Clark County Small Claims Court Washington: Filing Guide

Clark County sits right across the Columbia River from Portland, which means plenty of disputes involve cross-border transactions. If the defendant lives in Clark County or the dispute happened here, the Clark County District Court Small Claims Department is where you file — not Oregon, and not federal court.

Filing Your Claim

Complete Form MISC 05.0100 (January 2025 revision) with your claim details, the defendant's full legal name and address, and your verification under penalty of perjury. The statewide base filing fee is $35, with DRC surcharges bringing the total to $45 or $50 in counties that impose them. Confirm Clark County's current total and accepted filing methods with the District Court clerk.

For in-person filing, the general payment options are cash, credit card, or cashier's check. For mail filing, include the exact fee by check or cashier's check and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Confirm Clark County's accepted payment methods with the clerk.

Venue Rules for Cross-Border Disputes

Clark County's proximity to Oregon raises venue questions. Under RCW 3.66.040, you can file in Clark County if:

• The defendant resides here
• A business defendant transacts business or maintains an office here
• The cause of action (the dispute) arose in Clark County

If a Portland-based contractor did work at your Clark County home and skipped with your deposit, you can file in Clark County based on where the work was performed. For a nonresident defendant, RCW 3.66.040(6) also lists a district where service can be made or where the plaintiff resides as possible venues; RCW 4.28.185 permits out-of-state service only when the transaction, injury, or cause of action arose in Washington.

Service and Hearing Preparation

Serve the defendant at least 10 calendar days before the hearing. Sheriff service, a private process server, substitute service, or certified mail with a signed return receipt all work. Self-service doesn't.

For an Oregon defendant, out-of-state service is governed by RCW 3.66.040(6) and RCW 4.28.185. Service is valid under the long-arm statute only if the transaction, injury, or cause of action arose in Washington.

At the hearing, bring three organized packets of your evidence — contracts, photographs, text messages, repair estimates, bank records. Both sides testify under oath. Most hearings wrap up in 30 minutes.

Limits

Same as the rest of Washington: $10,000 for individuals, $5,000 for businesses. Sole proprietors using a DBA qualify as individuals.

Your Complete Filing Toolkit

Our Washington Small Claims Filing Guide covers every step from demand letter to hearing day, including venue analysis for cross-border disputes.

See more Washington guides →