Small claims in Arizona
The court
- Justice Court, Small Claims Division
- The small claims division of the justice court for the precinct where the other side lives or where the dispute happened.
The most you can claim
| Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| An individual | $5,000 | A.R.S. §22-503(A) |
| A business | $5,000 | A.R.S. §22-503(A) |
| A public agency | $5,000 | A.R.S. §22-503(A) |
What it costs to file
This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.
A.R.S. §22-281(C) · The base small claims filing fee is $25, and counties add surcharges on top. Your justice court's fee page has the total.
How long you have
The shortest window in this state is 2 years from the day the damage happened.
A.R.S. §12-542(3) · A claim for damage to your property must be filed within two years of the damage.
Also worth knowing
- A claim against a city, county, school district, or state agency needs a written notice of claim filed with that body within 180 days of the event before it can go to court. A.R.S. §12-821.01(A)
Does small claims fit your dispute in Arizona?
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 Arizona?
- An individual can claim up to $5,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from A.R.S. §22-503(A).
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Arizona?
- Arizona 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 Arizona?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under A.R.S. §12-542(3). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
- Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Arizona?
- No, Arizona does not require it, per Arizona Judicial Branch, Self-Service Center, Small Claims. 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 Arizona?
- Justice Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the justice court for the precinct where the other side lives or where the dispute happened.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Arizona's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2025-09-26.
- A.R.S. §22-503(A) · effective 2025-09-26 · The small claims division of the justice court hears money claims of up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs.
- A.R.S. §22-281(C) · effective 1956-01-09 · The base small claims filing fee is $25, and counties add surcharges on top. Your justice court's fee page has the total.
- A.R.S. §12-542(3) · effective 1956-01-09 · A claim for damage to your property must be filed within two years of the damage.
- Arizona Judicial Branch, Self-Service Center, Small Claims · effective 2026-09-05 · Arizona does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. Asking first is still the usual first step.
- A.R.S. §12-821.01(A) · effective 2012-08-02 · A claim against a public body, public school, or public employee must be filed with that body within 180 days of the event, stating the facts and a specific settlement amount, or it is barred.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.