All 50 States + D.C. Official Court Directory
Small Claims Court Cost
by State
The exact filing fee depends on your state, your county, and the amount you are claiming. Use this directory to reach the official court website for your state, then verify the current fee schedule before you file.
For sourced fee examples and a full explanation of what controls the cost, read the editorial guide at Small Claims Court Filing Fees by State.
Fees change and vary by location. The links below go to official state court websites. From there, find the current small claims or civil fee schedule for your specific courthouse. In Florida and Texas, you need your county court's schedule because local schedules can differ.
Official Court Directory
Search 51 official court links covering every state plus Washington, D.C. Each link goes to the official state court system website. For states where county clerks publish their own fee schedules (Florida, Texas, and some others), start at the state site and follow the link to your county court or clerk.
| State | Court type | Local variation note | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALAlabama | District Court | Small claims division of District Court | Official site |
| AKAlaska | District Court | District Court handles small claims | Official site |
| AZArizona | Justice Court | Fee schedule varies by court | Official site |
| ARArkansas | District Court | District Court small claims division | Official site |
| CACalifornia | Superior Court | Self-help resources at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov | Official site |
| COColorado | County Court | Official fee schedule linked directly | Official site |
| CTConnecticut | Superior Court | Superior Court small claims | Official site |
| DEDelaware | Justice of the Peace Court | Justice of the Peace Court handles small claims | Official site |
| FLFlorida | County Court | Go to your county clerk for that court's fee schedule; fees vary by county | Official site |
| GAGeorgia | Magistrate Court | Magistrate Court | Official site |
| HIHawaii | District Court | District Court small claims division | Official site |
| IDIdaho | Magistrate Division | Magistrate Division | Official site |
| ILIllinois | Circuit Court | Cook County fees differ from other counties | Official site |
| INIndiana | Circuit or Superior Court | Small claims handled in Circuit or Superior Court | Official site |
| IAIowa | District Court | Small claims division of District Court | Official site |
| KSKansas | District Court | District Court | Official site |
| KYKentucky | District Court | District Court | Official site |
| LALouisiana | City Court or Justice of the Peace | Varies by parish | Official site |
| MEMaine | District Court | District Court | Official site |
| MDMaryland | District Court | District Court handles small claims | Official site |
| MAMassachusetts | District Court | District Court or Boston Municipal Court | Official site |
| MIMichigan | District Court | District Court small claims division | Official site |
| MNMinnesota | Conciliation Court | Conciliation Court | Official site |
| MSMississippi | Justice Court | Justice Court | Official site |
| MOMissouri | Circuit Court | Circuit Court small claims | Official site |
| MTMontana | Justice Court or City Court | Justice Court or City Court | Official site |
| NENebraska | County Court | County Court | Official site |
| NVNevada | Justice Court | Justice Court small claims division | Official site |
| NHNew Hampshire | Circuit Court | Circuit Court | Official site |
| NJNew Jersey | Superior Court | Special Civil Part of Superior Court | Official site |
| NMNew Mexico | Metropolitan or Magistrate Court | Metropolitan or Magistrate Court | Official site |
| NYNew York | City Court or Civil Court | NYC has a separate fee schedule from outside NYC | Official site |
| NCNorth Carolina | Magistrates' Court | 2026 civil costs chart linked directly | Official site |
| NDNorth Dakota | District Court | District Court small claims | Official site |
| OHOhio | Municipal or County Court | Fees vary by court | Official site |
| OKOklahoma | District Court | District Court | Official site |
| OROregon | Justice or Circuit Court | Justice or Circuit Court small claims | Official site |
| PAPennsylvania | Magisterial District Court | Magisterial District Court | Official site |
| RIRhode Island | District Court | District Court small claims | Official site |
| SCSouth Carolina | Magistrate Court | Magistrate Court | Official site |
| SDSouth Dakota | Circuit Court | Circuit Court small claims | Official site |
| TNTennessee | General Sessions Court | General Sessions Court | Official site |
| TXTexas | Justice Court | Go to your county justice court for the total fee; fees vary by county | Official site |
| UTUtah | Justice Court | Fee set by Utah Code section 78A-2-301.5 | Official site |
| VTVermont | Superior Court | Superior Court small claims | Official site |
| VAVirginia | General District Court | General District Court small claims | Official site |
| WAWashington | District Court | District Court small claims | Official site |
| WVWest Virginia | Magistrate Court | Magistrate Court | Official site |
| WIWisconsin | Circuit Court | Circuit Court small claims | Official site |
| WYWyoming | Circuit Court | Circuit Court small claims | Official site |
| DCWashington D.C. | D.C. Superior Court | D.C. Superior Court small claims division | Official site |
For a broader overview of state court resources, USA.gov maintains a state court directory.
Verified fee examples from official sources
These are real fees drawn directly from official court fee schedules or statutes. They are examples of how fee structures work, not statewide averages. Your courthouse may charge a different amount even within the same state. Verify the current schedule before you file.
For the full verified table with sources and caveats, read the editorial guide.
- Up to $500: $31.00 (plaintiff)
- $500.01 to $7,500: $55.00 (plaintiff)
Source: Colorado Judicial Branch fee schedule. coloradojudicial.gov
- Under $100: $55.00
- $101 to $500: $80.00
- $501 to $2,500: $175.00
- $2,501 to $8,000: $300.00
Source: Bay County Clerk of Court civil fee schedule. Your Florida county may differ. baycoclerk.com
- All small claims: $96.00 total
- Includes General Court of Justice fee ($80), Facilities fee ($12), and Telecommunications fee ($4). Sheriff service is an additional $30 per item.
Source: NC Judicial Branch, Civil Court Costs 2026 (effective January 1, 2026). nccourts.gov
- Up to $2,000: $60.00
- $2,001 to $7,499: $100.00
- $7,500 or more: $185.00
Source: Utah Code section 78A-2-301.5 (current as of January 1, 2025). le.utah.gov
- General range: $30 to $100
- Exact amount depends on claim size and county. Check your specific courthouse.
Source: California Courts Self-Help (as of 2026). selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
Court fees are updated by each state and county on their own schedule. Always verify the current fee on the official court website before you file.
Read the full sourced guideHow to find the fee for your courthouse
- 1Go to your state's official court website using the directory above.
- 2Look for a section called "small claims," "civil fees," or "fee schedule."
- 3If you cannot find it online, call the clerk's office and ask for the current small claims filing fee for your claim amount.
- 4Ask at the same time about service of process options and costs, and whether a fee waiver form is available.
The Small Claims Court Filing Fees by State guide explains what controls the fee, shows verified examples from official sources, and walks through claim-amount tiers, county surcharges, and fee waiver eligibility.
Before you file: send a demand letter
Some courts or claim types require a written request for payment before you file. Even when one is not required, a clear demand letter documents your position and gives the other side a chance to resolve the matter first. PettyLawsuit's demand letter tool walks you through what to include and how to send it.
Common questions about small claims court costs
Quick answers to common questions about filing small claims court cases with PettyLawsuit
Quick Answer
PettyLawsuit helps you file small claims court cases in 5 minutes for $29. No lawyer needed. We handle demand letters, business lookups, and court documents automatically.
Related guides
Filing Fees by State: Sourced Guide
Verified fee examples, what controls the cost, and the full 50-state directory with source links and caveats.
How to file small claims court
Step-by-step filing guide for any state
Demand letter tool
Prepare and send a written demand before filing
Online filing options by state
Which states allow online small claims filing
How much does it cost to sue?
Complete breakdown of lawsuit costs
Small claims court forms
Find the right forms for your state
This page provides a directory of official court websites for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. PettyLawsuit is a self-help legal technology platform, not a law firm. Filing fees, claim limits, and court procedures change. Always verify current fees and rules with the official court where you plan to file before submitting any documents. If you need legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file in small claims court?
The exact cost depends on your state, your county, and the amount you are claiming. Current schedules are published by state or local court systems, and local charges can vary. Two courthouses in the same state can charge different amounts. The only reliable number is the current fee schedule at the courthouse where you plan to file. Use the official court directory on this page to reach your state's court website, then look for the civil or small claims fee schedule, or call the clerk directly.
Do filing fees vary by claim amount?
Sometimes. Some courts charge a flat fee regardless of the claim size, while others use tiers that increase with the amount claimed. Colorado County Court and Utah Justice Court both use claim-amount tiers in their official schedules, as does Bay County, Florida. Check the current fee schedule at your specific courthouse rather than assuming one structure applies everywhere.
What other costs should I plan for besides the filing fee?
Beyond the filing fee, you may have a separate cost for service of process, which is the step used to officially notify the defendant after you file. That cost depends on the methods allowed by the court, such as sheriff service, a process server, or certified mail. Some e-filing portals also add a transaction or convenience charge. If you win and need separate collection steps, those can carry additional fees. Ask the clerk about the full cost picture before you file.
Can I get my court costs back if I win?
In many states, yes, you can ask the judge to include court costs in the judgment. Whether the judge awards costs is their decision, and even if awarded you still have to collect from the other side. Ask the clerk what your court's practice is on cost awards.
Are fee waivers available?
Many courts have a process to waive court fees for filers who cannot afford them. Eligibility rules and income thresholds vary by state and sometimes by court. Ask the clerk for the current waiver form, or search your court's website for fee waiver. Confirm separately whether service costs are also covered by the waiver.
Where do I find the official fee schedule for my state?
Use the court directory on this page. Click through to your state's official court website, then look for a fee schedule or civil filing fees section. In Florida and Texas, go to your specific county court or clerk's website because local schedules can differ. The sourced editorial guide at pettylawsuit.com/blog/small-claims-court-filing-fees-by-state includes verified examples and explains how fee structures work across different courts.
Does it cost more to file small claims online?
Some e-filing portals charge a transaction or convenience fee on top of the court's filing fee. The amount is not uniform across portals, so review the full total on the payment screen before you submit and compare it with the court's published fee schedule.
What is the small claims claim limit in my state?
Claim limits are set by state law and change over time. The only reliable source is your state's current statute or the court's official self-help page. Use the directory on this page to find your state court's website and look for the small claims or civil limits section, or ask the clerk.