New Mexico Small Claims Court Forms: Which Ones You Need and Where to Get Them

The Forms You Actually Need

New Mexico uses standardized Supreme Court–approved forms for all civil cases in Magistrate and Metropolitan Courts. There's no separate set of "small claims forms" — you use the same civil complaint forms that handle any case up to $10,000.

Here are the key forms for filing a claim:

• Form 4-201 — Civil Complaint for Magistrate Courts (every county except Bernalillo)
• Form 4-202 — Civil Complaint for Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
• Form 4-204 — Civil Summons, issued by the court clerk after you file
• Form 4-206 — Answer to Civil Complaint (the defendant's response form, included in the summons packet)

If you're filing a debt collection or medical debt case, you'll also need Form 4-226 or 4-226A — supplemental disclosure forms required by statutory collection restrictions.

Form 4-201 vs. Form 4-202: Which One?

This is the most common point of confusion. The answer depends entirely on geography:

• Filing in Bernalillo County (Albuquerque metro area) → use Form 4-202
• Filing in any of the other 32 counties → use Form 4-201

Both forms ask for the same basic information: your name and address, the defendant's name and address, a brief factual statement of your claim, and the dollar amount you're seeking (up to $10,000). The difference is which court system processes the paperwork.

When completing either form, you need a brief, plain summary of facts — not legal arguments. State what happened, when it happened, what the other party owes you, and how you calculated that amount. Attach supporting documents (contracts, invoices, photos, receipts) as exhibits.

Where to Get the Forms

Guide & File portal (free, at nmcourts.gov): This is the recommended path for self-represented filers. The portal walks you through an interactive questionnaire that generates the correct forms pre-filled with your information. You then print the forms and submit them to the court clerk in person or by mail. Guide & File does not electronically file your case — it only creates the documents.

Direct PDF downloads: All forms are available as blank PDFs on the New Mexico Courts website and individual court district pages. Search for "civil forms" on nmcourts.gov.

eFile & Serve (attorneys only): Lawyers must file electronically through the Tyler Technologies system. Self-represented parties are not required to use this system and cannot access it without registration. The convenience fees are $12 for eFile & Serve or $8 for File Only.

Don't Forget the Summons

After you file your complaint and pay the applicable $72–$87 filing fee, the court clerk issues Form 4-204 — the Civil Summons. This is the official document that notifies the defendant they're being sued and tells them they have 20 days to respond.

You don't fill out the summons yourself. The clerk signs and stamps it after accepting your complaint. Your job is to arrange service — getting the summons and a copy of your complaint physically delivered to the defendant through an authorized method (sheriff, process server, or certified mail).

Privacy: What to Redact

Before filing a public document, redact protected personal information under Rules 1-005.2, 2-205, and 3-205 NMRA. Remove Social Security numbers, full financial account numbers, driver's license numbers, and full dates of birth for minors. Courts can reject filings that include unredacted protected information.

For a step-by-step guide to completing each form and building your filing packet, the New Mexico Small Claims Filing Guide walks through every line with examples for common claim types.

See more New Mexico guides →