The small claims limit in Oregon
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.
| 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) |
More about Oregon
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).
- 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.
- 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.
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.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.