How much can you claim in small claims court in New Hampshire?

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 RSA 503:1.

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

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under RSA 508:4. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

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

No, New Hampshire does not require it, per NH Courts, Small Claims self-help. 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 New Hampshire?

Circuit Court, District Division, Small Claims. The district division of the circuit court for the town or city where the other side lives or does business.

Small claims in New Hampshire

The court

Circuit Court, District Division, Small Claims: The district division of the circuit court for the town or city where the other side lives or does business.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in New Hampshire
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$10,000	RSA 503:1
A business	$10,000	RSA 503:1
A public agency	$10,000	RSA 503:1

What it costs to file

This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.

RSA 503:4 · The entry fee is set by court rule and includes a mediation fund add-on: $5 for claims up to $5,000, $60 for larger claims. Your court's fee page has the exact total.

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.

RSA 508:4 · A claim on an agreement, written or spoken, or for damage to property, must be filed within three years of when it happened.

Also worth knowing

A claim against the State for property damage usually needs written notice to the agency within 180 days of the event, and the claim must be filed within 3 years. RSA 541-B:14

Does small claims fit your dispute in New Hampshire?

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 New Hampshire?: 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 RSA 503:1.
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in New Hampshire?: New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?: The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under RSA 508:4. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in New Hampshire?: No, New Hampshire does not require it, per NH Courts, Small Claims self-help. 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 New Hampshire?: Circuit Court, District Division, Small Claims. The district division of the circuit court for the town or city where the other side lives or does business.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open New Hampshire'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 2018-05-30.

RSA 503:1 · effective 2015-07-01 · New Hampshire's small claims process hears money claims of up to $10,000, not counting interest and costs.
RSA 503:4 · effective 2010-01-01 · The entry fee is set by court rule and includes a mediation fund add-on: $5 for claims up to $5,000, $60 for larger claims. Your court's fee page has the exact total.
RSA 508:4 · effective 1986-07-01 · A claim on an agreement, written or spoken, or for damage to property, must be filed within three years of when it happened.
NH Courts, Small Claims self-help · effective 2026-09-05 · New Hampshire does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. Asking first is still the usual first step.
RSA 541-B:14 · effective 2018-05-30 · A claim against the State for property damage or personal injury needs written notice to the agency within 180 days of the event, and must be filed within three years.

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