Updated May 2026 North Dakota

North Dakota 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

$35–$65

Filing Fee Range

$15,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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North Dakota 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 North Dakota, filing fees are $35–$65 depending on the amount of your claim.

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North Dakota Small Claims Court has a $15,000 limit and moderate filing fees compared to its neighboring states.

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Tip

North Dakota has one of the highest limits at $15,000.

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

Source: North Dakota official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota

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

The small claims filing fee in North Dakota is $35–$65. 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 Dakota?

The fee to start a small claims case in North Dakota is $35–$65. 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 Dakota?

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

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

If you cannot afford the $35–$65 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most North Dakota courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our North Dakota small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in North Dakota?

Small claims cases in North Dakota 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.