Short answer. In New Hampshire, small claims (Circuit Court - District Division (Small Claims)) cover claims up to $10,000. Where to file: RSA 503:3-a: in the town where the defendant or plaintiff resides; for nonresident defendants, where the defendant does business, made a contract, committed a tort, or holds property in the state (RSA 503:3-b). The fee to start a case is $5 to $60, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in New Hampshire small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the New Hampshire limit of $10,000.
New Hampshire small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $10,000. RSA 503:1 and Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1: small claims limit is $10,000 (excluding interest and costs); claiming more waives the excess. Mediation is mandatory for claims over $5,000 and voluntary at $5,000 or less. Defendant may request jury trial (transfer to superior court) when claim exceeds $1,500.
- Court
- Circuit Court - District Division (Small Claims)
- Who can file
- A person or authorized attorney (RSA 503:3). Anyone filing for another individual or entity must file the Rule 1.3(D) statement and an authorization (power of attorney or board resolution); organizations may be represented by an officer, employee, partner, owner or trustee with written authorization (RSA 503:11).
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- RSA 503:3-a: in the town where the defendant or plaintiff resides; for nonresident defendants, where the defendant does business, made a contract, committed a tort, or holds property in the state (RSA 503:3-b). Small claims must be filed electronically (Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1); the court's e-filing system is used.
- Serving the other side
- The court mails notice of the claim to the defendant by first-class mail; if undeliverable, the plaintiff completes service as in other civil actions at plaintiff's expense (RSA 503:6; Rule 4.2).
- Appeal
- Appeal on questions of law to the NH Supreme Court within 30 days (RSA 503:9-10; Rule 4.9); findings of fact are final.
New Hampshire filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mediation surcharge added to entry fee, claims $5,000 or less (RSA 503:4, II) | $5 | Surcharge only; base entry fee not confirmed. |
| mediation surcharge added to entry fee, claims over $5,000 (RSA 503:4, II) | $60 | Surcharge only; base entry fee not confirmed. |
Base entry fee not stated on the official pages reviewed; check the NH Judicial Branch fee information. Fee waived only for extraordinary circumstances (Rule 4.1).
Not confirmed for New Hampshire: online filing. The official New Hampshire page we checked didn't state this, so we left it out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in New Hampshire, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the New Hampshire limit is $10,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtRSA 503:3-a: in the town where the defendant or plaintiff resides; for nonresident defendants, where the defendant does business, made a contract, committed a tort, or holds property in the state (RSA 503:3-b). Small claims must be filed electronically (Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1); the court's e-filing system is used.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in New Hampshire is $5 to $60, depending on the claim. Base entry fee not stated on the official pages reviewed; check the NH Judicial Branch fee information. Fee waived only for extraordinary circumstances (Rule 4.1).
- Have the other side servedThe court mails notice of the claim to the defendant by first-class mail; if undeliverable, the plaintiff completes service as in other civil actions at plaintiff's expense (RSA 503:6; Rule 4.2).
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionAppeal on questions of law to the NH Supreme Court within 30 days (RSA 503:9-10; Rule 4.9); findings of fact are final.
Official New Hampshire links
- New Hampshire small claims self-help page
- NH Judicial Branch: A Quick Guide to Small Claims Cases
- NH Circuit Court District Division Rules: Small Claims Actions
- RSA Chapter 503 Small Claims Actions
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in New Hampshire?
$10,000. RSA 503:1 and Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1: small claims limit is $10,000 (excluding interest and costs); claiming more waives the excess. Mediation is mandatory for claims over $5,000 and voluntary at $5,000 or less. Defendant may request jury trial (transfer to superior court) when claim exceeds $1,500.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in New Hampshire?
mediation surcharge added to entry fee, claims $5,000 or less (RSA 503:4, II): $5 (Surcharge only; base entry fee not confirmed.); mediation surcharge added to entry fee, claims over $5,000 (RSA 503:4, II): $60 (Surcharge only; base entry fee not confirmed.). Base entry fee not stated on the official pages reviewed; check the NH Judicial Branch fee information. Fee waived only for extraordinary circumstances (Rule 4.1).
Can a lawyer represent me in New Hampshire small claims?
Allowed in New Hampshire, per the official page. A person or authorized attorney (RSA 503:3). Anyone filing for another individual or entity must file the Rule 1.3(D) statement and an authorization (power of attorney or board resolution); organizations may be represented by an officer, employee, partner, owner or trustee with written authorization (RSA 503:11).
Where do I file a small claim in New Hampshire?
RSA 503:3-a: in the town where the defendant or plaintiff resides; for nonresident defendants, where the defendant does business, made a contract, committed a tort, or holds property in the state (RSA 503:3-b). Small claims must be filed electronically (Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1); the court's e-filing system is used.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in New Hampshire?
Appeal on questions of law to the NH Supreme Court within 30 days (RSA 503:9-10; Rule 4.9); findings of fact are final.
How is the other side served in a New Hampshire small claims case?
The court mails notice of the claim to the defendant by first-class mail; if undeliverable, the plaintiff completes service as in other civil actions at plaintiff's expense (RSA 503:6; Rule 4.2).
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