Updated May 2026 Rhode Island

Rhode Island 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

$75–$85

Filing Fee Range

$2,500

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, filing fees are $75–$85 depending on the amount of your claim.

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Rhode Island Small Claims Court has a $2,500 limit. Fees are modest reflecting the smaller court scope.

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Tip

Rhode Island has the lowest dollar limit in the US at $2,500 â€” very restrictive.

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

Source: Rhode Island official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island

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

The small claims filing fee in Rhode Island is $75–$85. 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 Rhode Island?

The fee to start a small claims case in Rhode Island is $75–$85. 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 Rhode Island?

E-filing availability varies by county in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island small claims?

If you cannot afford the $75–$85 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Rhode Island courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Rhode Island small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Rhode Island?

Small claims cases in Rhode Island 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.