What it costs to file in North Carolina
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
| Claim up to | Fee | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $96 | N.C. Gen. Stat. §7A-305(a) |
More about North Carolina
Common questions
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in North Carolina?
- $96 for a claim up to $10,000. That comes from N.C. Gen. Stat. §7A-305(a).
- How much can you claim in small claims court in North Carolina?
- 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 N.C. Gen. Stat. §7A-210(1).
- Which court handles small claims in North Carolina?
- Small Claims Court, District Court Division. A magistrate hears small claims in the county where the other side lives. Some counties set a ceiling below $10,000 by local rule; the clerk of superior court can tell you your county's limit.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in North Carolina?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-52(1), (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 North Carolina'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 2025-06-26.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. §7A-305(a) · effective 2017-07-31 · The filing fee for a small claim is $96, made up of an $80 court fee, a $12 facilities fee, and a $4 technology fee.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.