Contract, invoice, loan, service or another obligation.
California Small Claims Court: how to file, fees & claim limits
California small claims filing fees are currently $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for claims over $1,500 and up to $5,000, and $75 for claims over $5,000 and up to $12,500. Individuals can generally claim up to $12,500, while most business entities are limited to $6,250.
Last reviewed: 1 October 2026Ask JEZ AI about my situationVISUAL MONEY-CLAIM PATH
Money owed → demand → response → formal recovery.
Use this as a quick map. The detailed rules, deadlines and available remedies still depend on the selected jurisdiction and current official sources.
1Why is money owed?
2State the amount clearly
3Paid, disputed or ignored?
4Use the correct route
Show the balance, due date and records supporting the claim.
The next step changes with the other side’s response.
Small-claim, civil, payment-order or enforcement rules vary by jurisdiction.
Facts Evidence Correct local route Check current deadline / procedure
HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS PREPARED
Jurisdiction first. Official sources first.
GetInstantLaw uses jurisdiction-specific government, court, regulator and primary-law sources first, with JEZ AI used to organise that legal information in plain English. Important facts, eligibility rules and deadlines should be checked against the cited authority before you act.
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What to know
- Current filing fees are $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for claims over $1,500 and up to $5,000, and $75 for claims over $5,000 and up to $12,500; a $100 fee applies after more than 12 small claims filings in 12 months.
- The ordinary claim limit is up to $12,500 for an individual and up to $6,250 for a business entity.
- A lawyer can advise you before the hearing, but generally cannot represent you at the small claims hearing.
What to do next
- 1Work out who owes you money, the legal reason for the claim and the amount you can prove.
- 2Complete the Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-100), using the correct legal name for each defendant.
- 3Choose the correct county and courthouse under California venue rules, then file with the clerk in person, by mail or through e-filing where that court offers it.
ONE PROBLEM · THREE JOBS
Get Instant Complete — all 3 for one Matter Understand it. Prove it. Resolve it.
Use this state guide to understand the route, organise the documents and chronology in Proof, then keep the next communication or action visible in Resolve.
Show full legal detail, evidence & official sources
California small claims filing fees
| Claim amount | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,500 | $30 |
| Over $1,500 up to $5,000 | $50 |
| Over $5,000 up to $12,500 | $75 |
| More than 12 small claims filings in 12 months | $100 |
General California small claims limits
| Claimant | General limit |
|---|---|
| Individual | $12,500 |
| Most business entities | $6,250 |
How much does California small claims court cost?
California Courts currently lists a $30 filing fee for a claim up to $1,500, $50 for a claim over $1,500 and up to $5,000, and $75 for a claim over $5,000 and up to $12,500. If a person has filed more than 12 small claims cases in the previous 12 months, the filing fee is $100. A fee waiver may be available to an eligible person who cannot afford the fee.
What is the California small claims limit?
California Courts says an individual can generally claim up to $12,500 in small claims court. A business entity can generally claim up to $6,250. An individual may bring only two small claims cases in a calendar year for more than $2,500, so frequent filers should check the current court guidance before filing.
How do you file a California small claims case?
The claimant starts with form SC-100, identifies the defendant correctly, states why money is owed and why the chosen county is proper, then files the forms with the court. California Courts says filing may be done in person or by mail, and some courts also allow e-filing. After filing, the claimant must properly serve the other side.
Where should the case be filed?
The usual starting point is the county where the defendant lives or does business. California Courts also lists additional venue options for some contracts, purchases, services, injuries and vehicle accidents. Filing in the wrong county can lead to dismissal, so the venue rule should be checked before filing.
Do you need a lawyer for California small claims, and what does it cost?
California Courts says small claims is designed for people to present their own cases. A lawyer can advise you before the hearing, but generally cannot represent you at the small claims hearing. The ordinary filing fee is $30 to $75 depending on the claim amount, or $100 for a person who has filed more than 12 small claims cases in the previous 12 months. Eligible filers can ask for a fee waiver, and most courts provide free small claims adviser services.
What can change the answer
The result can depend on the exact transaction or relationship, dates, written terms, notices already sent or received, the identity of the other party, the amount involved and whether a regulator, court or tribunal process has already started. Preserve the original documents rather than relying only on summaries or screenshots.
Evidence to keep together
Keep contracts, receipts, invoices, account statements, advertisements, photographs, messages, emails, letters, notices, payment records and a short chronology of what happened. If a formal document contains a response or hearing date, record that date separately and verify the procedure with the cited official authority.
CITED OFFICIAL AUTHORITIES
Start with California authorities.
These links go to government, regulator, court or primary-law sources used to ground this guide. Check the source before acting because laws and procedures can change.