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What it costs to file in District of Columbia

The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.

What it costs to file in District of Columbia
Claim up toFeeRule
$500$5D.C. Courts, Civil Filing Fees (Small Claims); D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202(a)
$2,500$10D.C. Courts, Civil Filing Fees (Small Claims); D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202(a)
$10,000$45D.C. Courts, Civil Filing Fees (Small Claims); D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202(a)

More about District of Columbia

Common questions

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 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.
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.
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.

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.

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