How to File Small Claims in Nevada (Step-by-Step Guide)

To file small claims in Nevada, go to the Justice Court where the defendant lives or works. Fill out a claim form. Pay a fee of $50 to $100. Get the defendant served. Then show up on your court date and tell your story. That's the whole process. This guide walks you through each step.

Before You File: Three Things to Do First

Nevada small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000. The court is part of the Justice Court system. You can sue individuals, businesses, and landlords. Lawyers are not allowed on either side. That is the point. It is a court built for regular people.

Before you fill out a form, do three things first.

  1. Send a demand letter. Most Nevada counties require it. Clark County requires you to attach the letter and proof of delivery when you file. Even where it's not required, send one. It puts the other party on notice. Sometimes the dispute ends right there.
  2. Know your dollar amount. Add up your actual losses. Get repair estimates, receipts, and invoices in writing. A specific number makes you look credible to a judge.
  3. Check the deadline. Property damage claims have a 3-year limit. Written contract claims have 6 years. Personal injury has 2 years. If you're close to the deadline, file now.

See Nevada's full rules and limits on our Nevada small claims guide.

Step 1: Send a Demand Letter

A demand letter is a written notice. It says what you're owed, why you're owed it, and what happens if they don't pay. It gives the other party a last chance to settle before court.

Your letter should have:

Send it via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the green card when it comes back. You'll need it when you file your claim.

PettyLawsuit sends Petty Notices instantly via certified mail with tracking. About 70% of cases resolve after the first notice. If yours doesn't, you already have the proof you need to file.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

Courts in Nevada want proof. Not just your word. Before you file, pull together everything that backs up your claim.

Gather these:

Make copies of everything. Bring the originals to court. Also bring two extra sets. One for the judge. One for the other party.

Step 3: Find the Right Court

Nevada has Justice Courts in each county. You file in the Justice Court for the township where the defendant lives or works. You cannot file in a court that is just convenient for you.

If the defendant lives in Clark County (Las Vegas area), file in a Clark County Justice Court. If the defendant lives in Washoe County (Reno area), file in the Reno or Sparks Justice Court.

If you file in the wrong court, your case can be dismissed. Look up the defendant's address. Match it to the correct township. Court websites list which ZIP codes belong to each court.

Step 4: Fill Out the Claim Form

Each Nevada Justice Court has its own small claims form. It is usually called a Claim of Plaintiff or Small Claims Complaint. Get it at the courthouse or download it from the court's website.

The form asks for:

Be precise on the defendant's name. Use the full legal name for a business. Include LLC if it applies. Getting the name wrong can cause delays or dismissal.

You do not need to write a legal brief. One clear paragraph is enough. Say what happened, when, and how much you lost.

Step 5: File Your Claim and Pay the Fee

Bring your completed form to the court clerk's office. Pay the filing fee. Nevada small claims fees are roughly:

Fees vary by county. Call the court first or check their website. Most courts take cash, check, or credit card.

After you file, the clerk assigns a hearing date. Hearings are set 30 to 70 days out. You'll get a notice with the date, time, and courtroom.

Step 6: Serve the Defendant

After filing, the defendant must be formally notified. This is called service of process. You cannot serve them yourself in Nevada. It must be done by the county sheriff or an authorized process server.

Service costs $30 to $60. Pay this to the sheriff's office or directly to the process server.

After service, you get a proof of service document. File this with the court right away. The court needs it before your hearing can happen. If the defendant was not served, the hearing cannot go forward.

This is your job to track. Don't assume the court handles it. Follow up and confirm.

Step 7: Show Up on Hearing Day

The hearing is where you tell your story to the judge. No lawyers on either side. The judge hears both parties and asks questions. A ruling usually comes the same day.

Here is how to handle it:

If you have a witness, bring them. Witness testimony helps a lot in property damage and contract cases.

If the defendant does not show up, the judge will usually rule in your favor by default. You still need to show basic evidence that your claim is real.

After the Hearing: Collecting Your Judgment

Winning is step one. Getting paid is the goal. A judgment means the court says the defendant owes you money. But they still have to pay.

If they pay on their own, you're done. If they don't, Nevada gives you tools to collect:

Nevada judgments last six years and can be renewed. Most people pay once they see collection tools are real.

Filing Small Claims in Clark County (Las Vegas)

Clark County has several Justice Courts. The main ones are:

File in the court that covers where the defendant lives or works. Not where you live.

Clark County courts require you to attach your demand letter and delivery receipt to your filing. This is not optional. No proof of a demand letter means the court may reject your claim.

Clark County filing fees as of 2026:

Filing Small Claims in Washoe County (Reno)

Washoe County has two Justice Courts for small claims:

Washoe County is strict about proof of service. It must be filed with the court right after service is done. This is your job, not the court's. Don't wait.

The Reno Justice Court is also clear: small claims can only award money. They cannot order someone to return property, fix a problem, or stop an action. If you need that, you need a different court.

Washoe County forms are on the county court website. You can also pick them up in person.

What If You Are Sued?

If you get a small claims summons in Nevada, you have the right to respond and appear. You can also countersue if the plaintiff owes you money.

Do not ignore the summons. If you don't show up, the judge will rule against you by default. Collection can start right after that. Show up, bring your evidence, and tell your side.

Common Mistakes in Nevada Small Claims

These come up all the time. Avoid them.

Should You Use PettyLawsuit?

If your claim involves money owed, property damage, or a broken contract, start with a Petty Notice. Answer a few questions. We generate the notice and send it instantly by certified mail with tracking.

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If you need court, our Nevada small claims guide covers every step. We've helped 2,500+ people get money they were owed. Starting at $29. No lawyer needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file small claims court in Nevada?

Send a demand letter first. Then get the claim form from the Justice Court where the defendant lives. Fill it out. Pay the filing fee ($50 to $100). Arrange for service. Show up on your court date with your evidence.

How much does it cost to file small claims in Nevada?

Filing fees run from $50 to $100 depending on your county and claim amount. Service costs $30 to $60 on top of that. If you win, the judge can order the defendant to pay your fees.

How long does small claims court take in Nevada?

Hearings are set 30 to 70 days after you file. The hearing itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. The judge usually rules the same day. Total time from filing to judgment is about two to three months.

Do you need a demand letter before filing small claims in Nevada?

Clark County requires one. Other counties recommend it. Either way, a demand letter resolves about 70% of cases and gives you proof you tried to settle before court.

Can a business sue in Nevada small claims court?

Yes. Businesses can file. But attorneys are not allowed to represent either side. A business owner or employee must appear in person.

What if the defendant lives in another county?

You must file in the county where the defendant lives or works. You cannot file in your home county just because it's easier.

Ready to get started? A Petty Notice through PettyLawsuit is the fastest first step. It goes out instantly. Most cases resolve without ever going to court. If court is the right path, use our Nevada small claims guide to file on your own. Starting at $29.