eFileDC Small Claims: How to File Your Case Online
What eFileDC Is
eFileDC is DC Superior Court's electronic filing portal, powered by Tyler Technologies. It replaced the old CaseFileXpress system in October 2022 — any guide still referencing CaseFileXpress is outdated. The portal handles filings for the Civil Division, Landlord and Tenant Branch, and the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch.
Self-represented (pro se) litigants can use eFileDC voluntarily. Attorneys representing clients are required to file electronically.
Setting Up Your Account
Creating an eFileDC account is free. You'll provide your name, email, mailing address, and phone number. There's one important detail: registering for eFileDC automatically opts you into receiving court notices electronically. That means hearing dates, orders, and other court communications will come to your eFileDC inbox and email rather than by postal mail.
If you'd rather receive paper notices, file in person or by mail instead.
How to File a Small Claims Case Through eFileDC
Prepare your documents first. Before logging in, have your completed Statement of Claim, Small Claims Information Sheet, and any supporting documents (contracts, invoices, receipts, photographs) ready as PDF files. All documents should be formatted for 8.5 x 11 inch paper.
Log in and start a new case. Select the correct court division (Civil Division) and case type (Small Claims). Enter the party information — your full legal name and the defendant's full legal name and address.
Upload your documents. Attach the Statement of Claim as the lead document and the Information Sheet as a supporting document. Add any exhibits (contracts, invoices, photos) as separate attachments. Label each file clearly.
Select your filing code. eFileDC uses specific filing codes for different document types. For your initial filing, look for the Statement of Claim code under the Small Claims category. Selecting the wrong code can delay processing.
Pay the filing fee. The portal accepts electronic payment. Fees follow the standard schedule: $5 for claims up to $500, $10 for claims up to $2,500, $45 for claims up to $10,000. If you have an approved fee waiver, upload it as a separate document.
Submit and wait for confirmation. After submission, the clerk reviews your filing. You'll receive a confirmation email with your case number once it's accepted. If the clerk rejects it, you'll get a notification explaining why — fix the issue and resubmit.
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Get the District of Columbia Small Claims Filing Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
eFileDC vs. In-Person Filing
| eFileDC | In Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 | Building B: M-F 8:30-5, Wed 6:30-8:30 PM; Moultrie: Sat 9-12 |
| Court notices | Electronic only | Paper mail |
| Payment | Electronic | Check, money order, or verify card acceptance |
| Turnaround | Reviewed within business hours | Processed while you wait |
| Proof of filing | Email confirmation | Stamped copy in hand |
The main advantage of in-person filing is immediate feedback — the clerk can flag problems on the spot and you leave with a stamped copy. eFileDC is more convenient for scheduling, but the clerk must accept the submission before it is filed; a rejected electronic filing does not preserve your statute of limitations.
Common eFileDC Mistakes
Wrong filing code. The portal has many codes across court divisions. Make sure you're selecting Small Claims codes, not Civil Actions or Landlord and Tenant.
Non-PDF attachments. eFileDC requires PDF format. Word documents, images, or scanned pages in other formats may be rejected.
Missing Information Sheet. The Statement of Claim alone isn't enough — the Information Sheet must be filed alongside it.
Forgetting PII redaction. The same privacy rules apply to electronic filings. Redact Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth, and driver's license numbers before uploading.
Tracking Your Case After Filing
Once your case is filed, you can track its status through Enterprise Justice (formerly called the Odyssey Portal) on the DC Courts website. This public docket system shows filed documents, hearing dates, and court orders. Keep your case number handy — you'll need it to look up your case.
For a complete guide to the filing process — electronic or in person — including deadline tracking and service of process instructions, our DC Small Claims Filing Guide covers every step.
Get Your Free District of Columbia Small Claims Filing Checklist
Download the District of Columbia Small Claims Filing Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.