Small claims court costs
How Much Does Small Claims Court Cost?
In most straightforward small claims cases, filing and service may cost roughly $40 to $200, but the actual amount depends on your state, county, claim amount, and service method. Some courts charge less, some charge more, and fee waivers may be available if you cannot afford the cost.
Start Your Demand LetterCosts vary by court. This page is for general planning only and is not legal advice. Confirm the current fee schedule with your local court before filing.
Filing Fees
The single largest expense in most small claims cases is the filing fee — the amount you pay when you submit your complaint or statement of claim. How much does small claims court cost for the filing step depends primarily on your claim amount and where you file.
Typical Filing Fee Ranges — General Estimate, Not a Court Fee Schedule
| Claim amount | Typical filing fee range |
|---|---|
| Under $1,500 | $15 – $50 |
| $1,500 – $5,000 | $30 – $75 |
| $5,000 – $10,000 | $50 – $150 |
| Near or above your state's small claims limit | Varies significantly; check your local court |
These are general planning ranges only. Your actual filing fee depends on your state, county, claim amount, and court fee schedule. Some courts offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the cost — ask your court about their fee waiver application.
Small Claims Filing Fee Examples by State
Fees vary widely. Here are a few examples from states with public fee information.
- 01California Courts
California
Filing fees are generally $30 – $100 depending on the claim amount; fee waivers may be available.
- 02NY Courts
New York
Small claims filing fee in NYC may be $15 or $20 depending on the claim amount; upstate courts may differ.
- 03Florida Courts
Florida
Filing fees are set by Florida Statutes and local county ordinances; amounts vary by county.
- 04Texas State Law Library
Texas
Claim limit up to $20,000; court costs vary by justice court and county.
Service of Process Costs
After you file, the other party must be notified — this is called service of process. Service expenses are another part of the total court costs to plan for.
Certified mail
Typically $5 – $15
Sheriff or marshal service
Typically $20 – $75
Private process server
Typically $40 – $100
Some courts allow service by certified mail, sheriff, marshal, private process server, or another eligible adult who is not a party to the case. Rules vary by court, and in some states you cannot serve the papers yourself — the person serving must be someone other than you. Check your local court's service rules before choosing a method.
Other Costs to Consider
Copy fees
Courts may charge per page for certified copies of filed documents or for making copies of evidence exhibits.
Witness fees
If you need a witness to attend the hearing, some courts require a small witness fee plus mileage.
Notary fees
Some forms may require notarization, which typically costs $5 – $15 per document.
Post-judgment collection costs
Winning a judgment and collecting the money are two different steps. Collection methods — such as bank levies, wage garnishments, or payment plan administration — can add further expenses after the case is over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does small claims court cost?
The total cost typically ranges from roughly $40 to $200 for filing fees and service of process combined. The exact amount depends on your state, county, claim amount, and how you serve the other party. Some courts also charge additional fees for copies, notarization, or trial hearings.
How much is small claims court compared to regular court?
The difference in cost is significant. Small claims court is designed for self-representation with filing fees that may range from around $15 to $250. A regular civil case with an attorney can cost thousands of dollars in legal fees alone.
What are the fees for small claims if I cannot afford them?
If you cannot afford the filing expenses for small claims, many courts offer a fee waiver application based on your income. If approved, the filing fee and sometimes service fees may be waived entirely. Check with your local court for their fee waiver process and eligibility requirements.
What do small claims court costs include beyond filing?
Small claims court costs beyond the filing fee may include service of process fees, copy charges, witness fees, notary costs, and post-judgment collection expenses. The total depends on your case specifics and how many of these additional steps apply.
Is there a separate small claims trial fee?
Some courts charge a separate small claims trial fee in addition to the initial filing fee. In other courts, the filing fee covers everything through the hearing. Check your local court's fee schedule to confirm.
What small claims charges should I budget for?
Small claims charges that you should budget for include the filing fee, service of process expenses, and basic administrative costs such as copies and notarization. If the other party may be difficult to serve or if post-judgment collection will be needed, budget for those additional costs as well.
How much does it cost to sue someone?
How much does it cost to sue someone depends on your state and claim amount. For most straightforward small claims cases, the cost to file in small claims court and serve the other party ranges from approximately $40 to $200 total. If your case is more complex or the other party avoids service, costs may be higher.
Can you get court costs back if you win?
In many cases, if you win your small claims case, the judge may award you the court costs — such as the filing fee and service fee — as part of the judgment, in addition to the amount you sued for. Whether costs are recoverable and which costs qualify depend on your state and the specific circumstances of your case. Ask your court or check your local rules for what may be recoverable.
Is small claims worth the cost?
If the filing and service expenses are close to the amount you are trying to recover, you may want to weigh whether the time and cost of going to court make sense. In many situations, sending a demand letter first can resolve the dispute at no court cost, which may be a better first step before paying filing fees.
Before You Pay Court Fees, Consider Sending a Demand Letter
Most disputes never need a court filing. You may be able to start with a demand letter before paying any court costs. Claimdra can guide you through creating one based on your dispute — without requiring any legal knowledge.
Legal disclaimer: This page is informational and not legal advice. Filing fees and court costs vary by state, county, and case type. Always confirm the current fee schedule with your local court before filing. Claimdra is a self-help technology platform, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice.