California small claims limit, fees and rules
California raised its small claims limits on January 1, 2024, from $10,000 to $12,500 for a natural person and from $5,000 to $6,250 for a business. A person may file no more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year, and the fee depends on the amount and how many claims you filed in the past 12 months.[1][2]
| Rule | California |
|---|---|
| Dollar limit | $12,500$12,500 for a natural person; $6,250 for businesses and other entities. No one may file more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year. |
| Court | Small claims division of the Superior Court |
| Filing fee | $30 (claims up to $1,500), $50 ($1,500.01–$5,000), $75 (over $5,000); $100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in California in the past 12 months. |
| Lawyers | Not allowed at the hearingAttorneys may not represent parties at the hearing; parties may consult a lawyer before or after (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.530). |
| Appeal | Only the defendant (or a plaintiff on the defendant's counterclaim) may appeal, for a new hearing in Superior Court, within 30 days after the notice of entry of judgment is mailed or delivered (§§ 116.710, 116.750). |
| Also note | Limits raised from $10,000/$5,000 to $12,500/$6,250 by SB 71 (Stats. 2023, ch. 861), effective January 1, 2024. Since Oct 1, 2025 landlords can no longer sue in small claims for COVID-19 rental debt above the limit. |
Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego small claims
Every California county runs small claims through the small claims division of its superior court, so the limit, fees and forms are the same statewide; only the courthouse, filing method and hearing schedule differ. Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Diego County each accept the Judicial Council plaintiff’s claim form (SC-100) and require filing in the right venue: usually where the defendant lives or does business, where the contract was signed or performed, or where the injury or damage happened.
- Free advice: each county must offer a small claims advisor at no cost, who can help with forms, service and collection.
- Service: the defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing (20 if served outside the county).
- No lawyers at the hearing: you may consult one before or after, but you present the case yourself.
Fee tiers
The fee rises with the amount: $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000 and $75 above $5,000, or $100 for anyone who filed more than 12 small claims in California in the past 12 months. Fee waivers are available for people on public benefits or with low income.
Deadline to file in California
Small claims cases have the same filing deadline as any lawsuit: once the statute of limitations runs, the court will dismiss the claim if the defendant raises it.[3][4][5]
| Claim | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid loan or written contract | 4 years | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337(a) |
| Oral agreement | 2 years | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 339(1) |
| Credit card or open account | 4 years | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337(b), (d) |
| Property damage (e.g. fender bender) | 3 years | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(c)(1) |
See the full California statute of limitations list for other claims, compare the small claims limit by state if the defendant is elsewhere, and read how to file a claim in small claims court for the general steps. Whether to bring counsel is covered on the small claims attorney page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims limit in California?
How much does it cost to file in California small claims court?
Can you appeal a California small claims judgment?
Sources
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.220, 116.221, 116.230, 116.530, 116.710: small claims jurisdiction and procedure
- California small claims: official court self-help
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337(a): written contract limitation period
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 339(1): oral contract limitation period
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(c)(1): property damage limitation period