Small Claims Court Checker
Find out whether your claim fits in California small claims court, what it costs to file, and the deadlines for serving the other side.
You can sue in California small claims court for up to $12,500 as an individual or sole proprietor, or $6,250 as a business, but you can file only 2 claims over $2,500 each calendar year. Filing costs $30 to $75, and no lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
Small Claims Court Checker
Your Result
Small claims limits and fees
| Who is suing | Most you can claim |
|---|---|
| Individual or sole proprietor | $12,500 |
| Corporation, LLC, partnership or other entity | $6,250 |
| Public entity | $5,000 |
| Anyone suing a guarantor that did not charge a fee | $3,125 |
| Individual suing a guarantor or surety that charges a fee | $8,125 |
| Entity suing a fee-charging guarantor or the CSLB registrar | $5,000 |
| Amount claimed | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| $1,500 or less | $30 |
| $1,500.01 to $5,000 | $50 |
| Over $5,000 | $75 |
| Any amount, if you filed more than 12 small claims in the last 12 months | $100 |
Fee change on January 1, 2027: AB 2781 moves the line between the $50 and $75 fees from $5,000 to $6,250, so claims of $5,001 to $6,250 will cost $50 instead of $75.
The limits come from Code of Civil Procedure 116.220 and 116.221, raised to their current levels on January 1, 2024. Nobody (except a public entity on claims up to $5,000) can file more than 2 claims over $2,500 in a calendar year. If your claim is bigger than your limit, you can waive the excess to stay in small claims.
File where the defendant lives or does business, where the damage or accident happened, or where the contract was signed or carried out. The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if they live in another county), and proof of service is due 5 days before it. Hearings are usually 1 to 2 months after filing. If you win, you have to collect the money yourself; the court does not collect it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I sue for in California small claims court?
Up to $12,500 if you are an individual, including a sole proprietor, and up to $6,250 for a corporation, LLC, partnership or other business entity. Public entities can claim up to $5,000. Lower limits apply when you sue a guarantor or surety.
How many small claims cases can I file in a year?
As many as you like for $2,500 or less, but no more than 2 claims over $2,500 anywhere in California in a calendar year.
How much does it cost to file in small claims court?
$30 for a claim of $1,500 or less, $50 up to $5,000, and $75 above that. Anyone who filed more than 12 small claims in the last 12 months pays $100. You can ask for a fee waiver if you can't afford it.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court?
No. Lawyers can advise you before or after the hearing, but they cannot represent you at it. Every county also offers a free small claims advisor.
Can I appeal a small claims judgment?
Only the defendant can appeal a judgment on the plaintiff's claim, within 30 days after the clerk mails or delivers the notice of entry of judgment. The appeal is a new hearing in superior court. If you sued and lost, the judgment is final.
What if my claim is worth more than the limit?
You can give up the amount over the limit and stay in small claims, or file in the civil division of superior court for the full amount, where filing fees are higher and lawyers are allowed.
This tool gives general information only and is not legal advice. Sources: Code of Civil Procedure 116.220, 116.221, 116.230, 116.231, 116.340, 116.370, 116.530, 116.710 and 116.750; Judicial Council form SC-100-INFO; California Courts Self-Help Guide. Your county's free small claims advisor can answer questions about your case.