How much can you claim in small claims court in District of Columbia?

An individual can claim up to $10,000. A business can claim up to $10,000. A public agency can claim up to $10,000. That comes from D.C. Code §11-1321.

What does it cost to file a small claims claim in District of Columbia?

$5 for a claim up to $500. $10 for a claim up to $2,500. $45 for a claim up to $10,000. That comes from D.C. Courts, Civil Filing Fees (Small Claims); D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202(a).

How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in District of Columbia?

The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under D.C. Code §12-301, simple contract. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

Do you have to ask for the money before filing in District of Columbia?

No, District of Columbia does not require it, per D.C. Courts, 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 District of Columbia?

Superior Court, Small Claims and Conciliation Branch. The small claims branch of the D.C. Superior Court, in Court Building B on 4th Street NW.

Small claims in District of Columbia

The court

Superior Court, Small Claims and Conciliation Branch: The small claims branch of the D.C. Superior Court, in Court Building B on 4th Street NW.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in District of Columbia
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$10,000	D.C. Code §11-1321
A business	$10,000	D.C. Code §11-1321
A public agency	$10,000	D.C. Code §11-1321

What it costs to file

The fee runs from $5 to $45, set by the size of the claim.

D.C. Courts, Civil Filing Fees (Small Claims); D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202(a) · The filing fee is $5 for claims up to $500, $10 for claims over $500 up to $2,500, and $45 for claims over $2,500 up to $10,000.

How long you have

The shortest window in this state is 3 years from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken.

D.C. Code §12-301, simple contract · A claim based on an ordinary agreement, written or spoken, must be filed within three years of when it was broken.

Also worth knowing

A claim against the District of Columbia for damage to property usually needs written notice to the Mayor within six months of the damage, stating the time, place, cause, and circumstances, before it can go to court. D.C. Code §12-309

Does small claims fit your dispute in District of Columbia?

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 District of Columbia?: An individual can claim up to $10,000. A business can claim up to $10,000. A public agency can claim up to $10,000. That comes from D.C. Code §11-1321.
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in District of Columbia?: $5 for a claim up to $500. $10 for a claim up to $2,500. $45 for a claim up to $10,000. That comes from D.C. Courts, Civil Filing Fees (Small Claims); D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202(a).
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in District of Columbia?: The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under D.C. Code §12-301, simple contract. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in District of Columbia?: No, District of Columbia does not require it, per D.C. Courts, 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 District of Columbia?: Superior Court, Small Claims and Conciliation Branch. The small claims branch of the D.C. Superior Court, in Court Building B on 4th Street NW.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open District of Columbia'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 2019-05-03.

D.C. Code §11-1321 · effective 2016-12-14 · The Small Claims and Conciliation Branch hears money claims of up to $10,000, not counting interest and costs.
D.C. Courts, Civil Filing Fees (Small Claims); D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202(a) · effective 2026-09-05 · The filing fee is $5 for claims up to $500, $10 for claims over $500 up to $2,500, and $45 for claims over $2,500 up to $10,000.
D.C. Code §12-301, simple contract · effective 2019-05-03 · A claim based on an ordinary agreement, written or spoken, must be filed within three years of when it was broken.
D.C. Courts, Small Claims · effective 2026-09-05 · The District of Columbia does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. Asking first is still the usual first step.
D.C. Code §12-309 · effective 2015-05-02 · A claim against the District of Columbia for damage to property needs written notice to the Mayor within six months of the damage, giving the time, place, cause, and circumstances.

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