Arizona Small Claims Filing Fees by County (2026)

Fees by County

Filing fees in Arizona aren't statewide — each county sets its own schedule under A.R.S. § 22-281, supplemented by local board of supervisors ordinances. Here's what you'll pay to start a small claims case in the four largest filing counties:

Pima County's fee covers the full Small Claims Complaint & Summons Packet (Form CVSCPK1). Pinal County's $30 is the lowest major-county filing fee in the state and includes an option for clerk service by mail at $8.

These fees are just the court filing cost. You'll also need to budget for service of process, which runs roughly $40–$80 for a private process server or $43 plus mileage for a Maricopa County constable.

Service of Process Costs

Getting the papers to the defendant is a separate expense. Your three options:

• Certified mail with return receipt: cheapest, around $8–$12 through USPS. You handle the mailing yourself.
• Constable or sheriff: Maricopa County charges $43 plus $2.40 per mile beyond six miles. Other counties vary.
• Private process server: typically $40–$80 in urban areas, more in rural precincts where distances are longer.

You can request eligible filing and service costs and pre-judgment interest on a liquidated claim; whether they are awarded depends on the law and evidence. Court costs and post-judgment interest do not count toward the $5,000 cap.

Fee Waivers and Deferrals

If you can't afford the filing fee, Arizona offers two paths using Form AOCDFGF1F (Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees):

Full waiver — available if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Attach your SSI award letter. Regular Social Security or SSDI alone doesn't qualify.

Fee deferral — available if you receive TANF, SNAP, are represented by a legal aid organization, or your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The fee isn't forgiven, just postponed. If you haven't paid within 30 days after final judgment, the court enters a consent judgment against you for the unpaid balance.

To defer service costs specifically, you'll also need to file the supplemental Form AOCDFGF3F.

Keeping Total Costs Down

A typical Maricopa County small claims case costs around $100–$140 to get through filing and service. In Pinal County, you might manage it for $50–$70. You can request eligible costs; the court decides what to award.

The Arizona Small Claims Filing Guide includes an expense tracker worksheet that helps you total every recoverable cost — filing fees, service charges, and pre-judgment interest — so nothing gets left off your complaint form.

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