How to File Small Claims in Alaska

Confirm Your Claim Qualifies

Before you file anything, check that your dispute fits Alaska small claims court. The District Court handles money claims and personal property recovery up to $10,000 in principal under AS 22.15.040. Claims involving evictions, real property title, liens, claims against the State or federal government, or claims against municipalities acting in a governmental capacity don't qualify — those go through separate court tracks.

Also check the statute of limitations. Written and oral contracts have a 3-year limit (AS 09.10.053). Personal injury and property damage claims have 2 years (AS 09.10.070). If you're past the deadline, the defendant can get the case dismissed.

Send a Demand Letter First

A written demand letter isn't legally required for most claims, but it does three important things: it gives the other side a chance to settle without court involvement, it documents the start of your pre-judgment interest calculation, and it shows the judge you tried to resolve the dispute.

Include these elements:

• Your name and contact information
• A description of what happened and what's owed
• The specific dollar amount you're claiming
• A payment deadline (10 to 14 days is standard)
• A statement that you'll file in District Court if payment isn't received

Send it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. For bad check claims under AS 09.68.115, a written demand is actually mandatory before you can claim statutory penalties.

Look Up the Defendant's Legal Name

If you're suing a business, you need the correct legal entity name on the complaint — not just the storefront name. Search the Alaska DCCED/CBPL databases:

• Corporations and LLCs: Use the CBPL Corporations database to find the exact registered name and registered agent
• Sole proprietors and DBAs: Use the Business License Search to confirm trade names

Name the right entity on your complaint. "John Smith d/b/a Smith Handyman Services" for a sole proprietor. "Northern Construction, LLC" for an LLC. Getting this wrong can make your judgment unenforceable.

Complete and File Form SC-1

Form SC-1 is the official small claims complaint. You'll fill in:

• The court location (the District Court nearest to where the defendant lives, works, or caused the damage, or where the defendant's business conducts or solicits business)
• Full legal names and addresses for both parties
• A factual summary of why money is owed
• The dollar amount you're claiming (up to $10,000 principal)
• Attached supporting documents — contracts, invoices, photos, receipts

Redact Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account numbers from all attachments before filing.

File the original plus two copies at the District Court clerk's office. The filing fee is $50 for claims of $2,500 or less, $100 for larger claims. You can also file electronically through TrueFiling, though self-represented filers aren't required to use it.

Serve the Defendant

After the clerk issues the Summons (Form SC-2), you need to deliver the paperwork to the defendant. Alaska allows two methods:

1. Certified mail with restricted delivery — the defendant must personally sign for it
2. Process server or Alaska State Trooper — a licensed process server or trooper delivers the papers in person

For businesses, serve the registered agent, an officer, or a managing member. For individuals, the named person must receive the papers directly.

Once service is complete, file Form SC-4 (Affidavit of Service) with the court, attaching the signed postal receipt or the server's return.

Wait for the Response and Attend the Hearing

The defendant has 20 calendar days to respond after being served. If they don't respond, you can request a default judgment by filing Form SC-8.

If they do respond, the court schedules a hearing — typically 4 to 12 weeks out. Bring organized copies of all your evidence: contracts, receipts, photos, text messages, and any correspondence. Prepare two extra sets — one for the judge, one for the other side.

The hearing runs 15 to 30 minutes in most cases. The judge asks both sides questions, reviews the evidence, and either rules on the spot or takes the matter under advisement.

The Alaska Small Claims Filing Guide covers each of these steps with Alaska-specific forms, deadlines, and checklists — including a deadline calendar and service tracking log.

See more Alaska guides →