Updated May 2026 Maryland

Maryland Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

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

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

$34–$58

Filing Fee Range

$5,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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Maryland Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the District Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Maryland, filing fees are $34–$58 depending on the amount of your claim.

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

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Maryland District Courts handle small claims with a $5,000 limit. E-filing is available statewide.

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Tip

Maryland attorneys are permitted but not commonly used in small claims.

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

Source: Maryland official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland

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

The small claims filing fee in Maryland is $34–$58. 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 Maryland?

The fee to start a small claims case in Maryland is $34–$58. 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 Maryland?

Yes — Maryland 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 Maryland small claims?

If you cannot afford the $34–$58 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Maryland courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Maryland small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Maryland?

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