North Carolina Small Claims Judgment Collection Forms: Every AOC Form You Need
The Forms That Drive NC Judgment Collection
North Carolina's post-judgment enforcement system uses standardized forms published by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). Many enforcement actions have a specific form number, though supplemental proceedings are initiated by a motion and supporting affidavit rather than a uniform mandatory statewide AOC form. Filing the wrong form, or filing the right form at the wrong time, stalls your collection.
Here's every AOC form you'll encounter when collecting a small claims judgment, in the order you'll typically use them.
Form AOC-CV-406: Notice of Right to Have Exemptions Designated
When you file it: After the 10-day appeal window expires, before requesting a writ of execution against an individual debtor.
What it does: Notifies the debtor of their statutory right to claim property exemptions under G.S. 1C-1601. You must serve this form on individual debtors along with blank Form AOC-CV-415 (Motion to Claim Exempt Property). Business entities skip this step — they have no exemption rights.
Service methods: Sheriff service ($30), certified mail with return receipt, or process server.
The 20-day rule: The debtor has exactly 20 calendar days from service to respond. If they don't respond, exemptions are waived and you can proceed to execution.
Form AOC-CV-415: Motion to Claim Exempt Property
When it's used: Served blank alongside AOC-CV-406 — the debtor fills it out if they want to claim exemptions.
What it does: Allows the debtor to list specific property they claim is exempt (homestead, motor vehicle, personal property, tools of trade, etc.) under the statutory categories in G.S. 1C-1601.
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Form AOC-CV-400: Writ of Execution
When you file it: After the exemption notice process is complete (or immediately after the appeal window for business debtors).
What it does: The primary enforcement instrument. Signed and sealed by the Clerk of Superior Court, it directs the county sheriff to levy on the debtor's non-exempt property. Valid for 90 days.
Fees: $25 clerk filing fee + $30 sheriff service fee per defendant.
Key detail: You need a separate writ for each county where you want to levy. If the debtor has assets in multiple counties, get a transcript first (AOC-CV-403) to docket the judgment there.
Form AOC-CV-403: Transcript and Certification of Judgment
When you file it: When the debtor has property in a county other than where the judgment was entered, or when you want to create a judgment lien in additional counties.
What it does: Certified copy of the judgment that can be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in any other North Carolina county, creating a new docket entry and lien in that county.
Fee: $10 per transcript.
Form AOC-CV-409: Order Designating Exempt Property
When it's used: After the debtor files Form AOC-CV-415. If you don't object, the clerk enters this order. If you object and a hearing is held, the District Court judge signs it.
What it does: Officially designates which of the debtor's property is exempt from execution and which is not.
Form AOC-CV-408: Notice of Hearing on Exempt Property
When it's used: If you file a written objection to the debtor's claimed exemptions within 10 days.
What it does: Schedules a hearing before a District Court judge to resolve the exemption dispute.
Form AOC-CV-404: Certificate of Payment on Judgment
When it's used: For an in-person entry recording satisfaction under G.S. 1-239.
What it does: The creditor appears at the Clerk of Superior Court's office and signs the judgment docket cancellation entry in the clerk's presence.
Form AOC-CV-413: Certificate of Payment/Satisfaction of Judgment
When you file it: After the judgment is paid in full.
What it does: The creditor completes, signs, and notarizes this form, then mails or delivers it to the Clerk of Superior Court to record satisfaction.
Form AOC-CV-410: Notice Payment on Judgment
When it's used: For a notice related to payment on a judgment; confirm with the Clerk of Superior Court which filing is required for your situation.
What it does: Its official title is Notice Payment on Judgment.
Form AOC-CV-414: Upset Bid After Judicial Sale
When it's used: After a sheriff's auction of real property. Any person can submit an upset bid within 10 days of the sale.
What it does: Raises the bid by at least 5% (minimum $750 increase), accompanied by a deposit to the clerk.
Where to Get the Forms
All AOC forms are available free from the North Carolina Judicial Branch website (nccourts.gov) under the Forms section, and from any Clerk of Superior Court office. Many can also be filed electronically through the eCourts File & Serve system.
Knowing the Order Matters
Having the forms is step one — knowing when to file each one, and what happens between filings, is what actually gets the money collected. Our North Carolina judgment collection guide provides the complete procedural sequence with each form in context, including fill-in guidance and the exact deadlines between steps.
Get Your Free North Carolina Small Claims Collection Checklist
Download the North Carolina Small Claims Collection Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.