The small claims limit in Minnesota
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 | $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 |
More about Minnesota
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
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.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.