Small claims court limits by state
Small claims court is built for people without lawyers: simple forms, low fees and a hearing in weeks, not years. Each state caps how much you can ask for. Here are the limits for 2026.
Updated October 11, 2026 · General information, not legal advice.
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Limits by state
| State | Limit | Court | Filing fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $35–$300 |
| Alaska | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $50–$100 |
| Arizona | $5,000 | Justice Court (Small Claims Division) | $30–$90 |
| Arkansas | $5,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $30–$65 |
| California | $12,500 | Small Claims Court | $30–$75 |
| Colorado | $7,500 | Small Claims Court (County Court) | $31–$55 |
| Connecticut | $5,000 | Small Claims Court (Superior Court) | $95 |
| Delaware | $25,000 | Justice of the Peace Court | $35–$75 |
| Florida | $8,000 | Small Claims Court (County Court) | $55–$300 |
| Georgia | $15,000 | Magistrate Court | $45–$100 |
| Hawaii | $5,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $35–$45 |
| Idaho | $15,000 | Small Claims Court (Magistrate Division) | $69–$90 |
| Illinois | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (Circuit Court) | $15–$300 |
| Indiana | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | $35–$100 |
| Iowa | $6,500 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $115 |
| Kansas | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $35–$75 |
| Kentucky | $2,500 | Small Claims Division (District Court) | $38–$70 |
| Louisiana | $5,000 | Small Claims Court (City Court) or Justice of the Peace Court | $35–$150 |
| Maine | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $70 |
| Maryland | $5,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $44–$60 |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 | Small Claims Court | $40–$150 |
| Michigan | $7,000 | Small Claims Division (District Court) | $30–$70 |
| Minnesota | $20,000 | Conciliation Court | $65–$80 |
| Mississippi | $3,500 | Justice Court | $25–$75 |
| Missouri | $5,000 | Small Claims Court (Associate Circuit) | $30–$60 |
| Montana | $7,000 | Small Claims Court (Justice Court) | $30–$50 |
| Nebraska | $7,500 | Small Claims Court (County Court) | $58 |
| Nevada | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (Justice Court) | $50–$125 |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (Circuit Court) | $80–$100 |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | Small Claims (Special Civil Part) | $35–$55 |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | Magistrate Court | $77 |
| New York | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | $10–$20 |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (Magistrate) | $96 |
| North Dakota | $15,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $20 |
| Ohio | $6,000 | Small Claims Division (Municipal or County Court) | $30–$100 |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $45–$100 |
| Oregon | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (Circuit or Justice Court) | $57–$102 |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | Magisterial District Court | $70–$200 |
| Rhode Island | $5,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $75–$80 |
| South Carolina | $7,500 | Magistrate Court | $80 |
| South Dakota | $12,000 | Small Claims Court (Magistrate) | $25–$45 |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | General Sessions Court | $100–$200 |
| Texas | $20,000 | Justice Court | $54–$75 plus service |
| Utah | $20,000 | Small Claims Court (Justice or District Court) | $60–$185 |
| Vermont | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (Superior Court) | $65–$90 |
| Virginia | $5,000 | General District Court (Small Claims Division) | $48–$60 |
| Washington | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (District Court) | $35–$50 |
| West Virginia | $20,000 | Magistrate Court | $50–$70 |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 | Small Claims Court (Circuit Court) | $95–$132 |
| Wyoming | $6,000 | Small Claims Court (Circuit Court) | $10–$50 |
| District of Columbia | $10,000 | Small Claims Branch (Superior Court) | $5–$45 |
Limits for individuals, checked October 2026 against state court sites. Several states are raising limits; confirm with your court before filing.
Before you file
- 1Send a demand letter firstMany judges want to see you tried to settle. A clear letter with a deadline often gets you paid without court.
- 2Gather your evidenceLetters, receipts, photos, your lease or bill, and a dated timeline.
- 3File in the right placeUsually where the other side is or where it happened. Ask the clerk about a fee waiver if money is tight.
- 4Serve them and show upThe court explains how to serve the papers. Bring three copies of everything to the hearing.
Questions
What if I'm owed more than the limit?
You can usually still file in small claims if you give up the amount over the limit, or file in a higher court where the rules are more formal.
Can I sue a landlord for double my deposit?
In many states, yes. If a landlord wrongly keeps a deposit, state law often lets you claim a penalty on top, and you can include it in a small claims case.