Updated May 2026 Manhattan, NYC Civil Court
Manhattan Small Claims Court (2026)
Sue for up to $10,000 in NYC's Civil Court. Manhattan small claims has the lowest filing fee in the country ($15–$20), evening sessions, and the court mails the defendant for you.
$10,000
Claim limit
$15–$20
Filing fee (all-in)
30–60 days
Hearing wait
6 yrs
Written contract SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
Not legal advice. Court fees and procedures are sourced from the NYC Civil Court and New York State statutes (NYC Civil Court Act § 1801 et seq.; CPLR). Verify current hearing schedules at nycourts.gov before filing. See our data methodology →
NYC Civil Court — Manhattan Small Claims Part
Address
111 Centre St.
New York, NY 10013
(Ground floor clerk's office)
Contact & Filing Hours
Phone: (646) 386-5730
Filing: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Hearings: Mon & Thu evenings (~6:30 p.m.)
Filing Fee
Claims ≤$1,000: $15
Claims >$1,000: $20
Service included — no extra fee
Service of Process
Court clerk mails summons to defendant
(certified mail + first-class mail)
Included in filing fee — no separate cost
NYC Small Claims is uniquely accessible — and uniquely evening
New York City designed its small claims court around working people. The $15–$20 all-in filing fee is the lowest in the country. The court serves the defendant for you. And hearings are in the evening so you don't lose a day of work. Interpreter services are available in dozens of languages — request one when you file if needed.
How to File Small Claims in Manhattan (NYC)
1
Confirm your claim qualifies
NYC Small Claims Court handles money disputes up to $10,000. Claims must be filed in the borough where the defendant lives, works, or where the transaction occurred. Manhattan (New York County) covers the island of Manhattan. Brooklyn residents/businesses file in Kings County; Queens residents file in Queens.
2
Go to 111 Centre St. during filing hours
Visit the clerk's office at 111 Centre St. (ground floor) Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The clerk will help you complete the claim form on-site. You'll need the defendant's full legal name and address. For businesses, bring the exact registered entity name from the NY Department of State (dos.ny.gov).
3
Pay the filing fee ($15 or $20)
Pay $15 if your claim is $1,000 or less; $20 if it's over $1,000. The court clerk handles everything from here — they mail a summons to the defendant by certified mail and first-class mail. No process server needed, no additional fees.
4
Wait for your hearing notice
The court will mail you a notice with your hearing date, typically 30–60 days from filing. Hearings are held in the evening — usually Monday and Thursday starting around 6:30 p.m. at 111 Centre St. Mark the date and plan to arrive early for security screening.
5
Prepare your evidence
Three copies of all supporting documents: contracts, texts, invoices, photos, bank records. NYC judges see many cases per evening session. Organize your presentation to be clear in 5–10 minutes: what was agreed, what happened, and the dollar amount you're claiming.
6
Attend your evening hearing
Arrive at 111 Centre St. by 6:00 p.m. to clear security. Bring your case documents, your claim notice, and a photo ID. When called, state your name and case number. If you reach a settlement agreement in the hall before the session, the clerk can enter it as a consent judgment.
New York Statute of Limitations
| Claim Type | Time Limit | NY Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contracts | 6 years | CPLR § 213(2) |
| Oral contracts | 6 years | CPLR § 213(1) |
| Property damage | 3 years | CPLR § 214(4) |
| Personal injury | 3 years | CPLR § 214(5) |
| Security deposits | 6 years | GOL § 7-108 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Manhattan, NYC?
The small claims limit in Manhattan (New York County) is $10,000 — the New York City statewide cap under the NYC Civil Court Act § 1801. Claims above $10,000 go to the Supreme Court of New York (the state's trial court), which has much stricter procedural requirements.
Where do I file small claims in Manhattan?
File at the New York County Civil Court — Small Claims Part, located at 111 Centre St., New York, NY 10013. The clerk's office is on the ground floor. Phone: (646) 386-5730. Filing hours are Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Hearings are held in the evening — typically Monday and Thursday evenings.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Manhattan?
Manhattan small claims filing fees are among the lowest in the United States: $15 for claims up to $1,000, and $20 for claims over $1,000. There is no separate service fee — the court clerk mails the defendant's summons by both certified mail and regular first-class mail as part of the filing fee. Total cost to file: $15–$20.
What time does Manhattan small claims court meet?
NYC Small Claims Court is famous for holding evening sessions to accommodate working New Yorkers. Manhattan hearings are typically held Monday and Thursday evenings, starting around 6:30 p.m. at 111 Centre St. Check the hearing notice mailed to you for the exact date and time. Arrive early — the courthouse has a security line.
Do I need to serve the defendant in NYC small claims court?
No — this is one of NYC Small Claims Court's most distinctive features. After you file, the court clerk mails a summons to the defendant by certified mail and regular first-class mail. There is no separate service fee and you don't need to hire a process server. If the certified mail is refused or unclaimed, you may need to arrange personal service by a non-party adult.
How long does a NYC small claims case take?
Most NYC small claims cases are scheduled 30–60 days after filing. Manhattan courts handle high volume but the calendar is generally well-managed. If both parties appear and the case is straightforward, the judge often rules the same evening. If the defendant requests time to prepare, the case may be adjourned once.