Minnesota Small Claims Filing Fee: What It Costs to File in 2026
Filing in Minnesota Conciliation Court isn't free, but it's significantly cheaper than a regular civil lawsuit. Here's exactly what you'll pay and what additional costs to plan for.
The Filing Fee: $70–$80
Every Conciliation Court case starts with a filing fee made up of two parts:
- $65 statewide base fee under Minn. Stat. § 357.022 — this is the same in all 87 counties
- $5–$15 county law library surcharge under Minn. Stat. §§ 134A.09 and 134A.10 — this varies by county
The total ranges from $70 to $80 depending on where you file. Hennepin County (Minneapolis), for example, charges $70 total. Check the current Ramsey County surcharge to confirm its total.
You pay this fee when you submit Form CCT102 (Plaintiff's Statement of Claim and Summons). Defendants also pay the same fee if they file a counterclaim using Form CCT202.
Fee Waiver for Low-Income Filers
If you can't afford the filing fee, you can apply for a waiver by filing Form CCT104 (Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Fee). You'll automatically qualify if you:
- Receive means-tested public assistance — MFIP, SNAP, SSI, General Assistance or Medical Assistance
- Are represented by a civil legal services or volunteer attorney program based on indigency
- Have a household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines
If you don't meet those automatic thresholds, the judge can still grant a full or partial waiver if paying would sacrifice basic living necessities. A partial waiver sets a reduced fee of $75.
One catch: if you win your case under a fee waiver, the waived filing fee gets added to your judgment. Once you collect, you reimburse the court administrator for that fee.
Fee waivers are only available to individuals — corporations, LLCs and partnerships cannot apply.
Additional Costs Beyond the Filing Fee
The filing fee is just the starting point. Other expenses can come up depending on your case:
| Cost | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Certified mail / process server | Varies by method and provider | Claims over $2,500 where you handle service |
| Witness subpoena fee | $20/day + mileage | If you compel a non-party witness to attend |
| Continuance request | Up to $50 | If you need to reschedule the hearing |
| Judgment docketing | $15–$25 | If you need to transcribe the judgment to District Court for enforcement |
For claims of $2,500 or less, service is handled by the court clerk via first-class mail — that cost is included in your filing fee. For claims above $2,500, you pay for certified mail or a process server; costs vary by method and provider.
Free Download
Get the Minnesota Small Claims Filing Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
Can You Recover the Filing Fee?
If you win with an IFP waiver, the waived filing fee is added to your judgment. If you collect the judgment, you reimburse the court administrator for that waived fee. The court does not collect the judgment for you.
The District Court Alternative
If your claim exceeds $20,000 and you can't file in Conciliation Court, the regular District Court filing fee starts at $310 ($410 with a jury trial). That's also the fee for an appeal (removal) from Conciliation Court under Form CCT402.
For a full breakdown of every cost and deadline in the Minnesota filing process, including a service cost tracker and fee worksheet, see the Minnesota Small Claims Filing Guide.
Get Your Free Minnesota Small Claims Filing Checklist
Download the Minnesota Small Claims Filing Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.