California Court Reporting Requirements & Deposition Admissibility Standards

California regulates the practice of court reporting through licensure issued by the California Court Reporters Board. Under California Business and Professions Code § 8020, individuals who practice shorthand reporting in California—including the stenographic reporting of depositions intended for use in court proceedings—must hold an active Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license issued by the state.

Deposition procedure in California civil litigation is governed primarily by provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025, including California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025.320 and California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025.340, which address the administration of the oath, the recording of testimony, and certification of the deposition transcript. The deposition officer must administer the oath to the witness and certify that the transcript accurately reflects the testimony given.

Because California law requires licensure for individuals who perform shorthand reporting within the state, attorneys commonly confirm that the reporter assigned to a deposition holds an active Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license. Ensuring that the deposition is taken before a properly authorized officer and that the transcript certification complies with California procedural requirements helps maintain the reliability of the deposition record for use in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, and trial.

Last reviewed: April 2026

State-Mandated Credentials

Credential Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)
Status ✓ Required
Applies To Official stenographic deposition transcripts intended for use in California courts
Issuing Authority California Court Reporters Board

Admissibility Impact

In California, an official stenographic deposition transcript must be produced by a duly licensed Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR). Use of an uncertified individual to create a stenographic record may expose the transcript to admissibility challenges or exclusion.

Permitted Reporting Methods

Stenographic

Authorized

Video

Authorized

Audio

Limited

Digital

Authorized

Remote Depositions

Remote depositions are permitted under California rules and stipulation

Common Admissibility Pitfalls

⚠️ Using a stenographic reporter who does not hold an active California certification
⚠️ Assuming remote depositions eliminate certification requirements
⚠️ Improper or incomplete certification language
⚠️ Informal oath administration during remote proceedings
⚠️ Poor exhibit control or unclear exhibit references

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a state certification required for Arkansas depositions?
A: Yes. Arkansas requires a Certified Court Reporter for official stenographic deposition transcripts.
Q: Does remote testimony change credential requirements?
A: No. State certification requirements apply equally to remote and in-person depositions.
Q: Can a videographer replace a stenographic transcript?
A: No. Video may supplement the record, but it does not replace a certified stenographic transcript prepared by a state-certified court reporter.

Authoritative Sources

California Rules of Civil Procedure (Depositions & Discovery)
California Rules of Evidence
California Supreme Court Rules & Administrative Orders

California Court Reporters

Sean Admin
Sean Admin 📍 Los Angeles, CA
Cheryl Taylor
Cheryl Taylor 📍 Los Angeles, California
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