Short answer. In Arizona, small claims court covers claims up to $3,500. Where to file: The justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. The fee to start a case is $30, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Arizona small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Arizona limit of $3,500.
Need the other side served? Process serving with an affidavit of service.
Arizona small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $3,500. Not more than $3,500, not counting interest and costs. Counterclaims are capped at $3,500 too.
- Court
- Small claims division of the justice court
- Who can file
- "The plaintiff must be a real party to the original transaction that forms the basis of the lawsuit." The complaint is filed in the correct justice court precinct.
- Lawyers
- Not allowed
- Where to file
- The justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. 22-202), with exceptions when the defendant lives out of state or the residence is unknown.
- Serving the other side
- Every defendant must be served with the summons, complaint and notice by certified or registered mail with "return receipt requested," by personal service by a constable, sheriff or process server, or, in some courts, by the clerk by certified restricted mail. Proof of service must be filed "within 45 days of the complaint filing date" or the case is dismissed.
- Appeal
- No appeal. The decision is final and binding on both parties; the only motions allowed are a change of venue and a motion to vacate a judgment.
Arizona filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| small claims filing | $30 | base statewide fee effective December 28, 2024 |
| small claims answer | $18 |
Base fees set under A.R.S. 22-281; the Supreme Court page says to check with the specific justice court for additional local fees.
Want us to handle it?
A runner files your papers in person at the clerk's window and sends you a scan of the stamped copy. We file what you prepared; we don't give legal advice.
Price: Outside New Jersey it goes through our contractor network: quote-based, confirmed before any work starts, and booked once a local contractor accepts. In New Jersey it is from $75 per filing, court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.
Filing a small claim in Arizona, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Arizona limit is $3,500, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. 22-202), with exceptions when the defendant lives out of state or the residence is unknown.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Arizona is $30, depending on the claim. Base fees set under A.R.S. 22-281; the Supreme Court page says to check with the specific justice court for additional local fees. Online filing: see the official link below.
- Have the other side servedEvery defendant must be served with the summons, complaint and notice by certified or registered mail with "return receipt requested," by personal service by a constable, sheriff or process server, or, in some courts, by the clerk by certified restricted mail. Proof of service must be filed "within 45 days of the complaint filing date" or the case is dismissed.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: not allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionNo appeal. The decision is final and binding on both parties; the only motions allowed are a change of venue and a motion to vacate a judgment.
Official Arizona links
- Arizona small claims self-help page
- Arizona online filing
- Arizona Judicial Branch: Justice Court Filing Fees
- Arizona Judicial Branch: eFileAZ Limited Jurisdiction eFiling, New Case, Self-Represented Plaintiff, Small Claims
- Arizona Judicial Branch Legal Info Hub: Small Claims, Plaintiff's Initial Steps
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Arizona pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Arizona small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Arizona?
$3,500. Not more than $3,500, not counting interest and costs. Counterclaims are capped at $3,500 too.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Arizona?
small claims filing: $30 (base statewide fee effective December 28, 2024); small claims answer: $18. Base fees set under A.R.S. 22-281; the Supreme Court page says to check with the specific justice court for additional local fees.
Can a lawyer represent me in Arizona small claims?
Not allowed in Arizona, per the official page. "The plaintiff must be a real party to the original transaction that forms the basis of the lawsuit." The complaint is filed in the correct justice court precinct.
Where do I file a small claim in Arizona?
The justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. 22-202), with exceptions when the defendant lives out of state or the residence is unknown.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Arizona?
No appeal. The decision is final and binding on both parties; the only motions allowed are a change of venue and a motion to vacate a judgment.
How is the other side served in a Arizona small claims case?
Every defendant must be served with the summons, complaint and notice by certified or registered mail with "return receipt requested," by personal service by a constable, sheriff or process server, or, in some courts, by the clerk by certified restricted mail. Proof of service must be filed "within 45 days of the complaint filing date" or the case is dismissed.
Compare every state: small claims limits by state · Alaska small claims · Arkansas small claims