What it costs to file in New York
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
| Claim up to | Fee | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $15 | N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1803(a) |
| $10,000 | $20 | N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1803(a) |
| Claim up to | Fee | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $15 | N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1803(a) |
| $5,000 | $20 | N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1803(a) |
| Claim up to | Fee | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $10 | N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1803(a) |
| $3,000 | $15 | N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1803(a) |
More about New York
Common questions
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in New York?
- $15 for a claim up to $1,000. $20 for a claim up to $10,000. That comes from N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1803(a).
- How much can you claim in small claims court in New York?
- In the New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part, an individual can claim up to $10,000. In the New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part, a public agency can claim up to $10,000. In the City Court, Small Claims Part, an individual can claim up to $5,000. In the City Court, Small Claims Part, a public agency can claim up to $5,000. In the Town or Village Justice Court, an individual can claim up to $3,000. In the Town or Village Justice Court, a public agency can claim up to $3,000. That comes from N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1801, N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1801, N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1801.
- Which court handles small claims in New York?
- New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part. For disputes inside the five boroughs of New York City. City Court, Small Claims Part. For cities outside New York City. Town or Village Justice Court. For towns and villages outside cities.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in New York?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under N.Y. CPLR 214(4). 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 York'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 2026-02-20.
- N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1803(a) · effective 2023-07-07 · The filing fee is $15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 for larger claims.
- N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1803(a) · effective 2024-01-05 · The filing fee is $15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 for larger claims.
- N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1803(a) · effective 2022-09-02 · The filing fee is $10 for claims up to $1,000 and $15 for larger claims.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.