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?
• How do I evict a tenant?
• How do I have a defendant served papers?
• How do I check to see if my civil papers have been served?
• How do I collect a judgement when the debtor won't pay?
• How do I get my child returned from an unwilling parent?
• What are the fees for civil process?
• How is service of civil subpoenas for trial or depositions directed to MCSO Deputies in their professional capacity?
• How do I get my towed vehicle back? 
• Contact Information
   

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

return to top

How do I evict a tenant?

More information may be found at the Oregon State Bar.

return to top

How do I have a defendant served papers?

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.

@ 3083 NE 170^th Place, Portland OR 97230

• By mail:      2955 NE 172^nd 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.

return to top

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.

return to top

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

return to top

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

return to top

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 1200 SW 1st Ave, Room 01201, Portland, OR 97204.

return to top

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 170^th 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.

return to top

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.

return to top

Contact

return to top