How to File Small Claims Online in Every State (2026)
You Can File Small Claims Online (In Many States)
Good news: the days of driving to the courthouse, waiting in line, and filling out paper forms are fading fast. More and more states now let you file small claims court cases entirely online. Some have had electronic filing for years. Others are just catching up.
But here's the catch. Not every state offers it. And even in states that do, the process can vary wildly depending on your county. Some courts have slick online portals. Others make you download a PDF, fill it out, and email it in. Progress is uneven.
This guide breaks down exactly how online small claims filing works, which states offer it, and how to get your case started from your couch.
Why File Small Claims Online?
The obvious answer: convenience. But there are real practical benefits too.
- No time off work. You can file at 11 PM in your pajamas. The courthouse doesn't care.
- Faster processing. Online filings often get processed quicker than paper ones. No mail delays, no lost paperwork.
- Paper trail built in. Everything is timestamped and tracked digitally. You get confirmation receipts. No more wondering if your filing actually made it.
- Pay fees online. Most e-filing systems accept credit or debit cards. No more getting a money order.
The downside? Some courts charge a small convenience fee for electronic filing. Usually a few dollars. Still cheaper than gas and parking at the courthouse.
Before You File: Start With a Demand Letter
Here's something a lot of people skip. Before you file in small claims court, you should send a formal demand letter. Two reasons.
First, many states actually require it. If you show up to court without proof that you tried to resolve things first, some judges won't be happy about it.
Second, demand letters work. 70% of the time, a well-written demand letter resolves the dispute without ever going to court. The other party reads a formal letter laying out what they owe and what happens if they don't pay, and suddenly they're motivated to settle.
PettyLawsuit creates professional demand letters in minutes. You describe what happened, and it handles the formatting, the legal language, and the delivery. Letters send instantly when you're ready.
How Online Small Claims Filing Works
The exact process varies by state and county, but the general flow looks like this:
Step 1: Find Your Court's Filing Portal
Search for "[your county] small claims court online filing" or check your state court's website. Many states have a centralized e-filing system that works across all counties. Others leave it to individual courthouses.
Step 2: Create an Account
Most e-filing portals require you to register. You'll need basic info: your name, address, phone number, and email. Some states use third-party filing services like Tyler Technologies (which powers e-filing in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and other states).
Step 3: Fill Out the Claim Form
This is where you describe your case. You'll need:
- Your full legal name and address (the plaintiff)
- The name and address of the person or business you're suing (the defendant)
- The amount you're claiming
- A clear description of what happened and why they owe you money
Keep your description straightforward. Stick to facts. Dates, amounts, what was promised, what actually happened. Save the emotional arguments for the courtroom.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Many online systems let you attach evidence right to your filing. Contracts, receipts, photos, screenshots of text messages. Upload everything relevant. It saves time later and some courts require it upfront.
Step 5: Pay the Filing Fee
Filing fees for small claims typically run between $30 and $100, depending on your state and the amount you're suing for. Higher claims usually mean higher fees. Online systems accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes electronic checks.
Can't afford the fee? Most states have a fee waiver process. You'll need to fill out an additional form showing financial hardship. This is available online too in many courts.
Step 6: Serve the Defendant
After you file, the defendant needs to be officially notified. This part usually can't be done entirely online. Common serving methods:
- Certified mail (the court handles this in some states)
- Process server (a professional hand-delivers the papers)
- Sheriff's office (available in many jurisdictions for a small fee)
Some states are experimenting with electronic service for certain case types, but it's not widespread yet.
States With Online Small Claims Filing
E-filing availability is expanding fast. Here's a snapshot of the current landscape. Keep in mind that even within states that support e-filing, not every county may have it yet.
States With Statewide or Widespread E-Filing
- California - Many counties offer e-filing through approved Electronic Filing Service Providers. Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento, and San Francisco all support it. Check your specific county.
- Texas - Statewide e-filing through eFileTexas.gov. Covers all Justice of the Peace courts (where small claims are handled).
- Florida - Statewide e-filing portal. All 67 counties accept electronic filings for small claims.
- Illinois - E-filing is mandatory for most courts. You can file small claims electronically through approved service providers.
- Indiana - Statewide e-filing through the Odyssey system.
- New York - NYC small claims court has online filing. Other parts of the state vary by county.
- Ohio - Many counties offer e-filing. Check your local municipal court.
- Washington - King County and other major counties offer online filing. Expanding statewide.
- Colorado - Online filing available through the state court e-filing system.
- Massachusetts - Online small claims filing is available statewide.
States Where It Varies by County
In many states, e-filing exists but only in certain counties. Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and Arizona all have counties with online filing, but it's not available everywhere in the state. You'll need to check your specific courthouse.
States Still Mostly Paper-Based
Some states are behind the curve. If your state doesn't offer online filing, you'll need to file in person or by mail. But even then, you can usually download the forms online, fill them out at home, and mail them in with your filing fee. It's not fully digital, but it beats showing up blind.
What Online Filing Costs
The filing fee itself is the same whether you file online or in person. What changes is that some online portals add a small service charge (usually $2 to $10) for the convenience of electronic submission.
Typical filing fees across states:
- Claims under $1,500: $30 to $50
- Claims $1,500 to $5,000: $50 to $75
- Claims over $5,000: $75 to $100+
These are ballpark numbers. Your state and county may be higher or lower. Always check your local court's fee schedule before filing.
Tips for a Smooth Online Filing
Gather everything before you start. You'll need the defendant's full legal name and address. Not a nickname. Not "my old landlord." Their actual name. If it's a business, you may need the registered agent's name. Check your state's business registry if you're not sure.
Save drafts if the system allows it. Some e-filing portals let you save and come back later. Take advantage of this. Don't rush through it.
Keep your description clear and factual. "On March 15, 2026, I paid John Smith $2,000 for kitchen renovation. He completed approximately 30% of the work and stopped responding on April 2, 2026." That's what the court wants. Not a three-page rant about how John ruined your life.
Upload organized evidence. Label your files clearly. "Contract-signed-march-15.pdf" is way better than "IMG_4872.jpg". Judges notice this stuff.
Double-check the defendant's address. If you get this wrong, they won't get served, and your case stalls. For businesses, use the address on file with the state Secretary of State.
What If Your State Doesn't Offer Online Filing?
You still have options. Most courts let you:
- Download forms online and fill them out at home
- Mail your filing with the fee (check if your court accepts checks or money orders)
- Walk into the courthouse during business hours
It's more work, but the process itself is the same. And honestly, the hardest part isn't the filing. It's deciding to actually do something about the money someone owes you.
After You File: What Happens Next
Once your filing is accepted (usually within 1 to 5 business days for online submissions), the court sets a hearing date. You'll get a notification, either by email or mail, with the date and time.
Between filing and your hearing (usually 30 to 70 days), you need to:
- Make sure the defendant gets served
- Organize your evidence
- Practice your presentation (keep it under 10 minutes if possible)
- Show up on time, dressed appropriately
Many courts now also offer virtual hearings by video call, which became more common after 2020 and stuck around because they're just more practical for everyone involved.
Ready to Get Started?
Filing online has made small claims court more accessible than ever. You don't need to take time off work. You don't need a lawyer. You don't need to understand legal jargon. The system was built for regular people to use.
But before you file, send a demand letter first. It's faster, cheaper, and works most of the time.
PettyLawsuit helps you create and send a professional demand letter in minutes. Over 2,500 people have used it to get their money back. And 70% of the time, the demand letter alone does the job.