DC Small Claims Court Forms: Which Ones You Need and How to Fill Them Out

The Two Forms You Need to File

Starting a small claims case in DC Superior Court requires two documents, both submitted together:

1. Statement of Claim, Verification, and Notice — This is your primary filing. It must include a clear statement of the facts behind your claim, the exact dollar amount you're seeking (up to $10,000), and copies of any supporting documents like contracts, invoices, or receipts. Court rules require it to be printed on white 8.5 x 11 inch paper. There's no official numbered form — the court identifies it by its functional title.

2. Small Claims Information Sheet — An administrative cover sheet with contact information for both parties and your choice of how to serve the defendant (certified mail through the clerk, or a private process server).

Both forms are available on the DC Courts website under the forms directory. You can also pick them up in person at the Small Claims Clerk's Office in Court Building B, 510 4th Street NW, Room 120.

How to Complete the Statement of Claim

The Statement of Claim is where the substance of your case lives. Here's what goes on it:

Your information: Full legal name, current address, phone number, and email.

Defendant's information: The defendant's full legal name — not a trade name or abbreviation. If suing a business, use the exact name from the DLCP CorpOnline registry. Include their address (or their registered agent's address for businesses).

The facts: Write a direct, chronological account of what happened. State when the transaction or incident occurred, what the defendant was supposed to do, what they actually did (or failed to do), and why you're owed money. Keep it plain and factual — this is not the place for arguments or emotional appeals.

The amount: Specify the exact dollar amount you're seeking, up to $10,000 (exclusive of interest and court costs).

Attachments: Attach copies of contracts, invoices, receipts, photographs, or any written communication that supports your claim. Redact all sensitive personal information — Social Security numbers (show only last four digits), full bank account numbers (last four only), dates of birth (year only), and driver's license numbers.

Verification: Sign the Statement of Claim. Your signature verifies that the facts are true to the best of your knowledge.

Filling Out the Information Sheet

The Information Sheet is shorter and more administrative. It collects:

• Names and addresses for all parties
• Your preferred method of service (clerk-sent certified mail or private process server)
• Whether you plan to file electronically or in person

If you choose certified mail, the clerk handles mailing for $6.75 per defendant. If you choose a private process server, you'll also need to file a separate motion for appointment ($5 fee) before the server can legally act.

Additional Forms You Might Need

Fee Waiver Application — If you can't afford the filing fee ($5 to $45 depending on claim size), submit an Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs alongside your Statement of Claim. It requires a detailed financial disclosure — income, public benefits, bank balances, and expenses — reviewed by a judge when submitted. Do not assume fees are waived until the court grants the application.

Application for Appointment of Special Process Server — Required if you're using a private server instead of clerk-sent mail. The $5 fee covers the court's appointment order, which must be signed before the server attempts service. Service executed before the court signs the appointment is legally void.

Affidavit of Service by Private Individual — After your process server delivers the papers, they complete this sworn affidavit stating the date, time, address, and method of delivery. It must be filed with the clerk at least 7 days before your court date.

Filing Your Forms

You can submit your completed forms three ways:

• In person at Building B, Room 120 (Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Wednesday evenings 6:30–8:30 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Moultrie Courthouse)
• By mail to the Small Claims Clerk's Office
• Online through eFileDC at efiledcsuperiorcourt.gov (note: creating an eFileDC account automatically opts you into receiving court notices electronically)

Attorneys representing clients are required to use eFileDC. Self-represented filers can choose any method.

Common Mistakes That Get Forms Rejected

The clerk reviews every filing before it's accepted. Submissions get bounced for missing signatures, failure to attach supporting documents, unpaid fees without a waiver application, incorrect paper size, or double-sided printing. A rejected filing does not preserve your statute of limitations — the clock keeps running until a valid filing is accepted.

For a complete walkthrough of every form, step, and deadline, our DC Small Claims Filing Guide includes annotated form instructions and a filing sequence checklist.

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