King County Small Claims Court: Filing, Fees, and eCourt Portal

King County District Court handles more small claims filings than any other county in Washington. The $50 filing fee covers both the base court charge and the Dispute Resolution Center surcharge. If you're suing someone who lives in King County or if your dispute happened here, this is where your case will be heard.

Filing Options

King County offers three ways to file Form MISC 05.0100 (the Notice of Small Claim, revised January 2025):

In person at the District Court clerk counter. Pay by cash, check, or credit card.

By mail to the District Court Clerk with a check for $50 and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk processes the filing and mails back your conformed service copies.

Online through the eCourt portal. King County is one of the few Washington counties with a fully functional e-filing system. You create an account, fill out a guided interview, upload your documents, and pay electronically. The filing isn't accepted until the clerk reviews and processes the submission — an upload confirmation is not the same as an accepted filing.

Mandatory Mediation

King County requires pre-trial mediation through the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) before your case goes to a judge. The $50 filing fee includes the DRC surcharge under RCW 7.75.035.

Mediation sessions can be conducted by phone or online. If both parties reach an agreement, they put the settlement in writing. If mediation doesn't resolve it, the case moves to a hearing before a judge.

The $50 Filing Fee

The fee breaks down as $35 base filing fee under RCW 12.40.020 plus a $15 DRC surcharge. If the defendant files a counterclaim, they pay the same $50.

Can't afford it? File a GR 34 fee waiver motion. Eligibility includes household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, means-tested benefits such as TANF, SSI, SNAP, or Medicaid, or undue financial hardship.

Service Requirements

After filing, you must get the defendant served at least 10 calendar days before the hearing date. King County accepts four service methods:

• County sheriff ($30–$65 or more, depending on mileage)
• Private process server (any competent, disinterested adult 18+ who isn't a party)
• Substitute service at the defendant's residence
• Certified mail with return receipt signed by the defendant

You cannot serve the papers yourself. And a USPS tracking printout showing "delivered" doesn't count — you need the actual green card with the defendant's signature.

File your proof of service (Form MISC 05.0200) with the court before the hearing date.

What Happens at the Hearing

King County hearings are held in person. Both sides present evidence and testimony under oath. Prepare three identical packets of your evidence — one for the judge, one for the opposing party, and one for yourself.

Most hearings last 30 minutes or less. The judge may rule from the bench or take the case under advisement and mail a written decision.

If you need a language interpreter, contact the clerk at least 5 to 10 days before the hearing. The court provides certified interpreters free of charge.

Monetary Limits

The same statewide caps apply in King County: $10,000 for individuals, $5,000 for corporations and LLCs. If your damages exceed the limit, you can waive the excess to stay in small claims, but you'll permanently forfeit the difference.

Getting Your Case Organized

Between the eCourt portal, mandatory mediation, and specific local rules, King County has more moving parts than most Washington counties. Our Washington Small Claims Filing Guide covers King County's process step by step — from navigating the eCourt upload to organizing your evidence binder for the hearing.

See more Washington guides →