Nevada small claims Playbook
Quick answer: Nevada small claims go to the Justice Court, for money claims of $10,000 or less. The state base filing fee runs $45 to $175 depending on the amount, and counties add local fees. You serve the other side yourself, and either side has 7 days after service of the judgment to appeal. Check your court's rules.
How small claims works in Nevada
One statute and one set of rules apply statewide, but you file in a specific justice court township, and counties add local fees on top of the state base. The AOC says forms "are available at the corresponding court."
Court name: Justice Court, Small Claims (for example Las Vegas Justice Court Civil Division, "Small Claims").
Checked on 2026-10-11. Official sources are listed under Sources below.
Find your county's court in the Playbook ↓
Does small claims work the same everywhere in Nevada?
- Fees: state base plus county add-ons: dispute-resolution fee of $5–$10 in counties of 100,000+ (other counties may adopt up to $10); $1 state fee; optional pro bono fee up to $10; optional law library fee up to $8. Example: Las Vegas Justice Court all-in small claims fees run $66–$196.
- Which courthouse: township-based venue.
What is the small claims limit in Nevada?
- You can claim up to $10,000, and only money, not any other kind of relief. Las Vegas Justice Court also lists $10,000.00.
- No splitting debts owed to one creditor by the same person; amounts over the limit must be waived.
- Over $10,000 up to $15,000: regular justice court civil action.
For what it means when a court can order only money, or something else, see What Judges Can Actually Order.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Nevada?
| Amount claimed | State base fee | Las Vegas Justice Court all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $1,000 | $45 | $66 |
| $1,000.01–$2,500 | $65 | $86 |
| $2,500.01–$5,000 | $85 | $106 |
| $5,000.01–$7,500 | $125 | $146 |
| $7,500.01–$10,000 | $175 | $196 |
- No answer fee for a defendant appearing in a small claims case.
- Writ of execution/garnishment: $25. Notice of appeal and bond: $25 under NRS 4.060(1)(h); Las Vegas Justice Court also lists a $47 district court appeal filing fee. Totals vary by court, so check with the clerk.
Who can sue in Nevada small claims?
- Lawyers are allowed but not required (AOC article). No attorney's fees are awarded to either side, with narrow exceptions; prevailing party on appeal gets up to $15 attorney fee.
Where do I file a small claim in Nevada?
File in the township where the defendant lives, works or does business. For an injury to a person or property, you can also file where it happened.
- The defendant's home, work or business counts if it was there when the claim arose or when you file.
- For a contract to be performed at a particular place, you can also file in the township where it is or was to be performed.
- Jurisdiction challenges must be based on NRS 73.010.
How to file in Nevada: the basic steps
- Pick the justice court township where the defendant lives, works or does business (or where the injury happened or a contract was to be performed).
- Fill out the affidavit of small claims complaint: the amount owed, a short reason, and that the court has jurisdiction. Swear it before the justice of the peace or a Nevada notary.
- File and pay the fee: $45 to $175 state base depending on the claim, plus local fees.
- The court sets the trial date when you file, no more than 90 days out without good cause.
- You serve the papers through a sheriff, constable, licensed process server or any adult who isn't a party, at least 14 days before trial, and file proof of service right away.
- Go to trial. The defendant doesn't file a written answer but must appear.
- Either side can appeal to district court within 7 calendar days of service of the judgment, with an appeal bond.
Nevada small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Nevada?
$10,000 or less, for money only (NRS 73.010). You can't split a debt to fit, and any amount over the limit must be waived.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Nevada?
The state base fee is $45 up to $1,000, rising to $175 for $7,500.01 to $10,000. Counties add local fees; in Las Vegas Justice Court the all-in fees run $66 to $196. There's no answer fee.
Where do I file a small claim in Nevada?
In a justice court township where the defendant lives, does business or is employed, or where the injury happened, or where a contract was to be performed.
Who serves the papers in Nevada small claims?
You do, through a sheriff, constable, licensed process server or any non-party aged 18 or older, at least 14 days before trial.
How long do I have to appeal in Nevada small claims?
7 calendar days from service of the judgment, to district court. An appeal bond is required.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Nevada?
No. Lawyers are allowed but not required, and a business can be represented by its director, officer or employee.
Does the defendant file an answer in Nevada small claims?
No written answer is required. The order tells the defendant to appear at trial, and a no-show may lose by default.
Sources
- NRS: CHAPTER 73 - SMALL CLAIMS
- NRS: CHAPTER 4 - JUSTICE COURTS
- Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure
- Nevada AOC article
- Clark County Justice Court, NV
- Clark County Justice Court, NV
All checked 2026-10-11.
Related guides: Ready to sue · Just got sued · Small claims court basics · 10 things to do before you sue · How to save text messages as evidence · Sued in small claims? What to do next
Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists).
How much should I ask for in Nevada small claims?
Ask for what you can prove: receipts, invoices, estimates and a simple running total. If your loss is bigger than the Nevada limit described above, look closely at your options before filing, because what happens to the extra amount depends on your court's rules. Our guide to how much you can sue for in small claims explains the basics, and the damages calculator (free quick total; the itemized version is in your Playbook) helps you add up your numbers.
What's in the Nevada Playbook section
- Small claims court by Nevada county
- Small claims court in Clark County (Las Vegas)
- Filing online
- Mediation
- How to serve the other side in Nevada
- What to expect at your Nevada small claims hearing
- Appeals in Nevada small claims
- Collecting after you win in Nevada
Want the whole game plan for Nevada? The Small Claims 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 membership covers all our state guides. See the Playbook
Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer — but if your situation is complicated, does not fit our samples, or a deadline is close, you may want to call a lawyer.
Small Claims Coach uses public information to build the Playbook, which coaches you as you organize and present your own case. We are not your lawyer, there is no attorney-client relationship, and we don't want the details of your case.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.