California Small Claims Filing Guide (2026)
Free step-by-step guide for your state: which court, the limit, the official form, filing fees and what to bring. California limit: up to $12,500 for an individual (including sole proprietors); up to $6,250 for businesses and other entities. You may file no more than two claims over $2,500 in California per calendar year.
Free guide · The demand letter kit adds a ready-to-send letter (PDF + Word)
How to file in California small claims court
- Send a demand letter first.
- Check the limit and the right court (below).
- Fill out the official claim form and file it with the clerk in the county where the defendant lives or where the transaction happened.
- Pay the filing fee or ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
- Have the defendant served as the court requires (in many states you cannot serve the papers yourself).
- Prepare for the hearing: bring the note/contract, receipts, photos, messages, your demand letter and proof of mailing, and copies for the judge and the other side.
- If you win and are not paid, ask the clerk about post-judgment collection options.
California
- Court: Small Claims Court of the Superior Court in your county.
- Limit: up to $12,500 for an individual (including sole proprietors); up to $6,250 for businesses and other entities. You may file no more than two claims over $2,500 in California per calendar year.
- Lawyers: you may get legal advice, but lawyers cannot represent parties at the small claims hearing.
- Before filing: you must ask the defendant for payment where possible; the claim form asks about it.
- Form: SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court).
- Filing fee: $30 (claims up to $1,500), $50 (over $1,500 up to $5,000), $75 (over $5,000 up to $12,500); $100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in California in the last 12 months. Fee waivers are available.
- Official help: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/small-claims-california
General information, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change — confirm with the court clerk before filing.
California small claims: key facts
- Court
- Small Claims Court of the Superior Court in your county.
- Limit
- up to $12,500 for an individual (including sole proprietors); up to $6,250 for businesses and other entities. You may file no more than two claims over $2,500 in California per calendar year.
- Demand letter required first?
- Yes, where possible: California asks you to request payment before filing (CCP §116.320), and Form SC-100 asks whether you did.
- Official form
- SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court).
- Filing fee
- $30 (claims up to $1,500), $50 (over $1,500 up to $5,000), $75 (over $5,000 up to $12,500); $100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in California in the last 12 months. Fee waivers are available.
Official sources: California Courts Self-Help — Small claims · Form SC-100 · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What is the small claims limit in California?
- up to $12,500 for an individual (including sole proprietors); up to $6,250 for businesses and other entities. You may file no more than two claims over $2,500 in California per calendar year.
- Do I have to send a demand letter before suing in California?
- Yes, where possible: California asks you to request payment before filing (CCP §116.320), and Form SC-100 asks whether you did.
- How much does it cost to file in California?
- $30 (claims up to $1,500), $50 (over $1,500 up to $5,000), $75 (over $5,000 up to $12,500); $100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in California in the last 12 months. Fee waivers are available.
- Can I have a lawyer in California small claims?
- you may get legal advice, but lawyers cannot represent parties at the small claims hearing.
- What if I am owed more than the limit?
- You may reduce your claim to the limit and give up the rest, or file in a regular civil court. The guide shows this if your amount is above the limit.
DoneDoc provides self-help forms and is not a law firm. We recommend having your document reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before signing.
Other states
TexasFloridaNew YorkPennsylvaniaIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichigan