How much can you claim in small claims court in Washington?

An individual can claim up to $10,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from RCW 12.40.010.

What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Washington?

Washington does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.

How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Washington?

The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under RCW 4.16.080(2), (3). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Washington?

No, Washington does not require it, per Washington Courts, Small Claims Court. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.

Which court handles small claims in Washington?

District Court, Small Claims. The small claims department of the district court in the county where the other side lives.

Small claims in Washington

The court

District Court, Small Claims: The small claims department of the district court in the county where the other side lives.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in Washington
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$10,000	RCW 12.40.010
A business	$5,000	RCW 12.40.010
A public agency	$5,000	RCW 12.40.010

What it costs to file

This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own. Reported amounts run between $35 and $50.

RCW 12.40.020 · The filing fee is $35 plus any county surcharge, so the total is usually between $35 and $50. Your district court's fee page has the exact amount.

How long you have

The shortest window in this state is 3 years from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken.

RCW 4.16.080(2), (3) · A claim based on a spoken agreement, or for damage to your property, must be filed within three years.

Also worth knowing

A claim against a city, county, or other local government has to be filed with that body first, and the court case cannot start until 60 days after that. RCW 4.96.020(4)

Does small claims fit your dispute in Washington?

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 Washington?: An individual can claim up to $10,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from RCW 12.40.010.
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Washington?: Washington does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Washington?: The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under RCW 4.16.080(2), (3). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Washington?: No, Washington does not require it, per Washington Courts, Small Claims Court. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.
Which court handles small claims in Washington?: District Court, Small Claims. The small claims department of the district court in the county where the other side lives.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Washington'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 2019-07-28.

RCW 12.40.010 · effective 2019-07-28 · A person can bring a small claim for up to $10,000. A business or other entity can bring one for up to $5,000.
RCW 12.40.020 · effective 2019-07-28 · The filing fee is $35 plus any county surcharge, so the total is usually between $35 and $50. Your district court's fee page has the exact amount.
RCW 4.16.080(2), (3) · effective 2011-07-22 · A claim based on a spoken agreement, or for damage to your property, must be filed within three years.
Washington Courts, Small Claims Court · effective 2026-09-05 · Washington does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. Asking first is still the usual first step.
RCW 4.96.020(4) · effective 2015-07-24 · A claim for damages against a local government must be filed with that body first, and the court case cannot start until 60 days later.

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