# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Francisco County, California > File a domestic violence restraining order in San Francisco: where to file, the forms, no filing fee, and free local help. **Direct answer.** This is a quiet, plain-language guide to asking the court for protection from someone who is harming or threatening you. Take it one step at a time — you don't need to have everything figured out before you walk in. ## Where to file in San Francisco County Bring your completed forms to the Family Law filing window in Room 402 of the Civic Center Courthouse, 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. Forms are also available free of charge in Room 402, 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday–Friday (excluding court holidays). The court's official restraining-orders page describes filing in person at Room 402 — confirm any electronic filing option on the court's official site before assuming one exists. Details are on the court's restraining orders page. ## The forms you'll need - DV-100 — the request for the restraining order itself; describes what happened and what protection you need. Fill out the entire form; make 3 copies of it including all attachments. - DV-109 — notice of the court hearing date (fill out items 1–2 only; submit the original only, no copies needed). - DV-110 — the temporary restraining order a judge can grant before the hearing (fill out items 1–3 only; original only). - CLETS-001 — confidential information for law enforcement (fill out the entire form; original only, kept private from the other party). - DV-101 — description of abuse, if you need more space than the DV-100 allows. - DV-105 / DV-140 — if you have minor children, also fill out DV-105 (request for child custody and visitation orders, attach to the DV-100) and DV-140 (fill out items 1–3, attach to the DV-110). - FL-150 — income and expense declaration, only if you are also requesting child support or spousal/partner support. - DV-120 — the form the other party uses to respond; you'll recognize it if you're served with one. ## What it costs There is no filing fee to file a domestic violence restraining order in San Francisco County, according to the court — and state law (Family Code § 6221) prohibits a filing fee for DVRO petitions in any California county. No fee-waiver form is needed for the request itself. One cost to know about: the Sheriff's Department charges $30 to serve the papers (City Hall, Room 456, 4th floor) unless you have a granted fee waiver. ## What happens after you file A judge reviews your request, usually within 24 hours. File before 10:00 a.m. and you can pick up your order the same day, between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m., outside Room 402 (Family Law filing) — file after 10:00 a.m. and pickup is the next court day, same hours. Pick up promptly so there is time to serve the other party before the hearing. If a temporary order is granted, a hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. The other party must be legally served with the papers — your options are the Sheriff's Department ($30 unless you have a fee waiver), any adult 18+ who is not a party to the case (they fill out DV-200, Proof of Personal Service), or a process server. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing. ## Local help in San Francisco County The court's ACCESS Center helps self-represented people with restraining order paperwork and process (it cannot be your attorney). See sfsuperiorcourt.org/selfhelp for schedules and intake options. JusticeOS is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you are unsure about your situation, talk to a licensed California attorney or your court's self-help center. ## Questions people ask next ### How long does it take? A judge usually reviews your request the same day you file. Pick up your order promptly so there is time to serve the other party before the hearing. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. Many people file on their own, and the ACCESS Center can help with the forms. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order in San Francisco. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is confidential and available 24/7. ### Can I file in Spanish? Tell the clerk in Room 402 if you need an interpreter at your hearing so one can be arranged. Spanish forms are also available at courts.ca.gov/forms. ## Official sources - [California Courts — Restraining orders (self-help)](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/DV-restraining-order) - [California Family Code § 6222 — no fee to ask for a domestic violence restraining order](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=6222) ## Related guides - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Diego County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-diego-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Joaquin County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-joaquin-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How California DVRO filing works after you finish the forms](https://justiceos.ai/guides/dvro-filing) Published 2026-09-28. Reviewed against official California Courts guidance on 2026-09-28. --- JusticeOS is not a law firm, is not your lawyer, and does not give legal advice. It explains California court forms and procedure in plain language and cites official sources. In immediate danger call 911. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. Canonical HTML: https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-francisco-county-dv-restraining-order