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Created May 2026 · Reviewed and verified October 2026 San Diego County, CA Superior Court

San Diego County, CA Small Claims Court (2026)

Sue for up to $12,500 in San Diego County without an attorney. Filing fees, correct courthouse, service rules, and what to expect at your hearing.

$12,500
Individual limit
$30–$75
Filing fee
30–60 days
Hearing wait
4 yrs
Written contract SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites  ·  Created  ·  Reviewed and verified

Not legal advice. Court fees, addresses, and procedures are sourced from official California court websites and state statutes (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.110 et seq.). Verify current information at courts.ca.gov before filing. See our data methodology

San Diego Superior Court — Small Claims Division (Central)

Address (Central)

1100 Union St.
San Diego, CA 92101

Contact & Hours

Phone: (619) 450-7060
Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed court holidays

Filing Fee Schedule

Up to $1,500: $30
Over $1,500 up to $5,000: $50
Over $5,000 up to $12,500: $75
Frequent filers (12+ claims in 12 months): $100

Service of Process

Clerk by mail, sheriff or process server: fees vary, ask the clerk
Note: You cannot serve the defendant yourself

California Courts Self-Help Guide: filing fees (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
San Diego County has 4 courthouse locations — file at the right one

You must file at the courthouse covering the defendant's address or where the dispute occurred. Filing at the wrong location results in dismissal. San Diego County options: Central (1100 Union St.), East County–El Cajon, North County–Vista, and South County–Chula Vista. Use courts.ca.gov to confirm your district courthouse before filing.

How to File Small Claims in San Diego County

1
Confirm your claim amount and the correct courthouse
Individuals can claim up to $12,500. Businesses are capped at $6,250. Use courts.ca.gov to find the district courthouse covering the defendant's address or where the dispute occurred. San Diego has 4 courthouse locations — filing at the wrong one results in dismissal.
2
Complete Form SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim)
Download Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (Form SC-100) from courts.ca.gov. Enter the defendant's exact legal name and address, the amount owed, and the factual basis. For businesses, use the registered entity name from the CA Secretary of State (bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov).
3
File in person or online
In person: bring your SC-100 to the clerk's window at your chosen courthouse. Online e-filing is available at courts.ca.gov for most districts. Pay $30–$75 depending on claim amount. You'll receive a hearing date and case number.
4
Serve the defendant — critical CA rules
California has strict service rules. You cannot serve the defendant yourself. Service must be done by a person at least 18 years old who is not a party to the case. Methods: certified mail (cheapest), process server, or Sheriff. Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if the defendant is outside the county).
5
File your Proof of Service (Form SC-104)
After service, whoever served the defendant must complete and sign Form SC-104 (Proof of Service). File this with the court at least 5 days before your hearing. If you forget, your case may be continued or dismissed.
6
Prepare your evidence
Three copies of all documents: contracts, receipts, photos, texts, invoices, bank records. Organize your case so you can state it clearly in 5 minutes. A one-page timeline summary is highly effective with busy San Diego judges.
7
Attend your hearing
Arrive 15 minutes early. Check the posted docket. When called, state your name, case number, and requested judgment. Judges typically rule the same day. If the defendant doesn't appear and was properly served, request a default judgment.

California Statute of Limitations

Claim Type Time Limit California Code
Written contracts4 yearsCCP § 337
Oral contracts2 yearsCCP § 339
Property damage3 yearsCCP § 338
Personal injury2 yearsCCP § 335.1
Security deposits4 years (written lease)Civil Code § 1950.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in San Diego County, CA?
The small claims limit in San Diego County is $12,500 for individuals (natural persons). Businesses and other entities are capped at $6,250. No one may file more than 2 small claims over $2,500 anywhere in California in a calendar year. Claims above the limit must go to the Limited Civil or Unlimited Civil division of San Diego Superior Court.
Where do I file small claims in San Diego County?
You must file at the San Diego Superior Court courthouse in the district where the defendant lives, works, or where the contract was signed or breach occurred. The Central Courthouse is at 1100 Union St., San Diego, CA 92101 (Small Claims Division). San Diego County also has branch courthouses in El Cajon, Vista, and Chula Vista — use courts.ca.gov to find the correct district before filing.
How much does it cost to file small claims in San Diego County?
California small claims filing fees (Code Civ. Proc. § 116.230), set statewide: $30 for claims up to $1,500; $50 for over $1,500 up to $5,000; $75 for over $5,000 up to $12,500. If you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months, the fee is $100. Serving the defendant costs extra (clerk mailing, sheriff or process server); ask the clerk for the current amounts. Source: California Courts Self-Help Guide, verified September 2026.
Can a business sue in San Diego small claims court?
Businesses can file small claims in California, but with tighter rules: the maximum is $6,250 (not $12,500), and any filer with more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months pays a $100 filing fee. Corporations must be represented by an officer or employee — not outside counsel — in small claims court.
How long does small claims court take in San Diego?
San Diego small claims cases are typically scheduled 30–60 days after filing. The Central Courthouse processes high volume — allow up to 60 days. Branch courthouses in El Cajon and Vista may schedule sooner. You'll receive your hearing date at the time of filing.
Do I need to demand payment before filing in San Diego?
California law (CCP § 116.340) requires you to demand payment before filing a small claims case against a business. Keep a copy of any demand letter or text you send — it strengthens your position with the judge and satisfies the pre-filing requirement.
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