How much can you claim in small claims court in Alabama?

An individual can claim up to $6,000. A business can claim up to $6,000. A public agency can claim up to $6,000. That comes from Ala. Code §12-12-31(a).

What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Alabama?

Alabama does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.

How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Alabama?

The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under Ala. Code §6-2-38(l). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Alabama?

No, Alabama does not require it, per Alabama Judicial System, A Guide to Alabama Small Claims Courts. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.

Which court handles small claims in Alabama?

District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or has an office.

Small claims in Alabama

The court

District Court, Small Claims Division: The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or has an office.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in Alabama
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$6,000	Ala. Code §12-12-31(a)
A business	$6,000	Ala. Code §12-12-31(a)
A public agency	$6,000	Ala. Code §12-12-31(a)

What it costs to file

This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.

Ala. Code §12-19-71(a) · The statewide docket fee is $35 for claims up to $1,500 and $109 for claims up to $3,000, and counties add local charges on top. Your county's district court clerk has the total.

How long you have

The shortest window in this state is 2 years from the day the damage happened.

Ala. Code §6-2-38(l) · A claim for damage to your property caused by carelessness must be filed within two years of the damage. Some property claims have a longer window; this is the shorter one.

Also worth knowing

A claim against a city or town in Alabama has to be presented to the city clerk first: within six months of the event for a damage claim, and within two years for other claims. Ala. Code §11-47-23

Does small claims fit your dispute in Alabama?

Pick what it is about. The next screens ask the amount and the dates. Nothing is saved, and no account is needed.

The detail

The limit
The limit is the most the court can award on one claim. It depends on who is claiming, and in some states on which court hears it.
What it costs
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
How long you have
Every kind of claim has its own window, counted from the day the clock started. Miss it and the court usually cannot hear the claim.

Common questions

How much can you claim in small claims court in Alabama?: An individual can claim up to $6,000. A business can claim up to $6,000. A public agency can claim up to $6,000. That comes from Ala. Code §12-12-31(a).
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Alabama?: Alabama does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Alabama?: The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under Ala. Code §6-2-38(l). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Alabama?: No, Alabama does not require it, per Alabama Judicial System, A Guide to Alabama Small Claims Courts. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.
Which court handles small claims in Alabama?: District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or has an office.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Alabama's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.

Open the court's small claims page

Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2019-09-01.

Ala. Code §12-12-31(a) · effective 2015-08-01 · The small claims docket of the district court hears money claims of up to $6,000, not counting interest and costs.
Ala. Code §12-19-71(a) · effective 2019-09-01 · The statewide docket fee is $35 for claims up to $1,500 and $109 for claims up to $3,000, and counties add local charges on top. Your county's district court clerk has the total.
Ala. Code §6-2-38(l) · effective 1985-01-01 · A claim for damage to your property caused by carelessness must be filed within two years of the damage. Some property claims have a longer window; this is the shorter one.
Alabama Judicial System, A Guide to Alabama Small Claims Courts · effective 2015-08-19 · Alabama does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. The court's guide still recommends asking for the money in writing first and keeping a copy.
Ala. Code §11-47-23 · effective 1975-01-01 · A claim against a city or town must be presented to the city clerk within six months of the event for a damage claim, and within two years for other claims, or it is barred.

FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.