Updated May 2026 California
California Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)
Exact filing fees for the Small Claims Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$30–$100
Filing Fee Range
$12,500
Court Limit
✓
E-Filing Available
Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator
Enter your claim amount and state to estimate the court filing fee.
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Estimated Filing Fee
Court Name
E-Filing Available
Source: Official court website
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How to File → California Small Claims Filing Fees Explained
To file a small claims case in the Small Claims Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In California, filing fees are $30–$100 depending on the amount of your claim.
California offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $3 applies.
California uses a tiered fee based on claim amount and number of filings per year. Typical fees range from $30 to $75.
California allows up to 2 small claims filings over $2,500 per year per person.
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Frequently Asked Questions — California
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in California?
California small claims filing fees costs vary by state. Use our calculator above to find the exact amount for your state. Fees are updated regularly from official state and court sources.
What is the small claims filing fee in California?
California small claims filing fees costs vary by state. Use our calculator above to find the exact amount for your state. Fees are updated regularly from official state and court sources.
Can I file small claims online in California?
Eligibility requirements for California small claims filing fees depend on your state's specific rules. Our calculator provides the key thresholds and requirements by state. For legal advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
How do I waive the filing fee in California small claims?
California small claims filing fees costs vary by state. Use our calculator above to find the exact amount for your state. Fees are updated regularly from official state and court sources.
What court handles small claims in California?
California small claims filing fees rules vary by state. See our complete state-by-state breakdown above for the most current information, sourced directly from official court and government websites.