The neutral arbitrator shall serve a signed copy of the award on each party to the arbitration personally or by registered or certified mail or as provided in the agreement.
§ 1283.6.Service of Copy of Award
Title 9. Arbitration · Chapter 3. Conduct of Arbitration Proceedings · Enacted 1961 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceSection 1283.6 requires the neutral arbitrator to serve a signed copy of the award on every party to the arbitration, either personally, by registered or certified mail, or by whatever method the arbitration agreement specifies.
Full Text of § 1283.6
Plain-English Summary
Once the award is made, someone has to formally deliver it, and this section assigns that job to the neutral arbitrator. Service can be made personally, by registered or certified mail, or by any other method the parties' arbitration agreement provides.
The date of that service is not a mere formality -- it starts the clock running on several deadlines elsewhere in this title, including the 10-day window in Section 1284 for a party to apply to the arbitrators for correction of the award, and the deadlines governing objections to an untimely award under Section 1283.8. Getting proper service right, and knowing exactly when it happened, matters for everything that follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for serving the award on the parties?
The neutral arbitrator.
What methods of service does this section allow?
Personal service, registered or certified mail, or whatever method the arbitration agreement itself specifies.
Why does the date the award is served matter?
It starts the clock on deadlines elsewhere in this title, such as the 10-day window to apply for correction of the award under Section 1284.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 461.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
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