Updated May 2026 Virginia
Virginia Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)
Exact filing fees for the General District Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$30–$75
Filing Fee Range
$5,000
Court Limit
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E-Filing Available
Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator
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How to File → Virginia Small Claims Filing Fees Explained
To file a small claims case in the General District Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Virginia, filing fees are $30–$75 depending on the amount of your claim.
Virginia offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $5 applies.
Virginia General District Courts handle small claims. E-filing is available through the state's online portal.
Tip
Virginia's limit is $5,000 — cases above this go to Circuit Court where attorneys are advisable.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. Virginia courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Virginia?
The small claims filing fee in Virginia is $30–$75. 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 Virginia?
The fee to start a small claims case in Virginia is $30–$75. 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 Virginia?
Yes — Virginia 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 Virginia small claims?
If you cannot afford the $30–$75 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Virginia courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Virginia small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.
What court handles small claims in Virginia?
Small claims cases in Virginia are handled by the General District Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.
Also See for Virginia
Virginia Small Claims Limit
Maximum you can sue for: $5,000
How to File in Virginia
Step-by-step Virginia filing guide
Virginia Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Virginia?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Virginia
Enforce your judgment after winning
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