District of Columbia Small Claims Playbook: Filing, Service, Hearing and Collecting
Checked against official court sources, updated October 2026.
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Quick answer: D.C. has one small claims court: the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of D.C. Superior Court. You can sue for up to $10,000, money only. Filing costs $5, $10 or $45, depending on the amount. Corporations, partnerships and associations must use a lawyer, mediation is required at the first hearing, and the defendant doesn't have to file a written answer.
How does small claims court work in D.C.?
D.C. has one small claims court for the whole District: the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court's Civil Division. One fee schedule, one set of forms and one set of Small Claims Rules apply. Official sources are listed under Sources below.
How much can I sue for in D.C.?
$10,000, money only, not counting interest, attorney fees, protest fees and costs (D.C. Code § 11-1321). Cases about an interest in real property go to the Civil Division. If you're owed more, or want the court to order someone to do or stop doing something, you file with the Civil Actions Branch instead. Counterclaims aren't capped at $10,000.
How much does it cost to file?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Claim of $500 or less | $5 |
| Claim of $500.01 to $2,500 | $10 |
| Claim of $2,500.01 to $10,000 | $45 |
| Service by certified mail | $9.29 |
| Service by registered mail | $18.94 |
| Counterclaim, crossclaim or third-party claim | $10 (a set-off is free) |
| Jury demand | $75 |
Card payments carry a 2.39% convenience fee, and eFileDC may add fees. If you can't afford the fees, file an Application to Waive Court Costs and Fees with your claim. Source: 2026 Small Claims Handbook, checked 2026-10-24.
Where do I file a small claim in D.C.?
At the Small Claims Clerk's Office, 510 4th Street NW, Room 120. You can file in person, by drop box, by mail or through eFileDC. The clerk's office is open weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Wednesday evening 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-noon.
How do I file a small claim in D.C.?
Fill out a Statement of Claim, file it with the Small Claims Clerk's Office and pay the fee.
- Check that your claim is $10,000 or less and is for money only.
- Get the Statement of Claim For Small Claims and the Small Claims Information Sheet from the Small Claims Clerk's Office or the DC Courts small claims forms list.
- The Statement of Claim should be notarized; if it isn't, bring photo ID to the Small Claims Clerk's Office to have it verified by a clerk.
- File it and pay the fee, or ask for a fee waiver.
- Arrange service on each defendant. Certified mail costs $9.29 per defendant or address.
Who can sue in D.C. small claims?
You must be 18. A minor or someone who can't act for themselves sues through a representative or next friend. The clerk or a Court Navigator can give general help with the forms, but can't fill them out for you.
Can a business sue in D.C. small claims?
Only through a lawyer if it is a corporation, partnership or association: its forms must be submitted by an attorney. Consumer debt and past-due rent claims use a separate Statement of Claim for Consumer Debt Cases.
Which court handles small claims in D.C.?
D.C. has a single small claims court for the whole District, at 510 4th Street NW, Room 120. There are no county courts.
Next step
- Check that your claim is $10,000 or less and for money only.
- Get the Statement of Claim and the Small Claims Information Sheet.
- Plan how the defendant will be served.
District of Columbia small claims FAQ
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in D.C.?
Individuals don't, but a corporation, partnership or association that files a claim does.
Does the defendant have to answer in D.C. small claims?
No written answer is required unless the defendant files a set-off or counterclaim. A counterclaim costs $10 and isn't capped at $10,000.
Can I get a jury in D.C. small claims?
Yes. File a written jury demand before the first court date and pay $75; the defendant must also file a verified answer.
Related guides
Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists).
Sources
- DC Courts: Small Claims (checked 2026-10-11)
- 2026 Small Claims Handbook (PDF) (checked 2026-10-11)
- D.C. Code § 11-1321 (checked 2026-10-11)
- D.C. Code ch. 16-39, Small Claims and Conciliation Procedure (checked 2026-10-11)
- D.C. Code §§ 11-721, 17-301, 17-307 (checked 2026-10-11)
What's in the District of Columbia Playbook section
- How much should I ask for in District of Columbia small claims?
- Who can appear for a business in D.C.
- Where to file in D.C.
- D.C. small claims forms and fees
- Serving the defendant: options and fees
- How to file a small claim in D.C., step by step (made-up example)
- D.C. small claims checklist
- D.C. small claims timeline and deadlines
- What to expect at your District of Columbia small claims hearing
- Appeals in D.C. small claims
- Collecting after you win in D.C.
Want the whole game plan for District of Columbia? The District of Columbia Playbook takes you from filing to hearing day: what to gather, how to label your exhibits, a one-page timeline, and a day-of plan for your hearing. One yearly membership covers every state guide. See the Playbook
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This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.