What it costs to file in Virginia
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
Set by each court
This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.
More about Virginia
Common questions
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Virginia?
- Virginia does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Virginia?
- An individual can claim up to $5,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from Va. Code §16.1-122.2.
- Which court handles small claims in Virginia?
- General District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the general district court for the county or city where the defendant lives or the claim arose.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Virginia?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under Va. Code §8.01-246(2), (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 Virginia'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 2024-07-01.
- Virginia Judicial System, Self-Help · effective 2026-09-05 · Virginia does not require a written demand before filing a small claims case. The filing fee varies by court; the clerk of your general district court has the exact amount.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.