Wyoming Small Claims Court (2026): Limit, Fees and How to File
How small claims court works in Wyoming: 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 Wyoming
- Small claims limit
- $6,000, exclusive of costs. W.S. 1-21-201
- Filing fee
- $10 filing fee in circuit court. Sheriff or process server service fees are extra, and the clerk charges for copies (at least $1 per page). Wyo. R. Small Claims 3; SC Form 01a Instructions (Nov. 2024)
- Are lawyers allowed?
- Yes. Parties may appear in person or through authorized employees, with or without an attorney. If one side appears with an attorney, the other side is entitled to a continuance to get an attorney of its own. W.S. 1-21-202(b)
- Appeals
- Appeals go to the district court under the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure and only on questions of law, not to review the sufficiency of the evidence. Wyo. R. Small Claims 7
Court: Circuit Court (small claims). Last verified: 2026-10-24.
How to file a small claims case in Wyoming
- Demand payment from the other person; you can file only if payment was demanded and refused and the amount is $6,000 or less.
- Complete the Small Claims Affidavit (SC 01) and sign it in front of the circuit court clerk or a notary.
- File it with the circuit court in the county where the defendant has an address or where the claim arose, with the Small Claims Summons and service forms, and pay the $10 filing fee.
- The court has the defendant served by the sheriff or by certified mail; the hearing is set 12 to 20 days after service.
- Bring your witnesses, papers and evidence to the hearing; the defendant does not need to file an answer.
- If you win and are not paid, request execution or post-judgment garnishment; appeals to district court are limited to questions of law.
Can you use small claims court?
| Small claims limit | $6,000, exclusive of costs. Source: W.S. 1-21-201 |
|---|---|
| Who can file | The state, governmental entities, natural persons, corporations, partnerships, associations and other organizations may file by signing a sworn affidavit stating the defendant's full address, the nature of the claim and the amount due, and that payment was demanded and refused. Source: W.S. 1-21-202(a) |
| Are lawyers allowed? | Yes. Parties may appear in person or through authorized employees, with or without an attorney. If one side appears with an attorney, the other side is entitled to a continuance to get an attorney of its own. Source: W.S. 1-21-202(b) |
Filing your case
| Where to file | The circuit court in the county where the defendant has an address or where the cause of action, or some part of it, arose. |
|---|---|
| Official forms | 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. |
| Filing fee | $10 filing fee in circuit court. Sheriff or process server service fees are extra, and the clerk charges for copies (at least $1 per page). |
| Filing online | The Judicial Branch provides eFile cover sheets for the small claims affidavit, summons, return and affidavit of service, and judgment forms, and a guided online form for the Small Claims Affidavit. |
| Serving the defendant | The court has the summons and affidavit served on the defendant in the manner provided by law (for example by the sheriff), or, if the defendant lives in Wyoming, by certified mail with return receipt requested; service is complete when the signed receipt is returned. Source: W.S. 1-21-203(a) |
Before and at the hearing
| When the hearing happens | The appearance date in the summons must be not less than 12 nor more than 20 days after service of the summons. Source: W.S. 1-21-204 |
|---|---|
| Does the defendant file an answer? | No. No answer or responsive pleading is required; the defendant appears at the trial date in the summons. A defendant who does not appear may have judgment entered for the amount claimed. |
| Interpreters | The Wyoming Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Program supports access for people who do not speak English and people who are deaf or hard of hearing; contact the program at interpreters@courts.state.wy.us or 307-757-4271. |
After the decision
| Appeals | Appeals go to the district court under the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure and only on questions of law, not to review the sufficiency of the evidence. Source: Wyo. R. Small Claims 7 |
|---|---|
| Collecting your judgment | No prejudgment attachment or garnishment is allowed, but after judgment, execution, including post-judgment garnishment in aid of execution, may issue as provided by law for circuit court. Source: W.S. 1-21-205 |
Deadline to sue
10 years for an action on a specialty or any contract, agreement or promise in writing (written lease). 8 years for a contract not in writing, express or implied (oral lease). Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(i)-(ii)
Official forms and help
Suing a landlord or tenant in Wyoming
Wyoming small claims is used for security deposit refunds, unpaid rent and damage claims of $6,000 or less, after a demand for payment has been refused. Wyoming Free Legal Answers volunteers cannot assist landlords with rental property business matters.
- Wyoming security deposit demand letter (send before you sue)
- Wyoming security deposit law
- Tenant lawyers and free legal aid in Wyoming
Wyoming small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Wyoming?
$6,000, exclusive of costs.
Who can file a small claims case in Wyoming?
The state, governmental entities, natural persons, corporations, partnerships, associations and other organizations may file by signing a sworn affidavit stating the defendant's full address, the nature of the claim and the amount due, and that payment was demanded and refused.
Can you bring a lawyer to small claims court in Wyoming?
Yes. Parties may appear in person or through authorized employees, with or without an attorney. If one side appears with an attorney, the other side is entitled to a continuance to get an attorney of its own.
Where do I file a small claims case in Wyoming?
The circuit court in the county where the defendant has an address or where the cause of action, or some part of it, arose.
How much does it cost to file in small claims court in Wyoming?
$10 filing fee in circuit court. Sheriff or process server service fees are extra, and the clerk charges for copies (at least $1 per page).
How do I serve the other side in a Wyoming small claims case?
The court has the summons and affidavit served on the defendant in the manner provided by law (for example by the sheriff), or, if the defendant lives in Wyoming, by certified mail with return receipt requested; service is complete when the signed receipt is returned.
How long does a small claims case take in Wyoming?
The appearance date in the summons must be not less than 12 nor more than 20 days after service of the summons.
Does a defendant have to file an answer in Wyoming small claims court?
No. No answer or responsive pleading is required; the defendant appears at the trial date in the summons. A defendant who does not appear may have judgment entered for the amount claimed.
Can you appeal a small claims decision in Wyoming?
Appeals go to the district court under the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure and only on questions of law, not to review the sufficiency of the evidence.
How do I collect a small claims judgment in Wyoming?
No prejudgment attachment or garnishment is allowed, but after judgment, execution, including post-judgment garnishment in aid of execution, may issue as provided by law for circuit court.
Can I file a small claims case online in Wyoming?
The Judicial Branch provides eFile cover sheets for the small claims affidavit, summons, return and affidavit of service, and judgment forms, and a guided online form for the Small Claims Affidavit.
Can I get an interpreter in Wyoming small claims court?
The Wyoming Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Program supports access for people who do not speak English and people who are deaf or hard of hearing; contact the program at interpreters@courts.state.wy.us or 307-757-4271.
Where can I get small claims court forms in 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.
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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.