King County small claims cases are heard by the King County District Court (Small Claims). You can sue for up to $10,000 (RCW 12.40.010). PettyLawsuit prepares your demand letter and WA court paperwork in 5 minutes for $29. Facts verified August 2026.
How Much Can You Sue For in King County?
"The small claims department shall have jurisdiction, but not exclusive, in cases for the recovery of money only if the amount claimed does not exceed: (a) Ten thousand dollars in cases brought by a natural person; or (b) Five thousand dollars in all other cases." (RCW 12.40.010). For claims brought by a natural person; $5,000 in all other cases.
King County Small Claims Filing Fees
You must pay the Court a $50 filing fee when you file your small claim. Source: King County District Court.
Where to File in King County
- King County Courthouse (Seattle), 516 Third Avenue, Room E-327, Seattle, WA 98104
- Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent), 401 4th Ave. N., Kent, WA 98032
- Bellevue District Court, 1309 114th Ave. S.E., Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004
- Auburn District Court, 340 E Main St 101, Auburn, WA 98002
- Burien District Court, 601 S.W. 149th St., Burien, WA 98166
- Issaquah District Court, 5415 220th Ave. S.E., Issaquah, WA 98029
- Redmond District Court, 8601 160th Ave. N.E., Redmond, WA 98052
- Shoreline District Court, 18050 Meridian Ave. N., Shoreline, WA 98133
- Vashon District Court, 10011 S.W. Bank Road, Vashon, WA 98070
King County District Court locations: https://kingcounty.gov/en/court/district-court/courts-jails-legal-system/court-calendars-locations-operations/locations
Online Filing
File in person, by mail, or online: the District Court e-filing portal's case initiation form generates the Notice of Small Claim for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I sue for in King County small claims court?
The limit is $10,000. For claims brought by a natural person; $5,000 in all other cases. Per RCW 12.40.010: "The small claims department shall have jurisdiction, but not exclusive, in cases for the recovery of money only if the amount claimed does not exceed: (a) Ten thousand dollars in cases brought by a natural person; or (b) Five thousand dollars in all other cases."
Where do I file a small claims case in King County?
Cases are filed with the King County District Court (Small Claims). One filing location is King County Courthouse (Seattle), 516 Third Avenue, Room E-327, Seattle, WA 98104. Use the court's official locator to confirm the right location for your dispute.
How much does it cost to file in King County?
You must pay the Court a $50 filing fee when you file your small claim. Source: King County District Court.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in King County?
Per RCW 12.40.080: "No attorney-at-law, legal paraprofessional, nor any person other than the plaintiff and defendant, shall appear or participate with the prosecution or defense of litigation in the small claims department without the consent of the judicial officer hearing the case."
Can I file a small claims case online in King County?
Yes. File in person, by mail, or online: the District Court e-filing portal's case initiation form generates the Notice of Small Claim for you.
What should I do before filing in King County?
Send a formal demand letter first. Many defendants respond once a certified letter arrives, and a dated demand letter documents that you asked for payment before suing. PettyLawsuit writes and mails yours for $29 in about 5 minutes.