Updated May 2026 Dallas County, TX Justice Court
Dallas County, TX Small Claims Court (2026)
Sue for up to $20,000 in Texas Justice Court — no attorney required. Court address in Dallas, filing fees, service costs, and step-by-step filing guide.
$20,000
Claim limit
$46–$161
Filing fee
30–60 days
Hearing wait
4 yrs
Written contract SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
Not legal advice. Court addresses, fees, and procedures are sourced from official Texas court websites and state statutes. Verify current information with the Dallas County JP Court before filing. Fees and rules can change. See our data methodology →
Dallas County Justice Court — Precinct 1 (Central)
Address
600 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75202
Contact & Hours
Phone: (214) 653-5699
Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed state holidays
Filing Fee Schedule
Up to $200: $46
$201–$1,000: $71
$1,001–$5,000: $101
$5,001–$10,000: $131
$10,001–$20,000: $161
Service of Process
Constable/Sheriff: $75–$125
Private server: $75–$150
Certified mail (judge approval): $10–$15
File in the right precinct — Dallas County has 8 JP courts
Dallas County has 8 Justice of the Peace precincts. You must file in the precinct where the defendant lives, where the contract was signed, or where the incident occurred. Filing in the wrong precinct will result in dismissal or transfer. Call (214) 653-5699 to confirm which precinct covers the defendant's address before visiting.
How to File Small Claims in Dallas County, TX
1
Confirm your claim is $20,000 or under
Texas Justice Court handles money disputes up to $20,000. You cannot reduce a larger claim to qualify. Claims above $20,000 go to the Dallas County Court at Law ($20,001–$250,000), which requires more formal procedures.
2
Find the correct JP precinct
Call (214) 653-5699 or visit the clerk at 600 Commerce St. to confirm which of Dallas County's 8 JP precincts covers the defendant's address. Filing in the wrong precinct leads to dismissal. The central courthouse at 600 Commerce handles downtown Dallas and surrounding areas.
3
Complete Form SC-100 (Statement of Claim)
Download the Texas Statement of Claim and Notice (Form SC-100) from txcourts.gov or pick one up at the clerk's window. Enter the defendant's full legal name, address, amount owed, and a brief factual reason. For businesses, use the exact registered name from the TX Secretary of State (sos.texas.gov).
4
File and pay the fee
Bring your completed SC-100 to the JP clerk at your precinct's court. Pay the filing fee ($46–$161 depending on claim amount). The clerk will assign a case number and hearing date, typically 30–60 days out.
5
Arrange constable service
Request constable service at the time of filing ($75–$125). For incorporated businesses, the constable must serve the registered agent — not a store employee. Find registered agents free at sos.texas.gov. Allow 2–3 weeks for service to complete.
6
Prepare your evidence
Three copies of all documents: contracts, texts, invoices, photos, receipts, bank records. Texas JP judges move quickly — organize your case around a clear timeline: what was agreed, what happened, and what dollar amount you're owed.
7
Attend your hearing in Dallas
Arrive at your precinct court 15 minutes early. Hearings run in quick succession. When called, state your name and case number, present your evidence, and request judgment for the amount owed plus court costs. Judges typically rule the same day.
Texas Statute of Limitations — Time Limits to File
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Texas Code |
|---|---|---|
| Written contracts | 4 years | CPRC § 16.004 |
| Oral contracts | 4 years | CPRC § 16.004 |
| Property damage | 2 years | CPRC § 16.003 |
| Personal injury | 2 years | CPRC § 16.003 |
| Bad checks (triple damages) | 2 years | CPRC § 16.003 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Dallas County, TX?
The small claims limit in Dallas County, TX is $20,000 — the Texas statewide limit for Justice Court under Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031. Claims above $20,000 go to the Dallas County Court at Law (for $20,001–$250,000), where legal representation is strongly recommended.
Where do I file small claims in Dallas County?
File at the Dallas County Justice Court for the precinct where the defendant lives or does business. The central filing location is at 600 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75202 (George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building). Dallas County has 8 precincts — verify which covers the defendant's address before filing. Call (214) 653-5699 to confirm.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Dallas County?
Texas Justice Court filing fees are set by state law (Tex. Gov't Code § 118.121): $46 for claims up to $200; $71 for $201–$1,000; $101 for $1,001–$5,000; $131 for $5,001–$10,000; $161 for $10,001–$20,000. Constable service adds $75–$125 per defendant. Total upfront cost: $121–$286.
What form do I need to file small claims in Texas?
Download Form SC-100 (Statement of Claim and Notice) from the Texas Office of Court Administration at txcourts.gov, or pick one up at the JP court clerk's window. Enter the defendant's full legal name, address, and the factual basis for your claim.
How long does a small claims case take in Dallas County?
Dallas County Justice Court cases are typically scheduled 30–60 days after filing. You'll receive your hearing date at the time of filing. The court processes cases Mon–Fri during regular hours — budget 4–6 weeks for a hearing date.
Can I sue a business in Dallas County Justice Court?
Yes. Businesses (LLCs, corporations, sole proprietors) can be sued in Dallas County Justice Court. For LLCs and corporations, you must name and serve the registered agent — not a store manager. Look up registered agents free at the Texas Secretary of State website (sos.texas.gov).