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

An individual can claim up to $7,500. A business can claim up to $7,500. A public agency can claim up to $7,500. That comes from C.R.S. 13-6-403(1).

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

$31 for a claim up to $500. $55 for a claim up to $7,500. That comes from C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(c)(IV)(A), (C); JDF 1.

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

The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

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

No, Colorado does not require it, per Colorado Judicial Branch, Cases for $7,500 or Less. 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 Colorado?

County Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the county court in the county where the other side lives, works, or does business.

Small claims in Colorado

The court

County Court, Small Claims Division: The small claims division of the county court in the county where the other side lives, works, or does business.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in Colorado
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$7,500	C.R.S. 13-6-403(1)
A business	$7,500	C.R.S. 13-6-403(1)
A public agency	$7,500	C.R.S. 13-6-403(1)

What it costs to file

The fee runs from $31 to $55, set by the size of the claim.

C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(c)(IV)(A), (C); JDF 1 · The filing fee is $31 for claims up to $500 and $55 for claims from $500.01 to $7,500.

How long you have

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

C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a) · A claim for damage to your property caused by carelessness or trespass must be filed within two years of the damage.

Also worth knowing

A claim against the state, a city, a county, a school district, or another public body needs a written notice filed with that body within 182 days of when you discovered the injury or damage, or the claim is barred. C.R.S. 24-10-109(1)

Does small claims fit your dispute in Colorado?

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 Colorado?: An individual can claim up to $7,500. A business can claim up to $7,500. A public agency can claim up to $7,500. That comes from C.R.S. 13-6-403(1).
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Colorado?: $31 for a claim up to $500. $55 for a claim up to $7,500. That comes from C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(c)(IV)(A), (C); JDF 1.
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Colorado?: The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Colorado?: No, Colorado does not require it, per Colorado Judicial Branch, Cases for $7,500 or Less. 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 Colorado?: County Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the county court in the county where the other side lives, works, or does business.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Colorado'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 2023-08-14.

C.R.S. 13-6-403(1) · effective 2001-09-01 · The small claims division of the county court hears money and personal property claims of up to $7,500, not counting interest and costs.
C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(c)(IV)(A), (C); JDF 1 · effective 2023-08-14 · The filing fee is $31 for claims up to $500 and $55 for claims from $500.01 to $7,500.
C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a) · effective 1986-07-01 · A claim for damage to your property caused by carelessness or trespass must be filed within two years of the damage.
Colorado Judicial Branch, Cases for $7,500 or Less · effective 2026-09-05 · Colorado does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. Asking first is still the usual first step.
C.R.S. 24-10-109(1) · effective 2022-01-01 · A claim against a public body or its employee must be preceded by a written notice filed with that body within 182 days of discovering the injury or damage, or it is barred.

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