The small claims limit in District of Columbia
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.
| 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 |
More about District of Columbia
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.
- 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 pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
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.
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