California small claims court is designed to give people a simpler way to resolve many money disputes without the full process of a regular civil lawsuit. In most cases, an individual can ask for up to $12,500, while a business entity generally has a $6,250 limit.[1]
This guide explains how to file a California small claims case, where to file, how much it costs, how to serve the other side, what to bring to court, and what happens after the judge decides the case.
Last updated: September 2026
Legal information disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Court procedures, forms, fees, deadlines, and laws can change. For a specific dispute, consider using California Courts’ self-help resources or speaking with a qualified attorney or small claims advisor.
What Is the California Small Claims Court Limit?
In general, an individual can sue for up to $12,500 in California small claims court. If you are suing on behalf of a business entity, the general limit is $6,250.[1]
There is also a filing-frequency rule: an individual generally cannot file more than two small claims cases in one calendar year for more than $2,500 each.[2]
You cannot split one larger dispute into multiple claims simply to get around the monetary limit. If your dispute is worth more than the small claims limit, you may need to consider a limited or unlimited civil case, depending on the circumstances.[3]
What Types of Cases Can Go to Small Claims Court?
Small claims court generally handles disputes where someone is seeking money from a person, business, or certain government agencies. Common examples include unpaid loans, property damage, contract disputes, consumer disputes, unpaid bills, and some landlord-tenant disputes.
For example, a tenant may use small claims court to pursue a security deposit that was improperly withheld. California Courts also specifically explains small claims procedures for certain government-agency claims, which can have additional requirements before a lawsuit can be filed.[4]
Small claims is mainly a money-recovery process. If what you need is an order requiring someone to take a particular action rather than pay money, another type of court case may be more appropriate.
Before You File: Make Sure Small Claims Is Right for You
Before filing, identify who owes you money, how much you are claiming, and the legal reason you believe you are entitled to it. California Courts recommends researching the small claims process and asking the other side for the money before starting a case.[5]
Gather documents that support your position, such as contracts, receipts, invoices, photographs, repair estimates, payment records, emails, text messages, and other relevant communications.
You should also check the applicable statute of limitations. The deadline depends on the type of dispute, so do not assume that you can file whenever you want.
Step 1: Ask the Other Side for the Money
California Courts recommends asking the other side to pay before filing. A clear written demand can explain what happened, how much you believe is owed, why you believe it is owed, and how the person can resolve the dispute.[5]
Keep a copy of your demand and any response. If the dispute can be resolved without court, you may avoid filing fees, service requirements, and the time involved in attending a hearing.
Step 2: Choose the Correct California Court
Choosing the correct county and courthouse is important. In many cases, you file where the defendant lives or does business, but California has specific venue rules and exceptions depending on the type of dispute.[6]
For example, contract disputes can sometimes be filed in a county connected to where the agreement was made, where it was broken, or where it was supposed to be performed. Different rules may apply to injury, property, purchase, and other claims.[6]
Filing in the wrong place can result in dismissal and may create serious problems if the statute of limitations expires while you restart the case. Check the California Courts venue guidance before filing.
Step 3: Complete the Small Claims Forms
The primary form used by a plaintiff to start a California small claims case is Form SC-100, Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court. The current SC-100 is effective January 1, 2026.[7]
When completing the form, explain the dispute clearly. Identify the defendant correctly, describe what happened, explain why the defendant is responsible, and state how you calculated the amount you are asking the court to award.
California Courts provides online tools and instructions for completing small claims forms. You can use the official self-help system rather than relying on an old form or third-party template.[8]
Step 4: File Your Claim and Pay the Filing Fee
You can generally file your forms with the court clerk, and some courts also allow filing by mail or online. Whether e-filing is available depends on the court.[9]
Current California Courts guidance lists filing fees of:
- $30 for claims up to $1,500.
- $50 for claims over $1,500 and up to $5,000.
- $75 for claims over $5,000 and up to $12,500.
- $100 if you have filed more than 12 small claims cases in the previous 12 months.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may be able to request a fee waiver if you meet the eligibility requirements.[9]
Step 5: Serve the Defendant Correctly
After filing, the defendant must receive the court papers through a legally valid process called service. You generally cannot serve the defendant yourself.
The person serving the papers must be at least 18 years old and not be part of the case. Depending on the circumstances, the server can be someone you know, a professional process server, or a sheriff in counties where that service is available.[10]
For ordinary personal service, the papers generally must be delivered at least 15 days before the court date, or 20 days before the court date if the person being served is in a different county. Substituted service has different deadlines.[10]
Do not wait until the last minute. Keep the completed proof of service and follow the court’s instructions for filing it.
How Much Evidence Should You Bring?
Your evidence should directly support the facts you are asking the judge to accept. Depending on the case, that could include:
- Written contracts or agreements.
- Receipts, invoices, bills, and payment records.
- Photographs or videos.
- Emails, text messages, or other communications.
- Repair estimates or other records showing financial loss.
- Witnesses who have relevant firsthand information.
Organize your evidence before the hearing. A short timeline can make it much easier to explain what happened and how the amount you are requesting was calculated.
Can You Have a Lawyer in California Small Claims Court?
California small claims cases are designed for people to represent themselves. You may ask a lawyer for advice before the hearing, but a lawyer generally cannot represent you at the small claims hearing.[1]
There are specific rules and exceptions for different parties and situations. If you are unsure whether you can have someone appear for you, check the current California Courts rules before the hearing.
What Happens at the Small Claims Hearing?
The judge will hear from the parties, review relevant evidence, and make a decision based on the facts and applicable law. Be prepared to explain your claim briefly and answer the judge’s questions directly.
Bring the evidence the court requires and organize it so you can locate important documents quickly. Avoid exaggerating your losses or relying on information you cannot support.
If the defendant does not appear, you may be able to seek a default judgment, but you still have to follow the court’s procedures and establish the amount you are entitled to recover.
Can You Appeal a California Small Claims Decision?
If you are the plaintiff and you lose your own small claims case, you generally cannot appeal that decision. However, a defendant who is ordered to pay money can generally appeal within 30 days of being handed or mailed the Notice of Entry of Judgment. If a defendant sued the plaintiff back and the plaintiff lost that counterclaim, different appeal rights can apply.[11]
An appeal in small claims is generally a new trial before a different judge, and both sides can have a lawyer at the appeal hearing.[12]
What Happens After You Win?
Winning a judgment does not necessarily mean the money will arrive automatically. California Courts explains that the court does not collect the judgment for you.[13]
If the other side does not pay voluntarily, you may need to use lawful collection procedures. Depending on the circumstances, those can include obtaining information about the debtor’s assets or pursuing permitted collection remedies.
Generally, you must wait at least 30 days after the Notice of Entry of Judgment was handed or mailed before beginning collection efforts, because the other side may have time to appeal or ask to vacate the judgment.[13]
California Small Claims Filing Checklist
- Confirm the dispute fits within the small claims limit.
- Check the statute of limitations.
- Identify the correct defendant.
- Ask the other side for payment before filing.
- Gather contracts, receipts, photos, messages, and other evidence.
- Confirm the correct county and courthouse.
- Complete the current SC-100 form.
- Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
- Arrange proper service on the defendant.
- File the proof of service as required.
- Prepare a short timeline and clear explanation of your damages.
- After judgment, follow the official collection or appeal procedures that apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I sue for in California small claims court?
Generally, an individual can sue for up to $12,500. A business entity generally has a $6,250 limit.[1]
How much does it cost to file a small claims case?
Current California Courts guidance lists filing fees from $30 to $75 for ordinary claims, depending on the amount requested, with a $100 fee for people who have filed more than 12 small claims cases in the previous 12 months. Eligible people can request a fee waiver.[9]
Do I have to ask the other person for money first?
California Courts recommends asking the other side for the money before starting a small claims case. A written demand can also create a useful record of your attempt to resolve the dispute.[5]
How long does a California small claims case take?
The timing varies by county, court availability, service, and the circumstances of the case. California Courts notes that a trial is generally scheduled relatively quickly, but you should check your local court rather than assume a specific timeline.[1]
Can I sue a landlord in small claims court over a security deposit?
Yes, some landlord-tenant money disputes can be brought in small claims court when they meet the applicable requirements and monetary limits. For California’s deposit rules, see our guide to California security deposit laws.
Related California Legal Guides
If your small claims dispute involves a rental security deposit, you can also read our California Security Deposit Laws guide and our article about what California landlords can deduct from a security deposit.
Official California Sources
- California Courts — Small Claims in California
- California Courts — How much money can I ask for?
- California Courts — Small Claims or Limited Civil
- California Courts — Claims against government agencies
- California Courts — Get ready for small claims
- California Courts — Where to file your small claims case
- California Courts — Form SC-100, Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
- California Courts — Fill out forms to start a small claims case
- California Courts — Filing forms and fees
- California Courts — Serve your small claims forms
- California Courts — Appeal a small claims decision
- California Courts — Small claims appeals
- California Courts — Collect your money after winning
Final disclaimer: California small claims procedures can depend on the type of dispute and local court. This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Always review the current California Courts forms, instructions, local rules, and deadlines before filing.