What it costs to file in Washington
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. Reported amounts run between $35 and $50.
More about Washington
Common questions
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2019-07-28.
- 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.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.