Wyoming Small Claims Playbook: Filing, Service, Hearing and Collecting
Quick answer: Wyoming has no separate small claims court; small claims is a simpler procedure in the Circuit Court of every county. You can claim up to $6,000, not counting costs, and filing costs a flat $10. You must ask the other side to pay before you file. There's no jury, and either side can appeal to district court on questions of law only; ask the clerk about the deadline. Check your court's rules.
How small claims works in Wyoming
Wyoming has no separate small claims court. Small claims is a simpler procedure inside the Circuit Court, under W.S. 1-21-201 to 1-21-205 and the Rules and Forms Governing Small Claims Cases. The same limit, $10 fee and forms (SC 01 to SC 07) apply in the circuit court of every county.
Checked October 2026. Official sources are listed under Sources below.
What is the small claims limit in Wyoming?
$6,000 or less, not counting costs (W.S. 1-21-201). Small claims is for money only, and you must have asked the other side to pay and been refused before you file (W.S. 1-21-202(a)). If your claim is bigger, you can give up the amount over $6,000 or file your case in another court. Ask the clerk whether interest and attorney fees count toward the $6,000; check your court's rules.
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 Wyoming?
The filing fee is a flat $10 for any claim up to $6,000 (Small Claims Rule 3; W.S. 5-9-135). Service is paid separately, for each defendant.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $10 |
| Defendant's answer | None needed, no fee |
| Service by the sheriff | Set by each county, up to $50 for the first three tries (W.S. 18-3-608) |
| Service by a private process server | The server's own fee, where one is available |
| Service by certified mail from the court | check your court's rules |
Ask the circuit clerk which payment methods they accept. The winner is usually awarded the $10 filing fee and service fees in the judgment. For a fee waiver in small claims, ask the circuit clerk and check your court's rules.
Do I need a lawyer, and can a business sue in Wyoming?
No, you don't need a lawyer, and yes, a business can sue.
- People, businesses, the state and other government bodies can sue (W.S. 1-21-202(a)).
- You don't need a lawyer, but you can have one. If one side brings a lawyer, the other side can ask for a delay (a continuance) to get one (W.S. 1-21-202(b)).
- A business can sue in small claims without a lawyer. Corporations, partnerships, associations and other organizations can appear in person or through authorized employees (W.S. 1-21-202(b)). For LLCs and what proof of authority the clerk wants, check your court's rules.
- For how a minor sues or is sued, check your court's rules.
Where do I file a small claim in Wyoming?
File at the circuit court in the county where the defendant has an address, or where the claim (or part of it) arose (Small Claims Rule 4; see W.S. 1-21-203(b)). Use the Wyoming Judicial Branch Find a Court page to get the clerk's address and phone number.
Small claims court by Wyoming county
In every Wyoming county, you file at the circuit court in the county where the defendant has an address or where the claim arose. The ten largest counties, largest first (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 estimates):
- Laramie County
- Natrona County
- Campbell County
- Sweetwater County
- Fremont County
- Albany County
- Sheridan County
- Park County
- Teton County
- Lincoln County
Wyoming small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Wyoming?
$6,000 or less, not counting costs (W.S. 1-21-201). Small claims is for money only.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Wyoming?
A flat $10, plus a service fee. Sheriff service is set by each county, up to $50 for the first three tries.
Where do I file small claims in Wyoming?
The circuit court in the county where the defendant has an address, or where the claim arose.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Wyoming?
No. You can represent yourself. If the other side brings a lawyer, you can ask for a delay to get one.
Can a business sue in Wyoming small claims?
Yes. Corporations, partnerships, associations and other organizations can sue in person or through authorized employees, without a lawyer.
Where do I find Wyoming small claims forms?
Use SC 01 Small Claims Affidavit and SC 02 Small Claims Summons from the Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms page, Small Claims tab.
Can I appeal a Wyoming small claims judgment?
Yes, on questions of law only. Ask the clerk about the deadline and cost. The district court reviews questions of law only; there's no new trial.
Sources
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: Small Claims
- Rules and Forms Governing Small Claims Cases
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: Self-Help Forms
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: Find a Court
- Wyoming Statutes Title 1 (W.S. 1-21-201 to 1-21-205)
- Wyoming Statutes Title 5 (W.S. 5-9-135, fees)
Checked October 2026.
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).
What's in the Wyoming Playbook section
- How to file in Wyoming: the basic steps
- How much should I ask for in Wyoming small claims?
- Who can appear in Wyoming small claims
- Where to file in Wyoming
- Wyoming small claims forms and fees
- Serving the defendant: options and fees
- How to file a small claim in Wyoming, step by step (made-up example)
- Wyoming small claims checklist
- Wyoming small claims timeline and deadlines
- What to expect at your Wyoming small claims hearing
- Appeals in Wyoming small claims
- Collecting after you win in Wyoming
Want the whole game plan for Wyoming? The Wyoming 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.