Updated May 2026 North Carolina

North Carolina 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

$96–$156

Filing Fee Range

$10,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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North Carolina 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 North Carolina, filing fees are $96–$156 depending on the amount of your claim.

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North Carolina Small Claims Court charges a mostly flat fee plus a significant per-defendant service charge.

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Tip

North Carolina has higher filing fees but a reasonable $10,000 limit.

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

Source: North Carolina official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — North Carolina

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

The small claims filing fee in North Carolina is $96–$156. 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 North Carolina?

The fee to start a small claims case in North Carolina is $96–$156. 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 North Carolina?

E-filing availability varies by county in North Carolina. Contact your local Magistrate Court clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.

How do I waive the filing fee in North Carolina small claims?

If you cannot afford the $96–$156 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most North Carolina courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our North Carolina small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in North Carolina?

Small claims cases in North Carolina 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.