How to Issue a Subpoena in Oregon Without a Lawyer

If you are involved in a civil or family court case and you don’t have a lawyer, you can issue a subpoena to force a witness to testify at trial or gather evidence for your case. 

If you don’t know what a subpoena is, read our main article on subpoenas first, then return to this page to learn how to get one.

Step 1: Get a subpoena form  

You can usually get a blank subpoena form from the Oregon circuit court where your case was filed.  

If your court doesn't have a form, search online for an "Oregon subpoena form." You can use forms from other counties if needed—just replace their county name with yours.

Step 2: Fill it out  

1. Write the names of both parties (the people involved in the case) and the case number on the form.
2. Enter the witness's full name and address.
3. State when and where the person must appear.
4. List any documents or items the witness must bring, if needed.
5. Provide your contact information.  

Step 3: Get it issued by the court  

Bring the completed form to the court clerk. Pay the filing fee ($50–$75). The clerk will make it official by signing and stamping.  

Step 4: Make a copy  

Make a copy of the subpoena. Keep it for your records in case the witness does not obey your subpoena.  

Step 5: Have the subpoena served  

The subpoena must be personally delivered to the recipient. You can serve it yourself, or you can use:  

1. The sheriff's office (there is usually a fee).
2. A professional process server.
3. Any other adult not involved in the case, such as a friend, family member, or your attorney (if you have one), can serve the subpoena, provided they are at least 18 years old and not a party to the case.
4. Make sure the subpoena is served with reasonable advance notice — typically at least ten days before the person is expected to appear.  

Step 6: File proof of service  

Once the subpoena is delivered, file a proof of service form with the court so the court knows the subpoena was served. Get this form when you pick up the subpoena forms.  

Where to get help with subpoenas  

If you need help with subpoenas, you can call Oregon’s Lawyer Referral Service to get matched with a lawyer in your area. Attorneys participating in this referral service agree to provide 30-minute consultations for no more than $50.  

Where can I find these laws? 

It depends on whether your case is in one of Oregon’s state courts or in a federal court:  

• State court: The Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure apply. Rules 38 and 55 cover subpoenas for trial and depositions.
• Federal court: The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure apply. Rule 45 talks about subpoenas.