Updated May 2026 Ohio
Ohio Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)
Exact filing fees for the Small Claims Division — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$35–$80
Filing Fee Range
$6,000
Court Limit
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E-Filing Available
Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator
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How to File → Ohio Small Claims Filing Fees Explained
To file a small claims case in the Small Claims Division, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Ohio, filing fees are $35–$80 depending on the amount of your claim.
Ohio offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $3 applies.
Ohio municipal and county courts set their own small claims fees. Typical range is $50–$95 plus per-defendant charges.
Tip
Ohio's limit was recently increased from $3,000 — verify your county court has updated their forms.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.Fee waiver available
Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Ohio courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.Source: Ohio official court website ↗
Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Ohio?
The small claims filing fee in Ohio is $35–$80. 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 Ohio?
The fee to start a small claims case in Ohio is $35–$80. 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 Ohio?
Yes — Ohio 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 Ohio small claims?
If you cannot afford the $35–$80 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Ohio courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Ohio small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.
What court handles small claims in Ohio?
Small claims cases in Ohio are handled by the Small Claims Division. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.
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