Small Claims Court Forms by State (2026)
The official forms to start a small claims case in each state, linked to the court's own forms page. Use your state court's current version; local courts sometimes add their own forms.
| State | Official forms |
|---|---|
| Alabama | To start a small claims case in Alabama, use Form SM-01, Statement of Claim (Complaint) - General, or SM-02, Statement of Claim (Complaint) for Specific Property. Defendants use SM-03 Defendant's Answer and SM-06 Defendant's Counterclaim. Form C-10-Civil, Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and Order, is used to ask to file without paying the fee up front. Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, AOC E-Forms: Small Claims |
| Alaska | Start an Alaska small claims case with Form SC-1, Complaint, and SC-2, Summons. The defendant responds with SC-3, Answer, Counterclaim, Request for Change of Place of Trial. Other forms include SC-4 Affidavit of Service, SC-8 Default Affidavit and Request for Judgment, and SC-100, the Alaska Small Claims Handbook. Alaska Court System, Forms by Topic & Number (J - Z): Small Claims |
| Arizona | To start a small claims case in an Arizona justice court, file the Complaint (LJSC00001F) and Summons (LJSC00002F); the Self-Service Center also offers a Small Claims Checklist for Plaintiff (LJSC00002I) and a case instructions guide. Defendants use the Answer (LJSC00004F) and Counterclaim (LJSC00005F). Individual courts may have their own preferred forms. Arizona Judicial Branch, Self-Service Center: Small Claims Forms |
| Arkansas | Arkansas small claims cases are filed in the small claims division of district court by filing a written complaint with the district court clerk. The Arkansas Attorney General says most district court clerks have complaint forms to use or copy, and some forms are available online from the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership at arlawhelp.org. Arkansas Attorney General, Guide to Small Claims Court |
| California | Start a California small claims case with form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court. Attachments include SC-100A (Other Plaintiffs or Defendants), SC-103 (Fictitious Business Name) and SC-101 (Attorney Fee Dispute After Arbitration); your court may also require local forms. The courts' free Guide & File app asks questions and fills out the forms for you to print. Judicial Branch of California, Self-Help Guide: Fill out small claims forms |
| Colorado | Colorado small claims cases are started with JDF 250, Small Claims Notice and Summons, which is also available in Spanish and several other languages. File the completed JDF 250 at the clerk's counter in the county courthouse. Colorado Judicial Branch, Self-Help Forms: Small Claims Notice and Summons |
| Connecticut | Start a Connecticut small claims case with form JD-CV-40, Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit, which the plaintiff serves on each defendant. The Judicial Branch's Small Claims forms page posts it with the related small claims forms as fillable PDFs. Connecticut Judicial Branch, Small Claims – Court Forms |
| Delaware | Delaware's small claims (civil) cases are filed in the Justice of the Peace Court using the Complaint, J.P. Civil Form No. 1, which is used for all civil complaint types and is filed with the filing fee. The court may not award more than $25,000. The complaint can be downloaded, picked up at any Justice of the Peace civil court, or completed as an interactive online form; sample complaints and interactive interviews are available for debt, replevin, trespass and landlord/tenant actions. E-filing is mandatory for businesses filing five or more cases a year. Delaware Courts, How To Start a Civil Action in the Justice of the Peace Court |
| Georgia | Georgia's small claims cases are heard in magistrate court, which handles money claims of less than $15,000. The plaintiff files a sworn statement of claim with the magistrate court clerk listing both parties' names and addresses, the amount sought, a brief explanation with dates, and copies of relevant documents; the clerk can help complete the forms. The Council of Magistrate Court Judges offers a free online Form Generator that asks interview questions and creates customized forms to take to magistrate court, and if the county offers e-filing, the forms can be filed electronically at the end of the interview. Council of Magistrate Court Judges of Georgia; Georgia Department of Law, Consumer Protection Division |
| Hawaii | Hawai'i small claims cases are filed in the Small Claims Division of District Court. On O'ahu (First Circuit), use form 1DC06, Small Claims: Statement of Claim (General Form), or 1DC05, Small Claims: Statement of Claim (Security Deposit), for security deposit disputes. Other circuits post their own district court forms on the Judiciary's Court Forms page. Hawai'i State Judiciary, District Court Forms for O'ahu (First Circuit) |
| Idaho | Start an Idaho small claims case with the Small Claims Form (CAO SC 1-2) and Small Claims Summons (CAO SC 1-1), with Instructions for Plaintiff (CAO SC Instr 1-1). The Court Assistance Office lets you complete and e-file the small claims forms online through its guided forms (Idaho Guide and File). The listed filing fee is $69. Idaho Court Assistance Office, Small Claims Forms |
| Illinois | Illinois has an approved statewide Small Claims Complaint suite that all Illinois courts must accept. It includes the Small Claims Complaint, Small Claims Summons, Additional Defendants and Additional Reasons attachments, Letter to the Sheriff and Small Claims Order, plus a Getting Started sheet and "How to File & Serve a Small Claims Complaint & Small Claims Summons" instructions. Forms are fillable PDFs that must be flattened before e-filing. Illinois Courts, Approved Statewide Forms: Small Claims Complaint |
| Indiana | An Indiana small claims case starts with a Notice of Claim, a brief written statement of the nature and amount of the claim, filed in several copies with the clerk; Notice of Claim forms are available from the clerk's office free of charge. Claims on an account must also include an Affidavit of Debt (a statewide form). The small claims limit is $10,000. Indiana Office of Court Services, Small Claims Manual (2026) |
| Iowa | Iowa small claims cases (money judgments of $6,500 or less, plus landlord-tenant forcible entry and detainer actions) are started by electronically filing the appropriate small claims Original Notice form, such as Small Claims Form 3.1, Original Notice and Petition for a Money Judgment, and paying the $115 filing fee; filing must be electronic unless the court permits paper filing. The official forms and self-represented litigant instructions are free on the Iowa Judicial Branch website, and the Iowa Interactive Court Form tool can help prepare the filing. Iowa Judicial Branch, Representing Yourself: Small Claims |
| Kentucky | A Kentucky small claims case begins with the Small Claims Complaint form (AOC-175), filed in the Small Claims Division of District Court in the county where the defendant lives or does business; the Small Claims Summons is AOC-180. The Small Claims Division handles disputes involving money or personal property valued at $2,500 or less, not counting interest and costs. Forms are on the Court of Justice Legal Forms page and in printed form from the Office of Circuit Court Clerk, which cannot fill out the complaint for you. Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts and Office of Attorney General, A Citizen's Guide to Handling Small Claims Complaints in Kentucky |
| Louisiana | The Louisiana Supreme Court's Uniform Forms Committee for City and Parish Courts posts non-mandatory template forms, including Guidelines of Small Claims Division, a Statement of Claim and Citation/Small Claims, and a Notice of Small Claims Court Hearing Date. Some courts may accept or require these forms while others may not, so check with the city or parish court where you will file. Louisiana Supreme Court, Uniform Forms Committee for Louisiana City & Parish Courts, Forms for City & Parish Courts |
| Maine | Start a Maine small claims case (money judgments of $10,000 or less as of January 1, 2026) with the Statement of Claim (SC-001), downloadable from the Judicial Branch Forms page or free from any District Court clerk's office. After serving the defendant, file the Statement with the clerk within 20 days and pay the filing fee. Electronic filing is being rolled out by judicial region; where available, self-represented filers can use the Maine Courts Guide & File interview (choose "Small Claims") to complete and eFile the forms. Maine Judicial Branch, Small Claims |
| Maryland | Start a Maryland small claims case (money only, $5,000 or less) in District Court by filing the Complaint/Application and Affidavit in Support of Judgment (DC-CV-001) and paying the filing fee; the court then issues a writ of summons. The Judiciary also offers a Guide and File interview for small and large claims. Maryland Judiciary, Legal Help: Small Claims |
| Mississippi | Small claims in Mississippi are filed in Justice Court. The Mississippi Judiciary's sample Justice Court civil forms (updated 7/2/2024) include a Civil Complaint for recovery of up to $3,500 plus court costs, along with forms for default judgments, garnishment, execution, dismissal and other steps. Copies of any account or written instrument the claim is based on should be attached. Mississippi Judiciary, Justice Court Civil Forms (sample forms, updated 7/2/2024) |
| Montana | Montana's statewide small claims forms (for Justice and City Court small claims) are a Complaint and an Order and Notice to Defendant to start a case, plus a Counterclaim, Praecipe, Interpleader Affidavit and Order for Interpleader Answer. The forms page also links Instructions for Small Claims Cases and the Office of Consumer Protection's Guide to Small Claims Court. Montana Judicial Branch, Court Forms: Civil Forms (Small Claims) |
| Nebraska | To start a small claims case in Nebraska, file a claim form (CC 4:1) with the clerk of the county court, in person or by mail, with the filing fee. The court also offers a Plaintiff's Small Claims Packet and a Defendant's Small Claims Packet, a Counterclaim or Setoff form (CC 4:2) and a certified mail service form (CC 4:5). The form can be filled in online and printed, or completed at the court. Nebraska Judicial Branch, Self-Help: Filing a Small Claims Case in Nebraska |
| New Jersey | New Jersey small claims cases (up to $5,000, including security deposit returns) are filed in the Special Civil Part. The court's kits are "How to Sue for Up To $5,000 in Small Claims Court" for non-motor-vehicle cases (CN 10151) and for motor vehicle cases (CN 10148). The filing forms are the Small Claims Complaint (Non-Motor Vehicle) (CN 10532) or Small Claims Complaint - Motor Vehicle (CN 10533) and the Small Claims Summons and Return of Service (CN 10534), with a fee waiver request (CN 11208) if needed. You can file online through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system and pay by credit card, or mail the complaint, summons and fee to the Special Civil Part office in the county where the defendant lives or does business. Fee: $35 for one defendant plus $5 for each additional defendant. New Jersey Courts, Self-Help: Small Claims Court |
| New Mexico | New Mexico small civil claims are heard in magistrate courts and, in Bernalillo County, the Metropolitan Court. The Metropolitan Court's Self-Help Center lists the forms to start a case: Civil Complaint (CV-001, form 4-202), Civil Complaint for Debt Collection (CV-234, form 4-226), Civil Complaint for Medical Debt (CV-241, form 4-226A), Civil Complaint for Unpaid Wages (form 4-201), Civil Complaint by Resident for Return of Deposit, and the Civil Summons (CV-79, form 4-204) used to serve the defendant. All forms are in the court's forms library. Self-Help Center: 505-841-9817. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Self-Help Center |
| North Carolina | North Carolina small claims cases are filed with the clerk of superior court in a county where a defendant lives. The Judicial Branch provides a Complaint for Money Owed, a Complaint to Recover Possession of Personal Property and a Complaint in Summary Ejectment (eviction), plus a Magistrate Summons and a Servicemembers Civil Relief Act affidavit; the filing fee is $96, and a petition to file as an indigent is available. Its free Guide & File service can prepare documents online for Small Claims: Money Owed and Repossession of Personal Property. Local requirements for forms and copies may vary by county. North Carolina Judicial Branch, Small Claims help topic |
| North Dakota | North Dakota small claims court handles claims of $15,000 or less. The court's Small Claims Court Forms Packet includes Small Claims Court Information (Form 1), the Claims Affidavit (Form 2) that starts the case, the Affidavit of Identification of Judgment Debtor (Form 8), and the Affidavit of Mailing/Personal Service (Form 6), filed after the defendant is served. File the Claims Affidavit and Affidavit of Identification with exhibit copies at the clerk of court; the forms can be filled in on a computer and printed or handwritten in blue or black ink. North Dakota Courts, Legal Self Help Center: Small Claims |
| Oregon | Oregon's statewide small claims form to start a case is the Small Claim and Notice of Small Claim (form 05-01), available from the Oregon Judicial Department Forms Center. Forms from the Forms Center are accepted in all circuit courts. Small claims complaints can also be prepared free through OJD iForms on Guide & File, which can be filed online with the fee paid by card. Debt buyers and their collectors must also file a consumer debt disclosure form. Oregon Judicial Department, Forms Center: Small Claims; OJD iForms |
| Pennsylvania | Small claims in Pennsylvania are filed at a magisterial district court using the statewide Civil Complaint form, which may not be changed in content or format. Related magisterial district court civil forms include the Authorization of Representative, Guardian's Notice of Intent to Represent Minor Party, Service Members Civil Relief Affidavit, and the defendant's Notice of Intent to Defend. Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, Forms for the Public |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island small claims cases (claims of $5,000 or less arising from a contract, a retail sale or services rendered) are filed in the District Court. Self-represented plaintiffs start a case with the Small Claims Lawsuit - Complaint (Self-represented Litigant - With Instructions), and the court also posts Instructions to File a Small Claims Case. Filing fees are listed on the court's Civil Fees and Costs page. Rhode Island Judiciary, District Court Small Claims Cases |
| South Carolina | South Carolina small claims are civil cases in Magistrates Court, which hears claims of $7,500 or less. The Judicial Branch's statewide magistrate forms to start a case are the Complaint (SCCA701) and Summons (SCCA700), with Instructions to Plaintiff (SCCA706) and a Motion and Affidavit to Proceed in Forma Pauperis (SCCA741). Defendants use the Answer (SCCA703), Instructions to Defendant (SCCA702) and Counterclaim (SCCA705). South Carolina Judicial Branch, Court Forms (Magistrate); Magistrate Court |
| South Dakota | South Dakota's statewide small claims forms for plaintiffs are the Plaintiff's Statement of Claim (UJS-008) and Case Filing Statement (UJS-232), plus the Statement of Military Status (UJS-306), Small Claims Notice of Dismissal (UJS-255) and Satisfaction of Judgment (UJS-019); a Plaintiff's Small Claims Packet (Print All) is also offered. Defendants use the Denial/Counter Claim form (UJS-278). Small claims cases can also be started with the free Guide and File online interview, which generates forms to print and file at the clerk's office; the UJS site also has an eFile SD portal and an electronic filing page for self-represented litigants. South Dakota Unified Judicial System, Small Claims Forms; Guide and File |
| Texas | Texas small claims cases (up to $20,000) are filed in justice court. The Texas State Law Library points to two official sources for the small claims petition: the eFileTexas.gov self-help interactive interview, which creates a Texas Small Claims Petition (or Debt Claim Petition), and the Texas Justice Court Training Center's small claims forms (English and Spanish), including its "Filing a Small Claims Case" packet. Texas State Law Library, Small Claims Cases: Legal Forms |
| Utah | Utah small claims cases (money only, up to $20,000) are filed in the justice court where the defendant lives or where the events happened. Plaintiffs file forms 1024XX and 1025XX, or, in courts that use Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) such as the Salt Lake County, Ogden and Provo City justice courts, 1024XX and the Small Claims Summons and Affidavit (Online Dispute Resolution Case). Form 3006SC asks to skip ODR and go to trial. Defendants can counterclaim with 1024XX and 1031XX. The filing fee is shown on the cover sheet, and a fee waiver is available. In ODR courts, plaintiffs must log in within 7 days of filing. Utah State Courts, Self-Help: Small Claims |
| Vermont | To start a Vermont small claims case (up to $10,000; consumer credit and medical debt claims capped at $5,000), file the Small Claims Complaint (form 100-00257), part of the Small Claims Information and Instructions for Plaintiff and Small Claims Complaint packet, with the Civil Division of the Superior Court in the county where you or the defendant lives. You can file in person, by mail, by email or electronically (e-file). Fee: $65 for claims of $1,000 or less; $90 for claims over $1,000. Vermont Judiciary, Suing and Being Sued - Small Claims |
| Virginia | Small claims cases in Virginia (up to $5,000, or return of personal property worth up to $5,000) are heard in the small claims division of the General District Court. To ask for money, file a Warrant in Debt (Form DC-402); to get back specific property, file a Warrant in Detinue (Form DC-404). Give the papers and filing fee to the clerk; fees are paid in cash, by certified check or by money order and vary by court. General District Court civil forms can be completed online and printed at vacourts.gov. Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help, Small Claims |
| Washington | Washington small claims cases are filed in district court. The statewide small claims forms (revised 01/2025) are the Notice of Small Claim (MISC 05.0100) to start the case, Certificate of Service (MISC 05.0200), Small Claims Order of Dismissal/Continuance (MISC 05.0300) and Small Claims Judgment (MISC 05.0500), each in Word and PDF. Your county may have additional requirements and a courthouse facilitator who can help with paperwork. Washington State Courts, Court Forms: Small Claims |
| West Virginia | West Virginia's small civil claims are filed in magistrate court; the Judiciary's forms do not use a separate "small claims" form. The statewide magistrate court complaint forms are the Civil Complaint (SCA-M207), Civil Complaint - Commercial Creditor / Contract Action (SCA-M208) and Civil Complaint: Worthless Check (SCA-M337), with the Information Sheet: Civil Case Plaintiff (SCA-MI-400). West Virginia Judiciary, Court Forms: Magistrate Court Forms |
| Wisconsin | The Wisconsin form that starts a small claims case is the Summons and Complaint (Small Claims) (SC-500), available in English and Spanish and for eFiling; a version with instructions for self-represented parties is SC-500I. The court also publishes the Basic Guide to Wisconsin Small Claims Actions (SC-6000V) and offers a self-help small claims forms assistant. Wisconsin Court System, Circuit Court Forms: Small Claims |
| Wyoming | Wyoming small claims (money damages or debts up to $6,000) are filed in Circuit Court in the county where the defendant is located. The Judicial Branch's statewide forms are the Small Claims Affidavit (SC 01) with instructions (SC 01a), Small Claims Summons (SC 02), Small Claims Return of Service (SC 03), Small Claims Affidavit of Service (SC 04), instructions for summons and service (SC 05), and Judgment and Order (SC 06), plus eFile cover sheets. The filing fee is $10, with separate service fees. You can file by mail, but you must appear in court to argue your claim. Wyoming Judicial Branch, Legal Help by Topic: Small Claims |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.