DC Small Claims Court
Professional help filing your case at the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of DC Superior Court. We handle the paperwork, filing, and service coordination for just $29.
DC Small Claims Court Information
The Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of DC Superior Court handles small claims up to $10,000.
Court Location
Small Claims and Conciliation BranchCourt Building B, Room 120
510 4th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
DC Superior Court
Court Hours
Contact Info
Good to know: Saturday small claims services moved to the Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Avenue NW in September 2025. Weekday and Wednesday evening sessions are still held at Court Building B, Room 120.
DC Small Claims Filing Fees and Costs
DC uses a tiered filing fee based on how much money you are claiming, so smaller claims cost less to start.
Court Filing Fee by Claim Amount
Paid to DC Superior Court when you file
DIY Filing Costs
If you do everything yourself
Our Full Service
We handle everything for you
Fees last verified July 2026. Court fees can change, so always confirm the current amounts with DC Superior Court before you file.
What Can You File in DC Small Claims?
Money Owed
- Unpaid loans or debts
- Breach of contract
- Unpaid rent or utilities
- Bad checks up to $10,000
Property Disputes
- Security deposit returns
- Property damage claims
- Landlord and tenant disputes
- Roommate money disputes
Consumer and Service
- Contractor disputes
- Service complaints
- Product defects
- Refunds not returned
How to File in DC Small Claims Court
Complete a Statement of Claim (Day 1)
Fill out the Statement of Claim form. It names the defendant, states how much you are owed, and explains why. With our service, this takes about 5 minutes from anywhere.
File and Pay the Fee (Day 1 to 3)
File your Statement of Claim online through eFileDC or in person at Court Building B, Room 120. Pay the filing fee that matches your claim amount, which ranges from $5 to $45.
Serve the Defendant (Days 3 to 14)
Serve the defendant by certified mail with return receipt, a process server, or any adult who is not part of the case. File your proof of service with the court so your hearing can go forward.
Attend Your Hearing (Court Date)
Show up on your scheduled date with your evidence and copies for the judge and the other party. Many DC cases settle through mediation at the courthouse before a full hearing.
DC Small Claims Forms and Official Links
Key Forms
- Statement of Claim: the main form that starts your small claims case.
- Proof of Service: filed after the defendant is served to show the court delivery was completed.
- Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs: used if you cannot afford the filing fee.
Official Resources
- DC Courts: dccourts.gov hosts small claims forms, instructions, and fee schedules.
- eFileDC: efiledcsuperiorcourt.gov is the electronic filing portal for DC Superior Court.
- Small Claims Clerk: call (202) 879-1133 for filing questions and hearing details.
Serving the Defendant in DC
After you file, DC law requires the defendant to receive official notice of your claim. This step is called service of process, and your case cannot move forward without it.
Certified Mail
Send the claim by certified mail with a return receipt so there is a signed record that the defendant received it.
Process Server
Hire a private process server to hand deliver the papers. This is a reliable option when a defendant is hard to reach by mail.
Any Adult 18+
Any person 18 or older who is not part of the case can serve the papers. You then file proof of service with the court.
Remember: you must file proof of service before your hearing. If the defendant is not properly served, the court may postpone your case until service is completed.
DC Small Claims Court FAQs
How much can you sue for in DC small claims court?
You can sue for up to $10,000 in DC small claims court. This limit does not count interest, attorney fees, or court costs. If your claim is worth more, you can file in the Civil Division of DC Superior Court instead, or give up the extra amount to stay in small claims.
Where is the DC small claims court located?
DC small claims cases are heard at Court Building B, 510 4th Street NW, Room 120, Washington, DC 20001. This is the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of DC Superior Court. You can call the clerk at (202) 879-1133 with questions before you file.
What are the filing fees for DC small claims court?
Filing fees depend on your claim amount. You pay $5 for claims up to $500, $10 for claims from $500.01 to $2,500, and $45 for claims from $2,500.01 to $10,000. A counterclaim costs $10, and a jury demand costs $75. Fees can change, so confirm with the court.
Can you file DC small claims online?
Yes. DC Superior Court accepts electronic filing through eFileDC at efiledcsuperiorcourt.gov. You can also file in person at Court Building B. Our service can prepare and file your Statement of Claim online for a flat $29, so you skip the trip to the courthouse.
How do you serve the defendant in DC small claims?
You can serve the defendant three ways: certified mail with a return receipt, a private process server, or any person 18 or older who is not part of the case. After service, you must file proof of service with the court before your hearing date.
What are the hours for DC small claims court?
The Small Claims Branch is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with evening hours on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Saturday services run 9:00 AM to noon at the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, where they moved in September 2025.
Do you need a lawyer for DC small claims court?
No. DC small claims court is built for people to represent themselves. The rules are simple, and the judge will guide you through the hearing. You can hire a lawyer if you want, but most people file on their own. Our platform helps you prepare everything for $29.
What form do you need to start a DC small claims case?
You start with a Statement of Claim, which is the main form for DC small claims court. It describes who you are suing, how much you want, and why. You file it at Court Building B or online through eFileDC, then pay the filing fee for your claim amount.
Ready to File in DC Small Claims Court?
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PettyLawsuit.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a self-help platform that prepares documents and helps you file. Court information was last verified July 2026; always confirm current details with DC Superior Court.