Idaho Small Claims Court (2026): Limit, Fees and How to File
How small claims court works in Idaho: the dollar limit, filing fees, serving the other side, the hearing, appeals and collecting your money — each answer linked to the court rule or statute.
Quick answers for Idaho
- Small claims limit
- $15,000 for recovery of money or personal property. Small claims cannot award punitive damages or damages for pain and suffering. Idaho Code § 1-2301 (am. 2026, ch. 196)
- Filing fee
- $69 to file a small claim, plus service costs; a change of venue is $29. By statute the court collects a $33 small claims fee in advance on each claim, in addition to service costs. Idaho Code § 1-2303(3); Idaho Court Assistance Office, Small Claims forms page
- Are lawyers allowed?
- No. Attorneys may not appear for a party at a small claims trial, pretrial matter or post-trial motion, but they may advise parties and help prepare documents, and they may appear in proceedings to enforce a judgment. An attorney may bring his or her own claim as a party. Idaho Code § 1-2307
- Appeals
- A dissatisfied party may appeal within 30 days of the judgment to a lawyer magistrate who did not enter the judgment, in the county where the claim was filed. The appeal is tried without further pleadings. The Court Assistance Office lists an $81 appeal fee; the statute also requires a $20 fee paid to the county treasurer. An appellant who loses must also pay the prevailing party's attorney fee. Idaho Code §§ 1-2311, 1-2312; Idaho Court Assistance Office, Small Claims forms page
Court: Magistrate Division of District Court (Small Claims Department). Last verified: 2026-10-24.
How to file a small claims case in Idaho
- Confirm your claim is for money or personal property worth $15,000 or less, and that you are not seeking punitive or pain-and-suffering damages.
- Complete the summons and small claims form (on paper or online through the Court Assistance Office) and file in the county where the defendant lives or where the claim arose, paying the $69 fee.
- Have the defendant personally served, or ask the court to serve by certified or registered mail.
- The defendant must file an answer within 21 days of service to get a hearing; otherwise you may ask for a default judgment.
- The court sets the case for mediation or trial; present your evidence and witnesses yourself, since attorneys cannot appear.
- Either party may appeal to a lawyer magistrate within 30 days.
- If the defendant does not pay, ask the magistrate to certify the judgment and use writs of execution or continuing garnishment.
Can you use small claims court?
| Small claims limit | $15,000 for recovery of money or personal property. Small claims cannot award punitive damages or damages for pain and suffering. The limit was raised from $5,000 to $15,000 effective July 1, 2026. |
|---|---|
| Who can file | Individuals and organizations may file. An organization must be represented by an owner of a substantial interest or a non-attorney employee. Assignees of a debt or claim, including licensed collection agencies, may sue in small claims. Source: Idaho Code § 1-2307 |
| Are lawyers allowed? | No. Attorneys may not appear for a party at a small claims trial, pretrial matter or post-trial motion, but they may advise parties and help prepare documents, and they may appear in proceedings to enforce a judgment. An attorney may bring his or her own claim as a party. Source: Idaho Code § 1-2307 |
Filing your case
| Where to file | In the magistrate division of the county where the defendant lives or where the cause of action arose. A defendant sued in the wrong county may request a change of venue. Source: Idaho Code § 1-2301 |
|---|---|
| Official forms | 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. |
| Filing fee | $69 to file a small claim, plus service costs; a change of venue is $29. By statute the court collects a $33 small claims fee in advance on each claim, in addition to service costs. |
| Filing online | Yes. Small claims forms can be completed and e-filed online through the Court Assistance Office forms tool (Idaho Guide and File). |
| Serving the defendant | The summons, claim, answer form and instructions are served by personal service as provided by law. At the plaintiff's written request, the court will instead serve by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested; service is complete when the court receives the receipt signed by the defendant. The plaintiff pays the cost, and personal service costs can be added to a judgment. Source: Idaho Code § 1-2304 |
Before and at the hearing
| When the hearing happens | Once an answer is filed, the court sets the case for trial or mediation and notifies each party by mail. Source: Idaho Code § 1-2303(2) |
|---|---|
| Does the defendant file an answer? | Yes. A defendant who wants a hearing must sign, complete and file the answer form with the clerk within 21 days after service; otherwise judgment may be entered as requested. Source: Idaho Code § 1-2303(1)-(2) |
| Mediation | After an answer is filed, the court may set the case for mediation instead of trial; court forms for mediation in small claims cases include an order and an agreement to mediate. |
| Jury trial | No. No party may have a case heard before a jury in the small claims department. Source: Idaho Code § 1-2315 |
After the decision
| Appeals | A dissatisfied party may appeal within 30 days of the judgment to a lawyer magistrate who did not enter the judgment, in the county where the claim was filed. The appeal is tried without further pleadings. The Court Assistance Office lists an $81 appeal fee; the statute also requires a $20 fee paid to the county treasurer. An appellant who loses must also pay the prevailing party's attorney fee. |
|---|---|
| Collecting your judgment | If the defendant does not appeal or pay, the magistrate may certify the judgment and enter it on the magistrate division judgment docket; execution and other enforcement may then issue, and the transcript may be filed in the district court judgment lien docket. Court forms are available for writs of execution and continuing garnishment. |
Deadline to sue
5 years for an action on a contract founded on a written instrument, such as a written lease; 4 years for a contract not founded on a writing, such as an oral lease. Idaho Code §§ 5-216, 5-217
Official forms and help
Suing a landlord or tenant in Idaho
Landlords and tenants can use small claims for money disputes such as security deposits, unpaid rent and damage up to $15,000, as of July 1, 2026. Attorneys cannot appear at the trial, but they may help prepare documents.
- Idaho security deposit demand letter (send before you sue)
- Idaho security deposit law
- Tenant lawyers and free legal aid in Idaho
Idaho small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Idaho?
$15,000 for recovery of money or personal property. Small claims cannot award punitive damages or damages for pain and suffering.
Who can file a small claims case in Idaho?
Individuals and organizations may file. An organization must be represented by an owner of a substantial interest or a non-attorney employee. Assignees of a debt or claim, including licensed collection agencies, may sue in small claims.
Can you bring a lawyer to small claims court in Idaho?
No. Attorneys may not appear for a party at a small claims trial, pretrial matter or post-trial motion, but they may advise parties and help prepare documents, and they may appear in proceedings to enforce a judgment. An attorney may bring his or her own claim as a party.
Where do I file a small claims case in Idaho?
In the magistrate division of the county where the defendant lives or where the cause of action arose. A defendant sued in the wrong county may request a change of venue.
How much does it cost to file in small claims court in Idaho?
$69 to file a small claim, plus service costs; a change of venue is $29. By statute the court collects a $33 small claims fee in advance on each claim, in addition to service costs.
How do I serve the other side in a Idaho small claims case?
The summons, claim, answer form and instructions are served by personal service as provided by law. At the plaintiff's written request, the court will instead serve by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested; service is complete when the court receives the receipt signed by the defendant. The plaintiff pays the cost, and personal service costs can be added to a judgment.
How long does a small claims case take in Idaho?
Once an answer is filed, the court sets the case for trial or mediation and notifies each party by mail.
Does a defendant have to file an answer in Idaho small claims court?
Yes. A defendant who wants a hearing must sign, complete and file the answer form with the clerk within 21 days after service; otherwise judgment may be entered as requested.
Is there a jury in Idaho small claims court?
No. No party may have a case heard before a jury in the small claims department.
Can you appeal a small claims decision in Idaho?
A dissatisfied party may appeal within 30 days of the judgment to a lawyer magistrate who did not enter the judgment, in the county where the claim was filed. The appeal is tried without further pleadings. The Court Assistance Office lists an $81 appeal fee; the statute also requires a $20 fee paid to the county treasurer. An appellant who loses must also pay the prevailing party's attorney fee.
How do I collect a small claims judgment in Idaho?
If the defendant does not appeal or pay, the magistrate may certify the judgment and enter it on the magistrate division judgment docket; execution and other enforcement may then issue, and the transcript may be filed in the district court judgment lien docket. Court forms are available for writs of execution and continuing garnishment.
Is mediation required in Idaho small claims court?
After an answer is filed, the court may set the case for mediation instead of trial; court forms for mediation in small claims cases include an order and an agreement to mediate.
Can I file a small claims case online in Idaho?
Yes. Small claims forms can be completed and e-filed online through the Court Assistance Office forms tool (Idaho Guide and File).
Where can I get small claims court forms in 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.
Small claims limits in all 50 states and DC · Small claims court in other states
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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.