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

An individual can claim up to $20,000. A business can claim up to $20,000. A public agency can claim up to $20,000. That comes from Minn. Stat. 491A.01 subd. 3a.

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

Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

The shortest window is 4 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under Minn. Stat. 336.2-725(1). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

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

No, Minnesota does not require it, per Minnesota Judicial Branch, Conciliation Court. 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 Minnesota?

Conciliation Court. The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Minnesota calls it conciliation court.

Small claims in Minnesota

The court

Conciliation Court: The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Minnesota calls it conciliation court.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in Minnesota
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$20,000	Minn. Stat. 491A.01 subd. 3a
A business	$20,000	Minn. Stat. 491A.01 subd. 3a
A public agency	$20,000	Minn. Stat. 491A.01 subd. 3a

What it costs to file

This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own. Reported amounts run between $65 and $80.

Minn. Stat. 357.022 · The base filing fee is $65. Counties may add a library surcharge, so the total is usually between $65 and $80. Your county court's fee page has the exact amount.

How long you have

The shortest window in this state is 4 years from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken.

Minn. Stat. 336.2-725(1) · A claim about a sale of goods must be filed within four years of the breach.

Also worth knowing

A claim for damages against a city, county, school district, or other municipality usually needs a written notice presented to its governing body within 180 days of when you discovered the loss. Claims against the state have a similar 180-day notice step. Minn. Stat. 466.05 subd. 1

Does small claims fit your dispute in Minnesota?

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 Minnesota?: An individual can claim up to $20,000. A business can claim up to $20,000. A public agency can claim up to $20,000. That comes from Minn. Stat. 491A.01 subd. 3a.
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Minnesota?: Minnesota 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 Minnesota?: The shortest window is 4 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under Minn. Stat. 336.2-725(1). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Minnesota?: No, Minnesota does not require it, per Minnesota Judicial Branch, Conciliation Court. 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 Minnesota?: Conciliation Court. The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Minnesota calls it conciliation court.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Minnesota'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 2024-08-01.

Minn. Stat. 491A.01 subd. 3a · effective 2024-08-01 · Conciliation court hears money claims of up to $20,000. A claim about a consumer credit transaction is capped at $4,000.
Minn. Stat. 357.022 · effective 2009-07-01 · The base filing fee is $65. Counties may add a library surcharge, so the total is usually between $65 and $80. Your county court's fee page has the exact amount.
Minn. Stat. 336.2-725(1) · effective 1993-08-01 · A claim about a sale of goods must be filed within four years of the breach.
Minnesota Judicial Branch, Conciliation Court · effective 2026-09-05 · Minnesota does not require a written demand before filing in conciliation court. Asking first is still the usual first step.
Minn. Stat. 466.05 subd. 1 · effective 1991-08-01 · A claim for damages against a city, county, school district, or other municipality needs a written notice presented to its governing body within 180 days of when the loss was discovered.

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