Updated May 2026 California

California Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the Small Claims Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$30–$100

Filing Fee Range

$12,500

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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California Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Small Claims Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In California, filing fees are $30–$100 depending on the amount of your claim.

California offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $3 applies.

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California uses a tiered fee based on claim amount and number of filings per year. Typical fees range from $30 to $75.

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Tip

California allows up to 2 small claims filings over $2,500 per year per person.

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You can recover the filing fee

If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.

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Fee waiver available

Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. California courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: California official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — California

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in California?

The small claims filing fee in California is $30–$100. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.

What is the small claims filing fee in California?

The fee to start a small claims case in California is $30–$100. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.

Can I file small claims online in California?

Yes — California offers e-filing for small claims. An e-filing fee of $3 typically applies in addition to the standard filing fee.

How do I waive the filing fee in California small claims?

If you cannot afford the $30–$100 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most California courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our California small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in California?

Small claims cases in California are handled by the Small Claims Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.