FairSquare

What it costs to file in South Dakota

The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.

What it costs to file in South Dakota
Claim up toFeeRule
$100$24.84S.D. Unified Judicial System, Schedule of Court Costs (civil filings)
$1,000$30.84S.D. Unified Judicial System, Schedule of Court Costs (civil filings)
$3,999.99$40.84S.D. Unified Judicial System, Schedule of Court Costs (civil filings)
$12,000$42.84S.D. Unified Judicial System, Schedule of Court Costs (civil filings)

More about South Dakota

Common questions

What does it cost to file a small claims claim in South Dakota?
$24.84 for a claim up to $100. $30.84 for a claim up to $1,000. $40.84 for a claim up to $3,999.99. $42.84 for a claim up to $12,000. That comes from S.D. Unified Judicial System, Schedule of Court Costs (civil filings).
How much can you claim in small claims court in South Dakota?
An individual can claim up to $12,000. A business can claim up to $12,000. A public agency can claim up to $12,000. That comes from SDCL 15-39-45.1.
Which court handles small claims in South Dakota?
Circuit Court, Small Claims. The clerk of courts in the county where the other side lives or where the loss happened. A circuit or magistrate judge hears the case.
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in South Dakota?
The shortest window is 4 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under SDCL 57A-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 South Dakota's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.

Open the court's small claims page

Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2026-07-13.

FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.