Small claims in Oregon
The court
- Circuit Court, Small Claims Department
- The small claims department of the circuit court in the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Every county has one.
- Justice Court, Small Claims Department
- In counties that have a justice court, a small claim can be filed there instead. Same limit, lower filing fee.
The most you can claim
| Court | Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court, Small Claims Department | An individual | $10,000 | ORS 46.405(3) |
| Circuit Court, Small Claims Department | A business | $10,000 | ORS 46.405(3) |
| Circuit Court, Small Claims Department | A public agency | $10,000 | ORS 46.405(3) |
| Justice Court, Small Claims Department | An individual | $10,000 | ORS 52.750(3) |
| Justice Court, Small Claims Department | A business | $10,000 | ORS 52.750(3) |
| Justice Court, Small Claims Department | A public agency | $10,000 | ORS 52.750(3) |
What it costs to file
The fee runs from $57 to $102, set by the size of the claim.
ORS 46.570 · The filing fee is $57 for a claim of $2,500 or less and $102 for a larger claim.
How long you have
The shortest window in this state is 2 years from the day the damage happened.
ORS 12.110(1) · A claim for harm caused by someone's carelessness must be filed within two years. Damage to personal property can have a six-year window under ORS 12.080, but this tool uses the shorter one.
Also worth knowing
- A claim against the state, a city, a county, a school district, or another public body needs a written notice of claim to that body within 180 days of the loss before it can go to court. ORS 30.275(2)(b)
Does small claims fit your dispute in Oregon?
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 Oregon?
- In the Circuit Court, Small Claims Department, an individual can claim up to $10,000. In the Circuit Court, Small Claims Department, a business can claim up to $10,000. In the Circuit Court, Small Claims Department, a public agency can claim up to $10,000. In the Justice Court, Small Claims Department, an individual can claim up to $10,000. In the Justice Court, Small Claims Department, a business can claim up to $10,000. In the Justice Court, Small Claims Department, a public agency can claim up to $10,000. That comes from ORS 46.405(3), ORS 52.750(3).
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Oregon?
- $57 for a claim up to $2,500. $102 for a claim up to $10,000. That comes from ORS 46.570.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Oregon?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under ORS 12.110(1). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
- Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Oregon?
- Yes. Oregon expects you to have asked for payment first, under ORS 46.425(2)(b). The demand letter is the usual way to do that.
- Which court handles small claims in Oregon?
- Circuit Court, Small Claims Department. The small claims department of the circuit court in the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Every county has one. Justice Court, Small Claims Department. In counties that have a justice court, a small claim can be filed there instead. Same limit, lower filing fee.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Oregon'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 2020-01-01.
- ORS 46.405(3) · effective 2020-01-01 · The small claims department of the circuit court hears claims for money or property worth up to $10,000. Claims of $750 or less must be brought there.
- ORS 52.750(3) · effective 2011-07-01 · Where a county has a justice court, its small claims department also hears claims of up to $10,000.
- ORS 46.570 · effective 2019-10-01 · The filing fee is $57 for a claim of $2,500 or less and $102 for a larger claim.
- ORS 12.110(1) · effective 1987-09-27 · A claim for harm caused by someone's carelessness must be filed within two years. Damage to personal property can have a six-year window under ORS 12.080, but this tool uses the shorter one.
- ORS 46.425(2)(b) · effective 2015-05-20 · Before filing, you must make a good faith effort to collect from the other side, and your claim form states under penalty of perjury that you did. A dated written demand is the usual proof.
- ORS 30.275(2)(b) · effective 2009-07-01 · A claim against the state, a city, a county, or another public body needs a written notice of claim within 180 days of the loss.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.