Short answer. In North Dakota, small claims (Small Claims Court (District Court)) cover claims up to $15,000. Where to file: Depends on defendant and claim type; for an individual on a general claim, the defendant's North Dakota county of residence (Form 1). The fee to start a case is $20 to $160, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in North Dakota small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the North Dakota limit of $15,000.
North Dakota small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $15,000. ND Courts small claims packet (rev. 07/2025): amount claimed may not exceed $15,000; counterclaims also capped at $15,000.
- Court
- Small Claims Court (District Court)
- Who can file
- Any person who executes and files a claim affidavit (N.D.C.C. 27-08.1-02).
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- Depends on defendant and claim type; for an individual on a general claim, the defendant's North Dakota county of residence (Form 1).
- Serving the other side
- Sheriff; personal service by non-party of legal age; or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
- Appeal
- No right to appeal a small claims decision. Defendant may remove to district court within 20 days of receiving the claim affidavit (plaintiff cannot remove); district court must award attorney's fees to a prevailing plaintiff after removal.
North Dakota filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| filing fee | $20 | Packet: '$10.00 filing fee (on July 1, 2025, the filing fee is $20)' |
| defendant removal to district court | $160 |
From ND Courts small claims forms packet revised 07/2025.
Not confirmed for North Dakota: online filing. The official North Dakota 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 Dakota, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the North Dakota limit is $15,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtDepends on defendant and claim type; for an individual on a general claim, the defendant's North Dakota county of residence (Form 1).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in North Dakota is $20 to $160, depending on the claim. From ND Courts small claims forms packet revised 07/2025.
- Have the other side servedSheriff; personal service by non-party of legal age; or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
- 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 decisionNo right to appeal a small claims decision. Defendant may remove to district court within 20 days of receiving the claim affidavit (plaintiff cannot remove); district court must award attorney's fees to a prevailing plaintiff after removal.
Official North Dakota links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official North Dakota 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 Dakota small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in North Dakota?
$15,000. ND Courts small claims packet (rev. 07/2025): amount claimed may not exceed $15,000; counterclaims also capped at $15,000.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in North Dakota?
filing fee: $20 (Packet: '$10.00 filing fee (on July 1, 2025, the filing fee is $20)'); defendant removal to district court: $160. From ND Courts small claims forms packet revised 07/2025.
Can a lawyer represent me in North Dakota small claims?
Allowed in North Dakota, per the official page. Any person who executes and files a claim affidavit (N.D.C.C. 27-08.1-02).
Where do I file a small claim in North Dakota?
Depends on defendant and claim type; for an individual on a general claim, the defendant's North Dakota county of residence (Form 1).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in North Dakota?
No right to appeal a small claims decision. Defendant may remove to district court within 20 days of receiving the claim affidavit (plaintiff cannot remove); district court must award attorney's fees to a prevailing plaintiff after removal.
How is the other side served in a North Dakota small claims case?
Sheriff; personal service by non-party of legal age; or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
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