Pennsylvania Small Claims Playbook: Filing, Service, Hearing and Collecting
Quick answer: Pennsylvania small claims have a $12,000 limit, not counting interest and costs. Outside Philadelphia you file a Civil Complaint at a Magisterial District Court; 2026 costs run $68.50 to $171 plus postage. Philadelphia has its own Municipal Court small claims office and fees. You don't need a lawyer.
How small claims works in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has two systems for small money claims, both with a $12,000 limit. Outside Philadelphia, you file a civil complaint at a Magisterial District Court, under statewide rules, forms and costs. In Philadelphia, you file at Philadelphia Municipal Court – Small Claims, which has its own office, fees and appeal steps.
Checked October 2026. Sources: official sources are linked in each section and under Official links below.
What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?
$12,000, not counting interest and costs, in both Magisterial District Courts and Philadelphia Municipal Court.
- Magisterial District Courts: $12,000, not counting interest and costs (42 Pa.C.S. § 1515). You can give up the amount over the limit, but that waiver can be undone if the defendant appeals.
- Philadelphia Municipal Court: $12,000, not counting interest and costs. It can't hear claims against a Commonwealth party such as SEPTA. It hears money claims only.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Pennsylvania?
Outside Philadelphia, 2026 (204 Pa. Code § 29.402):
- $500 or less: $68.50
- More than $500, up to $2,000: $91.00
- More than $2,000, up to $4,000: $114.00
- $4,001–$12,000: $171.00
Postage and registered mail are extra. Sheriff or constable service charges: check your court's rules. If you can't afford the costs, ask about the In Forma Pauperis petition.
Philadelphia Municipal Court, one defendant:
- Served in Philadelphia (includes $27 service): $94.75 for $0 to $2,000; $116.75 for $2,000.01 to $12,000
- Out of Philadelphia or private service: $67.75 for $0 to $2,000; $89.75 for $2,000.01 to $12,000
Add $5.50 for each additional name (except husband and wife), $27 for each additional Philadelphia service, and $45 per service in Pennsylvania outside Philadelphia. You can ask to file without paying the initial fee if you can't afford it. Check with the clerk for current fees.
Where do I file a small claim in Pennsylvania?
- Outside Philadelphia: the magisterial district where the defendant can be served, or where the claim arose or the transaction happened (Rule 302). Find the office with the UJS court directory.
- Philadelphia: the first filing office, 10th floor, 1339 Chestnut Street. Court interviewers help with the papers but don't give legal advice.
How to file in Pennsylvania: the basic steps
Outside Philadelphia, you file the Civil Complaint (AOPC 308A) in the right magisterial district and pay the costs, and the court sets a hearing 12 to 60 days after filing.
- Pick the right magisterial district (or the Philadelphia filing office).
- Get the defendant's exact name and street address. Check business names with the PA Corporation Bureau.
- Fill out the Civil Complaint (AOPC 308A).
- File and pay the costs. The court sets a hearing 12 to 60 days after filing.
- The court arranges service by sheriff, constable or certified mail at least 10 days before the hearing.
- Go to the hearing. The judge decides at the hearing or within 5 days.
Small claims court by Pennsylvania county
The ten largest counties, largest first. Outside Philadelphia, every county uses the same $12,000 limit, form, cost table, venue rule and 30-day appeal. Local sheriff or constable service costs aren't listed yet: check your court's rules. County guides are coming soon.
| County | Filing cost | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $67.75–$116.75 (one defendant) | Phila. Municipal Court – Small Claims, 1339 Chestnut St |
| Allegheny | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| Montgomery | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| Bucks | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| Delaware | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| Lancaster | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| Chester | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| York | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| Berks | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
| Lehigh | $68.50–$171 + postage | Magisterial District Courts |
Pennsylvania small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?
$12,000, not counting interest and costs, in both Magisterial District Courts and Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Pennsylvania?
Outside Philadelphia in 2026, costs are $68.50 up to $500, $91.00 up to $2,000, $114.00 up to $4,000, and $171.00 for $4,001–$12,000, plus postage. Philadelphia Municipal Court has its own fees.
What form do I use for small claims in Pennsylvania?
Outside Philadelphia, the Civil Complaint (AOPC 308A). In Philadelphia, court interviewers at the filing office help with the papers.
When is the hearing in Pennsylvania small claims?
Outside Philadelphia, the court sets a hearing 12 to 60 days after filing, and the judge decides at the hearing or within 5 days.
How long do I have to appeal in Pennsylvania small claims?
Outside Philadelphia, 30 days. Philadelphia Municipal Court has its own appeal steps.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Pennsylvania?
No. You can file and present your own case in Magisterial District Court or, in Philadelphia, Municipal Court. Court staff can't give legal advice. Outside Philadelphia, a business can send an officer or partner, or an employee with personal knowledge of the case and written authorization filed with the court (Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 207). In Philadelphia, check the court's rules. If your case is complicated or a deadline is close, you may want to talk to a lawyer.
Official links
- Philadelphia Municipal Court small claims filing fees (PDF)
- UJS forms for the public
- Pennsylvania minor courts
- Philadelphia Municipal Court small claims information (PDF)
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
Other states: pick your state on the map. Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists). Go deeper: preview the Playbook.
What's in the Pennsylvania Playbook section
- Can a business sue in Pennsylvania small claims?
- How much should I ask for in Pennsylvania small claims?
- Where to file in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania small claims forms and fees
- Serving the defendant: options and fees
- How to file a small claim in Pennsylvania, step by step (made-up example)
- Pennsylvania small claims checklist
- Pennsylvania small claims timeline and deadlines
- What to expect at your Pennsylvania small claims hearing
- Appeals in Pennsylvania small claims
- Collecting after you win in Pennsylvania
Want the whole game plan for Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania 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
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.