How to File Small Claims in DC: Step-by-Step Filing Guide

Before You File: Pre-Filing Checklist

Three things need to be confirmed before you walk into the courthouse or open eFileDC:

Your claim fits the court. Small claims handles money-only disputes up to $10,000. No property disputes, no eviction actions, no requests for someone to do (or stop doing) something. If your claim exceeds $10,000, you either waive the excess and file here, or take the full amount to the Civil Actions Branch.

You know who to sue. For individuals, use their full legal name. For businesses, search the DLCP CorpOnline database to get the exact registered entity name and the registered agent's address. Suing a trade name instead of the legal entity can make your judgment unenforceable.

You're within the statute of limitations. Many simple contract and property-damage claims have a three-year deadline under D.C. Code § 12-301. Contracts for sale of goods generally have a four-year deadline under § 28:2-725, while intentional torts have a one-year deadline under § 12-301(4). These deadlines don't pause for demand letters or negotiations.

Step 1: Send a Demand Letter

A pre-suit demand letter isn't legally required for most claims, but it serves two purposes. First, it might resolve the dispute without court. Second, it shows the judge you made a good-faith effort to settle before filing.

Address the letter to the defendant by their legal name. State what happened, what you're owed, and a deadline (typically 14 to 30 days) to pay or respond. Keep a copy of the letter and any proof of delivery.

Step 2: Prepare Your Filing Documents

You need two forms:

• Statement of Claim, Verification, and Notice: Describes your case, names both parties, states the dollar amount, and attaches supporting documents (contracts, invoices, receipts, photos). Sign it under the verification clause.
• Small Claims Information Sheet: Administrative cover sheet with contact details and your choice of service method.

Redact sensitive information from all attachments — Social Security numbers, full bank account numbers, dates of birth, and driver's license numbers should show only the last four digits (or year only for DOB).

Step 3: File and Pay

Submit your forms through one of three channels:

• In person: Court Building B, 510 4th Street NW, 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: Address to the Small Claims Clerk's Office at the Building B address
• Online: Through eFileDC (efiledcsuperiorcourt.gov)

Pay the filing fee when you submit: $5 for claims up to $500, $10 for claims up to $2,500, or $45 for claims up to $10,000. If you qualify for a fee waiver, include your Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs.

Once the clerk accepts your filing, you'll receive a case number (format: 2026 SCP 001234) and an initial hearing date, typically 21 to 30 days out.

Step 4: Serve the Defendant

You cannot personally hand the court papers to the defendant. DC requires service through one of these methods:

• Clerk-sent certified mail: Pay $6.75 per defendant. The clerk mails the Statement of Claim with a return receipt.
• Special process server: File an Application for Appointment of Special Process Server ($5 motion fee). After the court approves the appointment, any competent person over 18 (who isn't a party or attorney in the case) can serve the papers.
• U.S. Marshal Service: Available but less commonly used for small claims.

Proof of service must be filed within 60 days after filing, or within 90 days in debt-collection and subrogation cases, and at least 7 days before the initial court date. If service or proof is not ready at least 7 days before that date, file for an Alias Notice ($5) to seek a new hearing date and reissue process. Missing the 60- or 90-day deadline results in dismissal without prejudice; before it expires, move for an extension and detail your service efforts. The court must extend the time if you show good cause.

Step 5: Attend Your Initial Hearing

On your court date, here's what actually happens:

The judge calls the case and encourages both sides to settle. If you can't agree, the case gets sent to the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division for immediate mediation with a neutral mediator — this happens the same day. If mediation fails, the case comes back for a bench trial, either that day or at a scheduled follow-up.

Bring three organized copies of your evidence: one for the judge, one for the opposing party, one for yourself. Contracts, invoices, photos, repair estimates, and communications are all relevant.

Step 6: After the Judgment

If the judge rules in your favor, the defendant owes you the judgment amount plus any awarded court costs and interest. If they don't pay voluntarily, you'll need to pursue enforcement through writs of attachment, wage garnishment, or an oral examination to discover their assets.

For the complete filing toolkit — including an entity verification worksheet, service tracking log, deadline calendar, and evidence binder index — get our DC Small Claims Filing Guide.

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