DC Small Claims Enforcement Fees — Filing Costs for Writs and Examinations
Enforcement Isn't Free, But The Fees Are Modest
Collecting a DC small claims judgment costs money up front — you're paying filing fees, service charges, and recording fees before you see a dollar from the debtor. The good news is that most of these costs can be added to the total judgment balance, so the debtor ultimately pays for them. The bad news is you carry the expense until collection succeeds.
Here's what each enforcement step costs in the Small Claims Branch.
Court Filing Fees
| Action | Fee | Where Filed |
|---|---|---|
| Writ of Attachment on Wages | $10 | Small Claims Clerk, Room 120 |
| Writ of Attachment on Other Than Wages (bank levy) | $10 | Small Claims Clerk, Room 120 |
| Writ of Fieri Facias (property seizure) | $10 | Small Claims Clerk, Room 120 |
| Application for Oral Examination | $10 | Small Claims Clerk, Room 120 |
| Certified Transcript of Judgment (for lien recording) | Varies | Small Claims Clerk, Room 120 |
These fees come from the DC Superior Court Civil Division fee schedule under Civil Rule 202. Note that the Small Claims Branch charges $10 for writs and motions — half the $20 fee charged in the Civil Actions Branch for cases above $10,000.
Service Fees
Every writ must be served on the garnishee (employer, bank) or the debtor, and that service has a cost:
- Special process server — A private individual at least 18 years old, not a party to the case, authorized under SCR-Civ 45 to serve court papers. Rates range from $50 to $250+ per attempt depending on the process serving company and whether the debtor is easy to find.
- U.S. Marshals Service — Required for property seizure (Writ of Fi Fa) and bench warrants. Execution deposits cover seizure, towing, storage, and auction costs — these can run into hundreds of dollars depending on the asset.
- Certified mail — An option for serving some writs on employers or banks, and typically the cheapest route at postal rates.
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Recorder of Deeds Fees
If you're recording a judgment lien on real property:
| Action | Fee | Where Filed |
|---|---|---|
| Record certified judgment transcript | $30 | Recorder of Deeds, 1101 4th Street SW |
| Record Certificate of Satisfaction (lien release) | Standard recording fee | Recorder of Deeds |
Which Costs Can You Add to the Judgment
Under DC Code Title 15, necessary enforcement expenditures are recoverable. You can add them to the judgment ledger, which means the total amount the debtor owes increases by the fees you've incurred. Recoverable costs include:
- All court filing fees (writ fees, examination fees, transcript fees)
- Process server fees for serving writs and summonses
- U.S. Marshals Service execution charges
- Recorder of Deeds recording fees
Attorney fees are generally not recoverable in post-judgment enforcement unless the judge specifically authorizes them in a written order. For pro se creditors, this doesn't apply.
When you record partial payments from the debtor, the standard payment application order puts recoverable costs second (after accrued interest, before principal). So your enforcement fees get repaid before the principal starts shrinking.
Planning Your Enforcement Budget
For a typical small claims collection effort, plan for $30–$80 in court and service fees for a straightforward wage garnishment or bank levy. Property seizure and multiple enforcement rounds can push costs higher.
Our DC Small Claims Judgment Collection Guide includes a complete fee schedule and a cost-tracking ledger that helps you add each expenditure to the judgment balance and account for it when payments come in.
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Download the District of Columbia Small Claims Collection Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.