of the child and to turn custody over to the custodial parent. This order can be granted on its own (an Order of Assistance) or it can be done through a Family Abuse Prevention Act Restraining Order. Contact Multnomah County Family Law located on the second floor of the Downtown Multnomah County Courthouse, or call them at 971-274-0600 for more information.

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What are the fees for civil process?

Fees for Civil Process (ORS 21.300) depend on the particular service required as outlined below. The Sheriff’s Office can only accept EXACT cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, or checks written on a business account. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (503) 988-0512, or visiting us directly at 3083 NE 170th Place, Portland, OR  97230.

NOTICE PROCESS
Summons and complaint with or without attachments, small claims notices, eviction summons and complaint, notice of restitution, citation, subpoena, orders to show cause, posting sales notices, etc...

1 - 2 Parties
(same address)

$50

3 Parties
(same address)

$84

4 Parties
(same address)

$112

5 Parties
(same address)

$140

Additional Parties
(same address)

 $28

WRITS OF GARNISHMENT

   

WRIT OF EXECUTION IN JUDGEMENT OF RESTITUTION
Please note that 'et all' or 'All Other Occupants' is a party to be served.

  $89

ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
Property Seizure, Writ of Assistance, Writ of Execution for property recovery, or Order of Claim and Delivery

  $89

WRIT OF EXECUTION FOR PROPERTY SALE

Real Property

$330

Personal Property

 $150

CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY
Sheriff's Deed

  $56

PROTECTIVE ORDER, ORDER OF ASSISTANCE
Restraining orders, stalking orders, child recovery

   Free

FOLIO FEE
per document

  $4

 

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How is service of civil subpoenas for trial or depositions directed to MCSO Deputies in their professional capacity?

*Due to COVID-19, public offices are closed. Please call or email.

Service is to be made upon the designated Court Coordinator along with any witness fees as required by ORS 44.415. The Court Coordinator for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division is located at 3083 NE 170th Place, Portland, OR 97230 and is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The contact number is (503) 988-0523 or email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Court Coordinator for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division is located at 501 SE Hawthorne, Suite 350, Portland OR 97201, and is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The contact number is (503) 988-8429 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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How do I get my towed vehicle back?

Criteria for retrieving a vehicle towed by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office are listed below. If you have additional questions, please call the Records Unit at (503) 988-7300.

  • All towing and storage charges are the responsibility of the owner and must be paid before the vehicle will be released.
  • Vehicles will not be released without a written form issued by the Records Unit located at 234 SW Kendall Ct., Troutdale.
  • There is a $125 processing fee which must be fully paid with credit card or exact cash.
  • Proof of insurance is required if the driver of the vehicle was cited for "no insurance.”
  • If you are not the registered owner of the vehicle, you must provide documentation that proves you have a legal right to the vehicle.

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Contact

Civil Unit Mailing address (no public lobby)
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Civil Process
2955 NE 172nd Pl
Portland, OR 97230

Civil Process Unit: 503-988-0512

Concealed Handgun Licensing: 503-988-0517

Court Access Passes: 503-988-0517

Multnomah County Alarms: 503-988-0511

OLCC Permit/ATF Applications: 503-988-0520

 

 

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