Updated May 2026 Georgia

Georgia Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

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

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

$45–$75

Filing Fee Range

$15,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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Georgia Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Magistrate Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Georgia, filing fees are $45–$75 depending on the amount of your claim.

Georgia offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $5 applies.

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Georgia Magistrate Courts handle small claims up to $15,000. A per-defendant fee and e-filing fee may apply.

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Tip

Georgia's Magistrate Court is one of the most accessible small claims systems in the US.

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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. Georgia courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Georgia official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia

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

The small claims filing fee in Georgia is $45–$75. 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 Georgia?

The fee to start a small claims case in Georgia is $45–$75. 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 Georgia?

Yes — Georgia offers e-filing for small claims. An e-filing fee of $5 typically applies in addition to the standard filing fee.

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

If you cannot afford the $45–$75 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Georgia courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Georgia small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Georgia?

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