San Bernardino County Small Claims Court (CA): Where to File

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This independent guide covers small claims cases in San Bernardino County, California, including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Victorville, Rialto, Hesperia, Chino, Upland, Redlands, Barstow and Needles. Small Claims Coach is not the court; we link to the court's official pages throughout.

Checked on 2026-10-27 against the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino website and the Code of Civil Procedure. Sources are listed below. Jump to court addresses and phones ↓ For the statewide rules, see our California small claims guide.

San Bernardino County small claims court: the Superior Court

• Court: Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino.
• A judge hears your case. If both sides agree at the hearing, a temporary judge (a lawyer sworn in by the court) may hear it instead.
• Limit: a natural person can't ask for more than $12,500; businesses and other entities can't ask for more than $6,250. Guarantors: $8,125 ($3,125 if they do not charge for the guarantee).
• You can file any number of claims up to $2,500, but only 2 claims a calendar year that ask for more than $2,500.
• Lawyers: you may ask a lawyer for advice before court, but you can't have a lawyer with you in court.

Which courthouse do I file in?

• Common reasons to file at a courthouse: where the defendant lives or does business, where the accident happened, or where the contract was entered into or broken.
• If you file in the wrong court, the court will dismiss the claim unless all defendants personally appear at the hearing and agree.
• The court says "The rules don't allow you to pick the courthouse closest to where you live".
• Only four courthouses list small claims: Fontana, Barstow, Joshua Tree and Needles. The San Bernardino Justice Center, Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville courthouses are not listed for small claims; those cities' cases go to Fontana or Barstow.
• If your city or area isn't listed below, call the Fontana small claims line at (909) 350-9322 before you file.

Addresses, phone numbers and hours

Hours: clerk's offices 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. From the court's Where Can I File? page.

How much does small claims cost in San Bernardino County?

From the court's Small Claims page:

• $1,500 or less: $30
• $1,500.01 to $5,000: $50
• $5,000.01 to $12,500: $75
• More than 12 claims in California in the previous 12 months: $100
• Service by certified mail (clerk): $15 per defendant; a fee waiver does not cover it
• Notice of Appeal: $75
• Motion to Vacate: $20
• Request to Postpone Hearing: $10

• Fees can change; confirm with the small claims line before you file.

Can I e-file in San Bernardino County?

Yes. The court says "San Bernardino County also offers Small Claims eFiling". We didn't confirm the eFiling steps or fees; check the court's eFiling page or call (909) 350-9322.

San Bernardino County small claims forms: the Plaintiff's Claim (SC-100)

You start the case with the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100). Use SC-100 Question 5 to pick the court. See the court's Small Claims page.

How to file in San Bernardino County, step by step

1. Make sure your claim is within the limit ($12,500 for a person, $6,250 for a business).
2. Find the right courthouse using the areas-served lists.
3. Fill out the SC-100 and file it with the fee.
4. Have the defendant served. You can't do this yourself: use an adult non-party, a registered process server, the Sheriff, or certified mail by the clerk ($15).
5. Personal service must be done at least 15 days before trial (20 days if the defendant lives outside the county). File Proofs of Service 5 days before the hearing.
6. Go to your hearing with your evidence.
7. Defendant lost? You may appeal. The court fee for a Notice of Appeal is $75; the deadline is in our California guide.

How to look up a San Bernardino County small claims case

• Use the court's Court Access Portal for case information and documents.
• If you can't find your case, call the small claims line for your district (Fontana (909) 350-9322; Barstow (760) 718-3734).

What does it cost to collect a judgment?

Winning doesn't mean you get paid automatically. Court fees for collection: Writ $40, Abstract $40, Order of Examination $60 (court's Small Claims page).

Fee waivers and venue changes

• Can't afford the fees? Ask the clerk about a fee waiver. It does not cover the $15 certified-mail service fee.
• Wrong court: the claim will be dismissed unless all defendants appear and agree.

Coach's Tips for San Bernardino County

• Don't pick your nearest courthouse. Use SC-100 Question 5 and the areas-served lists, not your own home address.
• Count the service days. 15 days before trial in the county, 20 days outside it.
• Watch the two-a-year rule. Only 2 claims over $2,500 per calendar year.

San Bernardino County small claims checklist

• My claim is within the limit.
• I found the right district courthouse.
• My SC-100 is filled out.
• I budgeted the filing fee and service.
• Service will be done in time, and I'll file the Proof of Service 5 days before the hearing.
• My evidence is organized.

San Bernardino County small claims FAQ

What is the small claims limit in San Bernardino County?

A natural person can't ask for more than $12,500. Businesses and other entities can't ask for more than $6,250.

How much does it cost to file small claims in San Bernardino County?

$30 for $1,500 or less, $50 for $1,500.01 to $5,000, and $75 for $5,000.01 to $12,500. It's $100 if you filed more than 12 claims in California in the previous 12 months.

How many days before trial must the defendant be served in San Bernardino County?

For personal service on a defendant who lives in the county, at least 15 days before the trial date; 20 days if the defendant lives outside the county.

Which courthouses hear small claims in San Bernardino County?

Small claims are filed at four Superior Court districts: Fontana, Barstow, Joshua Tree and Needles. Each district serves a list of cities and areas.

Can I file San Bernardino small claims at the courthouse closest to me?

No. The court says the rules don't allow you to pick the courthouse closest to where you live. Use Question 5 on form SC-100 and the court's list of areas served.

What form starts a small claims case in San Bernardino County?

You file the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-100). A business may also need an Authorization to Appear (form SC-109).

How does a defendant file a claim back in San Bernardino small claims?

The defendant can file a Defendant's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-120).

Where do San Bernardino city small claims cases go?

San Bernardino city is in the Fontana District's area list, so those small claims are filed at the Fontana District, 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana.

Sources

• San Bernardino Superior Court: Small Claims
• San Bernardino Superior Court: Where Can I File?
• Court Locations and Phone Numbers

Checked 2026-10-27.

More for California: California small claims guide · Ready to sue · Just got sued · How to serve small claims papers · What to say on hearing day

Free: the Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists).

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This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.