Requests for Production: When Are Responses Due in California?

Not legal advice. Core CCP rules checked against Westlaw (via CoCounsel legal research) on July 24, 2026. County local rules are paraphrased summaries; individual department standing orders are NOT included. Verify every date against the operative code sections and your court’s rules before relying on it.

You have 30 days from the date of service to respond to a demand for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling. That comes from Code of Civil Procedure section 2031.260, and it works the same way as the interrogatory deadline: the clock runs from service, and the service method can add time.

The extension rules

Electronic service adds 2 court days under CCP section 1010.6. Mail within California adds 5 calendar days, mail from out of state adds 10, and international mail adds 20 under CCP section 1013. Overnight delivery adds 2 court days. If the last day falls on a weekend or judicial holiday, the deadline moves to the next court day.

Two traps worth knowing. First, court days and calendar days are different animals, and the electronic service extension uses court days, so a deadline near Thanksgiving or Christmas can move further than you expect. Second, the response deadline and the production date are separate things. Your written response is due at 30 days plus extensions; the demand itself states the date for the actual inspection or production.

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Missing the deadline

Same painful result as interrogatories: all objections waived, including privilege (CCP section 2031.300). The demanding party can move to compel without waiting, and monetary sanctions usually follow. Relief from waiver takes a noticed motion and a good excuse.

FAQ

Do I have to produce documents on day 30?

Not necessarily. Day 30 (plus extensions) is when your written response is due. Production happens on the date stated in the demand, which must be at least 30 days after service of the demand.

Can we stipulate to more time?

Yes, in writing, under CCP section 2031.270. Confirm the stipulation preserves your right to object.

What about electronically stored information?

ESI follows the same response deadline. Objections about form of production and accessibility need to be in the timely written response or they are waived like everything else.

This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Verify every deadline against the current code and your court’s rules.