Short answer. In California, small claims (Small claims court (California superior courts)) cover claims up to $12,500. The fee to start a case is $30 to $100, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in California small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the California limit of $12,500.
California small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $12,500. Individuals can generally sue for up to $12,500; businesses up to $6,250. Since October 1, 2025 a landlord can't sue in small claims for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt above $12,500.
- Also
- businesses and other entities: $6,250
- Court
- Small claims court (California superior courts)
- Who can file
- Anyone who believes a person, business or government agency owes them money.
- Lawyers
- Not allowed
- Appeal
- If you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose. A defendant who loses can appeal.
California filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| claim up to $1,500 | $30 | |
| over $1,500 up to $5,000 | $50 | |
| over $5,000 up to $12,500 | $75 | |
| filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months | $100 |
From the California Courts Self-Help Guide. A fee waiver is available if you can't afford the fee.
Not confirmed for California: where to file, how the other side is served, online filing. The official California page we checked didn't state these, so we left them out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in California, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the California limit is $12,500, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe California page we checked doesn't say which county or court to use. Ask the clerk before you file.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in California is $30 to $100, depending on the claim. From the California Courts Self-Help Guide. A fee waiver is available if you can't afford the fee.
- Have the other side servedHow service works in California wasn't on the page we checked; the clerk will explain it when you file.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: not allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionIf you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose. A defendant who loses can appeal.
Official California links
- California small claims self-help page
- California Courts Self-Help Guide: File your Plaintiff's Claim
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official California pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
California small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in California?
$12,500. Individuals can generally sue for up to $12,500; businesses up to $6,250. Since October 1, 2025 a landlord can't sue in small claims for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt above $12,500.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in California?
claim up to $1,500: $30; over $1,500 up to $5,000: $50; over $5,000 up to $12,500: $75; filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months: $100. From the California Courts Self-Help Guide. A fee waiver is available if you can't afford the fee.
Can a lawyer represent me in California small claims?
Not allowed in California, per the official page. Anyone who believes a person, business or government agency owes them money.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in California?
If you started the case, you can't appeal if you lose. A defendant who loses can appeal.
Does California have a different limit for some claims?
businesses and other entities: $6,250. Check the official page for which claims each one covers.
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