Updated May 2026 All 50 States
Small Claims Court Limits by State 2026
Find out exactly how much you can sue for in small claims court — and whether your case qualifies — with our free state-by-state calculator.
$25,000
Highest limit (TN, KY)
$2,500
Lowest limit
2
States with $25K+ limit
50
States covered
Small Claims Court Limit Calculator
Select your state to see the maximum amount you can sue for and applicable statutes of limitation.
$
Court Limit
Written Contract SOL
Oral Contract SOL
Source: Official court website
· Limit:
How to File → Small Claims Limits — All 50 States
Click any state to see its full page including filing fees, court name, and local tips.
Claim Limit at a Glance
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Max Claim Limit — 2026 · Data from official state government sources
Browse by State
Alabama
$6,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Alaska
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court District Court
Arizona
$3,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Justice Court
Arkansas
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Small Claims Division
California
$12,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 4 yrs
Oral SOL 2 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Colorado
$7,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court County Court
Connecticut
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Delaware
$25,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Justice of the Peace Court
Florida
$8,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court County Court
Georgia
$15,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court Magistrate Court
Hawaii
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Division
Idaho
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court Small Claims Department
Illinois
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 5 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Indiana
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 10 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Iowa
$6,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 5 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Kansas
$4,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Kentucky
$2,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 5 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Louisiana
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 10 yrs
Oral SOL 10 yrs
Court City Court / Justice of the Peace
Maine
$6,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court District Court
Maryland
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court District Court
Massachusetts
$7,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Session
Michigan
$6,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Division
Minnesota
$15,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Conciliation Court
Mississippi
$3,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Justice Court
Missouri
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 5 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Montana
$7,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 8 yrs
Oral SOL 5 yrs
Court Justice Court
Nebraska
$3,600
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court County Court
Nevada
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court Justice Court
New Hampshire
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court District Court
New Jersey
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Special Civil Part
New Mexico
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court Magistrate Court
New York
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
North Carolina
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Magistrate Court
North Dakota
$15,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Ohio
$6,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Division
Oklahoma
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Oregon
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Department
Pennsylvania
$12,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 4 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court Magisterial District Court
Rhode Island
$2,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 10 yrs
Oral SOL 10 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
South Carolina
$7,500
Max claim limit
Written SOL 3 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Magistrate Court
South Dakota
$12,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Tennessee
$25,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court General Sessions Court
Texas
$20,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 4 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court Justice Court
Utah
$11,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 4 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Vermont
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Virginia
$5,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 5 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court General District Court
Washington
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 3 yrs
Court Small Claims Department
West Virginia
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 10 yrs
Oral SOL 5 yrs
Court Magistrate Court
Wisconsin
$10,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 6 yrs
Oral SOL 6 yrs
Court Small Claims Court
Wyoming
$6,000
Max claim limit
Written SOL 8 yrs
Oral SOL 8 yrs
Court Circuit Court
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Generate My Demand Letter →How Small Claims Court Limits Work
Small claims court is a simplified legal process designed for disputes involving relatively small amounts of money. Each state sets its own maximum dollar limit — the highest amount a plaintiff can sue for in small claims court. If your case exceeds the limit, you may need to file in a higher court such as district, superior, or circuit court.
Limits range from as low as $2,500 (Kentucky for some case types) to $25,000 in states like Tennessee, Delaware, and Georgia. Many states set the limit at $10,000–$12,500.
Statutes of Limitation
Beyond the dollar limit, your claim must also be filed within the statute of limitations — the legal deadline to sue. Written contract claims typically allow 4–6 years; oral contract claims are usually shorter at 2–4 years. Property damage and personal injury claims have their own separate deadlines.
Can You Reduce Your Claim to Fit the Limit?
Yes — in most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the small claims limit. For example, if you're owed $11,000 in a state with a $10,000 limit, you can file for $10,000 and waive the remaining $1,000. This is often worth it to avoid the higher cost and complexity of a regular civil court case.
Need a Process Server? Compare Rates by State
Once your claim is filed you'll need to serve the defendant. Compare certified process servers in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Limit For Small Claims Court
What Is Limit For Small Claims Court is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
What Is Small Claims Limit
What Is Small Claims Limit is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In California
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In California is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
What Is Small Claims Court Limit In California
What Is Small Claims Court Limit In California is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
Dollar Limit For Small Claims Court
small claims court 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.
What Is The Maximum For Small Claims Court
What Is The Maximum For Small Claims Court is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
How Small Claims Court Works
small claims court 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.
How Much Does Small Claims Court Go Up To
small claims court 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 Limit For Small Claims Court In Wisconsin
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In Wisconsin is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In Wisconsin
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In Wisconsin is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
How Much Small Claims Court Cost
small claims court 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 Limit For Small Claims Court In Massachusetts
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In Massachusetts is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In Florida
What Is The Limit For Small Claims Court In Florida is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.