Short answer. In North Carolina, small claims (Small Claims Court (District Court, Magistrate)) cover claims up to $10,000. Where to file: Clerk of superior court in the county where the defendant (or one defendant) resides (G.S. The fee to start a case is $4 to $80, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in North Carolina small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the North Carolina limit of $10,000.
North Carolina small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $10,000. G.S. 7A-210: small claim action where amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000 and principal relief is money, recovery of specific personal property, summary ejectment, or a combination. Assigned to a magistrate by the chief district judge.
- Court
- Small Claims Court (District Court, Magistrate)
- Who can file
- Complaint signed by the party or the party's attorney (G.S. 7A-216); in summary ejectment, an agent with actual knowledge may sign.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- Clerk of superior court in the county where the defendant (or one defendant) resides (G.S. 7A-211, 7A-213).
- Serving the other side
- Personal delivery or leaving at dwelling with suitable resident; registered or certified mail, signature confirmation, or designated delivery service; acceptance of service; summary ejectment per G.S. 42-29 (G.S. 7A-217).
- Appeal
- Appeal for trial de novo in district court: oral notice in open court or written notice within 10 days after judgment; costs due within 20 days (10 in summary ejectment) or appeal dismissed (G.S. 7A-228).
North Carolina filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| General Court of Justice fee (magistrate case) | $80 | G.S. 7A-305(a)(2) |
| facilities fee (magistrate case) | $12 | G.S. 7A-305(a)(1) |
| Court Information Technology fee | $4 | G.S. 7A-305(a)(1a) |
Statutory court costs total $96 per G.S. 7A-305; sheriff service fees are separate ('as provided by law'). Same amounts apply to counterclaims/third-party claims.
Not confirmed for North Carolina: online filing. The official North Carolina 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 North Carolina, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the state 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 courtClerk of superior court in the county where the defendant (or one defendant) resides (G.S. 7A-211, 7A-213).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in the state is $4 to $80, depending on the claim. Statutory court costs total $96 per G.S. 7A-305; sheriff service fees are separate ('as provided by law'). Same amounts apply to counterclaims/third-party claims.
- Have the other side servedPersonal delivery or leaving at dwelling with suitable resident; registered or certified mail, signature confirmation, or designated delivery service; acceptance of service; summary ejectment per G.S. 42-29 (G.S. 7A-217).
- 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 for trial de novo in district court: oral notice in open court or written notice within 10 days after judgment; costs due within 20 days (10 in summary ejectment) or appeal dismissed (G.S. 7A-228).
Official North Carolina links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official North Carolina 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.
North Carolina small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in North Carolina?
$10,000. G.S. 7A-210: small claim action where amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000 and principal relief is money, recovery of specific personal property, summary ejectment, or a combination. Assigned to a magistrate by the chief district judge.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in North Carolina?
General Court of Justice fee (magistrate case): $80 (G.S. 7A-305(a)(2)); facilities fee (magistrate case): $12 (G.S. 7A-305(a)(1)); Court Information Technology fee: $4 (G.S. 7A-305(a)(1a)). Statutory court costs total $96 per G.S. 7A-305; sheriff service fees are separate ('as provided by law'). Same amounts apply to counterclaims/third-party claims.
Can a lawyer represent me in North Carolina small claims?
Allowed in the state, per the official page. Complaint signed by the party or the party's attorney (G.S. 7A-216); in summary ejectment, an agent with actual knowledge may sign.
Where do I file a small claim in North Carolina?
Clerk of superior court in the county where the defendant (or one defendant) resides (G.S. 7A-211, 7A-213).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in North Carolina?
Appeal for trial de novo in district court: oral notice in open court or written notice within 10 days after judgment; costs due within 20 days (10 in summary ejectment) or appeal dismissed (G.S. 7A-228).
How is the other side served in a North Carolina small claims case?
Personal delivery or leaving at dwelling with suitable resident; registered or certified mail, signature confirmation, or designated delivery service; acceptance of service; summary ejectment per G.S. 42-29 (G.S. 7A-217).
Compare every state: small claims limits by state · New York small claims · North Dakota small claims