California Code
ARTICLE 2 - Mandatory Time for Service of Summons
Section 583.210.

583.210. (a) The summons and complaint shall be served upon a defendant within three years after the action is commenced against the defendant. For the purpose of this subdivision, an action is commenced at the time the complaint is filed.

(b) Proof of service of the summons shall be filed within 60 days after the time the summons and complaint must be served upon a defendant.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 300, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2006.)