Short answer. In California, small claims court covers claims up to $12,500. Where to file: Usually the county where the other side lives or does business. The fee to start a case is $30 to $100, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in California small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the California limit of $12,500.
Need the other side served? Process serving with an affidavit of service.
California small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $12,500. Individuals can generally sue for up to $12,500; businesses up to $6,250. Since October 1, 2025 a landlord can't sue in small claims for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt above $12,500.
- Also
- businesses and other entities: $6,250
- Court
- Small claims court (California superior courts)
- Who can file
- Anyone who believes a person, business or government agency owes them money.
- Lawyers
- Not allowed
- Where to file
- Usually the county where the other side lives or does business. Other options depend on the claim: where an accident or injury happened; for a contract, where it was made, broken or to be performed; for an item sold, where the buyer lives or bought it. Filing in the wrong county can get the case dismissed.
- Serving the other side
- You cannot serve the papers yourself. Someone 18 or older who is not part of the case can hand them to the other side (personal service) or to someone at their home or work and then mail a copy (substituted service); some courts offer certified mail by the clerk for $15. Serve at least 15 days before the court date (20 days if the other side is in a different county), and file the Proof of Service at least 5 days before the hearing.
- Appeal
- If you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose. A defendant who loses can appeal.
California filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| claim up to $1,500 | $30 | |
| over $1,500 up to $5,000 | $50 | |
| over $5,000 up to $12,500 | $75 | |
| filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months | $100 |
From the California Courts Self-Help Guide. A fee waiver is available if you can't afford the fee.
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 California, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the California limit is $12,500, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtUsually the county where the other side lives or does business. Other options depend on the claim: where an accident or injury happened; for a contract, where it was made, broken or to be performed; for an item sold, where the buyer lives or bought it. Filing in the wrong county can get the case dismissed.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in California is $30 to $100, depending on the claim. From the California Courts Self-Help Guide. A fee waiver is available if you can't afford the fee. Online filing: see the official link below.
- Have the other side servedYou cannot serve the papers yourself. Someone 18 or older who is not part of the case can hand them to the other side (personal service) or to someone at their home or work and then mail a copy (substituted service); some courts offer certified mail by the clerk for $15. Serve at least 15 days before the court date (20 days if the other side is in a different county), and file the Proof of Service at least 5 days before the hearing.
- 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 decisionIf you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose. A defendant who loses can appeal.
Official California links
- California small claims self-help page
- California online filing
- California Courts Self-Help Guide: File your Plaintiff's Claim
- California Courts Self-Help Guide: Where to file your small claims case
- California Courts Self-Help Guide: Serve your small claims forms
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official California 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.
California small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in California?
$12,500. Individuals can generally sue for up to $12,500; businesses up to $6,250. Since October 1, 2025 a landlord can't sue in small claims for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt above $12,500.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in California?
claim up to $1,500: $30; over $1,500 up to $5,000: $50; over $5,000 up to $12,500: $75; filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months: $100. From the California Courts Self-Help Guide. A fee waiver is available if you can't afford the fee.
Can a lawyer represent me in California small claims?
Not allowed in California, per the official page. Anyone who believes a person, business or government agency owes them money.
Where do I file a small claim in California?
Usually the county where the other side lives or does business. Other options depend on the claim: where an accident or injury happened; for a contract, where it was made, broken or to be performed; for an item sold, where the buyer lives or bought it. Filing in the wrong county can get the case dismissed.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in California?
If you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose. A defendant who loses can appeal.
How is the other side served in a California small claims case?
You cannot serve the papers yourself. Someone 18 or older who is not part of the case can hand them to the other side (personal service) or to someone at their home or work and then mail a copy (substituted service); some courts offer certified mail by the clerk for $15. Serve at least 15 days before the court date (20 days if the other side is in a different county), and file the Proof of Service at least 5 days before the hearing.
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