Legal Document Assistant Registration

This service allows you to register as a Legal Document Assistant. A legal document assistant (LDA) is a non-lawyer authorized to prepare legal documents for people representing themselves in legal matters. Unlike paralegals or legal assistants, who perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney, only certain types of legal services can be performed by an LDA. They are prohibited from providing legal advice or opinion but may prepare legal documents in a ministerial manner; provide attorney-authored general information and published legal documents; and file and serve documents at the direction of the client.

Laws concerning Legal Document Assistants are set forth in the California Business and Professions Code (BPC 6400-6415).

What is the process?

Complete Application

Complete and sign the appropriate application form:

Attach Supporting Documentation

Attach certificate of completions, transcripts, or diplomas as requested on the application form.

Obtain Legal Document Assistant Bond

Registrant must contact an insurance or surety company and obtain a Legal Document Assistant bond in favor of County of San Luis Obispo, State of California naming the registrant as principal, and covering the term of the registration, in the appropriate amount:

  • $25,000 - Individual registrant or 1-4 Corporation/Partnership registrants

  • $50,000 - 5-9 Corporation/Partnership registrants  

  • $100,000 -10 or more Corporation/Partnership registrants

A $2,000 cash deposit may be submitted in lieu of the bond. 

Personally Appear

The registrant shall personally appear in the Clerk-Recorder office in San Luis Obispo during regular business hours except during County-observed holidays with the completed and signed application form with supporting documentation, Legal Document Assistant Bond, valid photo identification, and the appropriate registration, bond recording and identification card fees.

Is there a charge for this service?

Yes. Please refer to the Clerk-Recorder's Fee Schedule.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available anytime throughout the year at the Clerk-Recorder office in San Luis Obispo during our transaction hours except during County observed holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM* Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM* *Last transactions processed 30 minutes prior to closing


1055 Monterey Street Suite D120
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5080

Fax: (805) 781-1111

FAQS

Contact our office by phone or in person during normal office hours and we can verify the Legal Document Assistant registration.