Updated May 2026 North Dakota
North Dakota Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in North Dakota small claims court, plus filing fees, statutes of limitation, and court-specific tips.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$15,000
Court Limit
6 yrs
Written Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
6 yrs
Oral Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
Small Claims Court Limit Calculator
Select your state to see the maximum amount you can sue for and applicable statutes of limitation.
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Court Limit
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How to File → North Dakota Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In North Dakota, small claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Court. The maximum amount you can sue for is $15,000.
Tip
North Dakota has one of the highest limits at $15,000.Filing Fees in North Dakota
Filing fees in North Dakota range from $35 to $65 depending on your claim amount.
Statutes of Limitation in North Dakota
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 6 years
- Property damage: 6 years
North Dakota Small Claims Court has a $15,000 limit and moderate filing fees compared to its neighboring states.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the North Dakota limit. It's often worth it to avoid the higher cost and complexity of regular civil court.Can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application (In Forma Pauperis). Most North Dakota courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in North Dakota?
The small claims court limit in North Dakota is $15,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Small Claims Court. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher civil court.
How much can I sue for in North Dakota small claims court?
You can sue for up to $15,000 in North Dakota small claims court. If your actual damages are higher, you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess to fit within the limit — often worth doing to avoid the cost and complexity of regular civil court.
What is the statute of limitations for small claims in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, the statute of limitations is 6 years for written contract claims and 6 years for oral contract claims. Always file before the deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit.
How do I file a small claims case in North Dakota?
To file in North Dakota: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the Small Claims Court clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($35–$65), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our North Dakota how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the Small Claims Court in North Dakota?
North Dakota's small claims court is called the Small Claims Court. It handles civil monetary disputes quickly and affordably, without the formality of regular civil court. Most parties represent themselves without an attorney.
Can I sue for more than $15,000 in North Dakota small claims?
No — the $15,000 cap is absolute in North Dakota. You can file in a higher civil court if your claim is larger, or voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit and waive the excess. Splitting one claim into multiple small claims cases to circumvent the cap is not permitted.
Also See for North Dakota
North Dakota Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
How to File in North Dakota
Step-by-step North Dakota filing guide
North Dakota Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in North Dakota?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in North Dakota
Enforce your judgment after winning
North Dakota Divorce Fees
Court costs for filing divorce
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