Small Claims Court Maryland
File Your Case in Maryland District Court for Disputes Up to $5,000
Maryland District Court System
Understanding How Small Claims Work in Maryland
Maryland's District Court system handles small claims as part of its civil jurisdiction:
- 12 districts covering all 23 counties plus Baltimore City
- 26 courthouse locations statewide
- Same judges hear small claims and other civil matters
- Electronic filing available through MDEC system
Maryland District Court has specific monetary limits:
- Small claims: Up to $5,000
- Regular civil: $5,001 to $30,000
- Interest and court costs don't count toward limit
- Cannot split claims to stay under limit
Landlord-Tenant
- • Security deposit disputes
- • Property damage claims
- • Unpaid rent (non-eviction)
- • Breach of lease terms
Auto & Property
- • Minor auto accidents
- • Mechanic disputes
- • Property damage
- • Towing disputes
Business & Consumer
- • Unpaid invoices
- • Defective products
- • Service disputes
- • Contract breaches
Major District Court Locations
Find Your Local Maryland District Court
Edward A. Garmatz District Courthouse
501 E. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 878-8000
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Busiest court in Maryland
District Court for Montgomery County
27 Courthouse Square
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 563-8800
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Second largest caseload
Upper Marlboro Courthouse
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
(301) 952-4080
Also: Hyattsville location available
Glen Burnie District Court
7500 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 222-1400
Also serves: Annapolis residents
How to File Small Claims in Maryland
Simple 7-Step Process to File Your Case
Determine Correct Venue
File in the district where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred.
Complete DC-CV-001 Form
Fill out the Complaint form with defendant information and claim details.
Calculate Filing Fee
$34 for claims up to $600, $54 for $600-$2,500, $74 for $2,500-$5,000.
File Your Complaint
Submit forms and fee at the courthouse or electronically through MDEC.
Serve the Defendant
Court arranges service by sheriff ($40) or certified mail ($10).
Attend Trial
Present your case with evidence. No jury trials in small claims.
Collect Judgment
If you win, use garnishment, liens, or other enforcement methods.
Maryland Small Claims Cost Comparison
See How Much You Save with PettyLawsuit
- Court filing fee included
- Service fees extra ($10-$40)
- 10-15 hours of your time
- Risk of procedural errors
- Complete form preparation
- Venue determination
- Filing instructions
- Save 10+ hours
- Full representation
- Court appearance included
- May exceed claim value
- Not cost-effective for small claims
Important Maryland Small Claims Information
Key Rules and Requirements to Know
Eligible Plaintiffs:
- • Individuals (18+ or emancipated minor)
- • Corporations and LLCs
- • Partnerships and sole proprietorships
- • Government entities
Maryland Deadlines:
- • Written contracts: 3 years
- • Oral contracts: 3 years
- • Property damage: 3 years
- • Personal injury: 3 years
- • Fraud: 3 years from discovery
- • Bad checks: 2 years
File before the deadline or lose your right to sue
Maryland small claims courts use informal evidence rules:
- • Hearsay generally allowed
- • Photos and documents accepted
- • Witness testimony helpful
- • Written statements may be considered
- • Judge determines relevance and weight
If you win, Maryland offers several collection methods:
- • Wage garnishment (up to 25%)
- • Bank account levy
- • Property liens
- • Oral examination of debtor
- • Writ of execution on personal property
Maryland Small Claims Court FAQs
Answers to Common Questions
Yes, but with conditions. Either party can request a jury trial by filing a written demand within 10 days of filing or being served. However, if you request a jury trial, you must post a $75 jury fee. The case may also be transferred to regular civil docket.
No, lawyers are not required in Maryland small claims court. The process is designed for self-representation. You can hire a lawyer if you choose, but many people successfully represent themselves. Corporations can also self-represent in small claims.
Maryland judgments are valid for 12 years and can be renewed for another 12 years. Interest accrues at 10% per year (or the contract rate if higher). You can begin collection efforts immediately after the 10-day appeal period expires.
Yes, Maryland offers electronic filing through the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system. You'll need to create an account and may need to pay an additional e-filing fee. However, some districts may still require paper filing for small claims cases.
If the defendant was properly served and doesn't appear, you can request a default judgment. You'll need to prove your damages to the judge. The defendant has 30 days to file a motion to vacate the default judgment if they have a valid reason for missing court.
Ready to File Your Maryland Small Claims Case?
Let PettyLawsuit handle the complexities while you focus on your case. Professional assistance for just $29 plus court fees.
Complete our simple questionnaire
Receive your completed court forms
Accuracy guaranteed
No hidden fees • Court filing fees separate • 100% satisfaction guarantee