Short answer. In Washington, small claims (Small Claims Department, District Court) cover claims up to $10,000. Where to file: Generally the district court of the county where the defendant(s) reside (RCW 3.66.040; per WA Attorney General page). The fee to start a case is $35.
Can I file my claim in Washington small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Washington limit of $10,000.
Washington small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $10,000. RCW 12.40.010 (last amended 2019): $10,000 in cases brought by a natural person; $5,000 in all other cases (businesses and other entities).
- Also
- claims by non-natural persons (businesses, other entities): $5,000
- Court
- Small Claims Department, District Court
- Who can file
- Natural persons (up to $10,000) and other entities (up to $5,000). Corporations generally may not be represented by an attorney or legal paraprofessional, subject to RCW 12.40.025 exceptions.
- Lawyers
- Allowed with limits
- Where to file
- Generally the district court of the county where the defendant(s) reside (RCW 3.66.040; per WA Attorney General page).
- Serving the other side
- Plaintiff cannot serve personally. Sheriff, process server, non-party adult 18+, or registered/certified mail with return receipt; service complete at least 10 calendar days before the first hearing (RCW 12.40.040; AG page).
- Appeal
- No appeal if the amount claimed was under $250; a party who brought a claim/counterclaim cannot appeal if it claimed under $1,000 (RCW 12.40.120). Appeal within 30 days of entry of judgment per WA Attorney General page (procedures in RCW 12.36).
Washington filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| filing fee | $35 | Plus any dispute resolution surcharge authorized by RCW 7.75.035; WA Attorney General page says total is $35 or $50 depending on whether the county has a dispute resolution center. Same fee for counterclaims/cross-claims/third-party claims. |
RCW 12.40.020.
Not confirmed for Washington: online filing. The official Washington 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 Washington, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Washington 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 courtGenerally the district court of the county where the defendant(s) reside (RCW 3.66.040; per WA Attorney General page).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Washington is $35, depending on the claim. RCW 12.40.020.
- Have the other side servedPlaintiff cannot serve personally. Sheriff, process server, non-party adult 18+, or registered/certified mail with return receipt; service complete at least 10 calendar days before the first hearing (RCW 12.40.040; AG page).
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed with limits. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionNo appeal if the amount claimed was under $250; a party who brought a claim/counterclaim cannot appeal if it claimed under $1,000 (RCW 12.40.120). Appeal within 30 days of entry of judgment per WA Attorney General page (procedures in RCW 12.36).
Official Washington links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Washington 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.
Washington small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Washington?
$10,000. RCW 12.40.010 (last amended 2019): $10,000 in cases brought by a natural person; $5,000 in all other cases (businesses and other entities).
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Washington?
filing fee: $35 (Plus any dispute resolution surcharge authorized by RCW 7.75.035; WA Attorney General page says total is $35 or $50 depending on whether the county has a dispute resolution center. Same fee for counterclaims/cross-claims/third-party claims.). RCW 12.40.020.
Can a lawyer represent me in Washington small claims?
Allowed with limits in Washington, per the official page. Natural persons (up to $10,000) and other entities (up to $5,000). Corporations generally may not be represented by an attorney or legal paraprofessional, subject to RCW 12.40.025 exceptions.
Where do I file a small claim in Washington?
Generally the district court of the county where the defendant(s) reside (RCW 3.66.040; per WA Attorney General page).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Washington?
No appeal if the amount claimed was under $250; a party who brought a claim/counterclaim cannot appeal if it claimed under $1,000 (RCW 12.40.120). Appeal within 30 days of entry of judgment per WA Attorney General page (procedures in RCW 12.36).
How is the other side served in a Washington small claims case?
Plaintiff cannot serve personally. Sheriff, process server, non-party adult 18+, or registered/certified mail with return receipt; service complete at least 10 calendar days before the first hearing (RCW 12.40.040; AG page).
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