What it costs to file in New Jersey
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
| Claim up to | Fee | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $35 | NJ Courts, Small Claims Court self-help |
More about New Jersey
Common questions
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in New Jersey?
- $35 for a claim up to $5,000. That comes from NJ Courts, Small Claims Court self-help.
- How much can you claim in small claims court in New Jersey?
- An individual can claim up to $5,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from NJ Courts, Small Claims Court self-help.
- Which court handles small claims in New Jersey?
- Special Civil Part, Small Claims Section. New Jersey's small claims section of the Special Civil Part, in the county where the other side lives or does business.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in New Jersey?
- The shortest window is 4 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under N.J.S.A. 12A: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 New Jersey'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 2024-01-01.
- NJ Courts, Small Claims Court self-help · effective 2026-09-05 · New Jersey's small claims court hears money claims of up to $5,000, including a return of a security deposit. The filing fee is $35 for one defendant, plus $5 for each additional defendant. New Jersey does not require a written demand before filing a small claim; asking first is still the usual first step.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.