Short answer. In Minnesota, small claims (Conciliation Court) cover claims up to $20,000. Minnesota's filing fee wasn't on the official page we checked; ask the clerk.
Can I file my claim in Minnesota small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Minnesota limit of $20,000.
Minnesota small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $20,000. General claims of $20,000 or less (Minnesota Judicial Branch conciliation court page). The branch's 2022 hearing booklet still shows the earlier $15,000 figure.
- Court
- Conciliation Court
- Appeal
- Appeal to district court, which starts the case over. A judgment isn't effective until 20 days after the order is mailed; a request to vacate a default must be filed within that 20-day stay.
Filing fees weren't on the pages checked; ask court administration in your county.
Not confirmed for Minnesota: filing fees, who can file, whether lawyers are allowed, where to file, how the other side is served, online filing. The official Minnesota 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 Minnesota, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Minnesota limit is $20,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe Minnesota 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 feeFiling fees weren't on the pages checked; ask court administration in your county.
- Have the other side servedHow service works in Minnesota wasn't on the page we checked; the clerk will explain it when you file.
- Get ready for the hearingBring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionAppeal to district court, which starts the case over. A judgment isn't effective until 20 days after the order is mailed; a request to vacate a default must be filed within that 20-day stay.
Official Minnesota links
- Minnesota small claims self-help page
- Minnesota Judicial Branch: What to Expect in a Conciliation Court Hearing (CCT1001, rev. 8/22)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Minnesota 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.
Minnesota small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Minnesota?
$20,000. General claims of $20,000 or less (Minnesota Judicial Branch conciliation court page). The branch's 2022 hearing booklet still shows the earlier $15,000 figure.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Minnesota?
Appeal to district court, which starts the case over. A judgment isn't effective until 20 days after the order is mailed; a request to vacate a default must be filed within that 20-day stay.
Which court hears small claims in Minnesota?
Conciliation Court.
Where can I check the Minnesota small claims rules myself?
On the official page: https://mncourts.gov/help-topics/conciliation-court. The details we couldn't confirm there are listed on this page as not confirmed, so ask the clerk about them.
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