Online Filing Small Claims Court Minnesota: eFile and Guide & File

Minnesota is one of the easier states for filing a small claims case online. The state court system offers two electronic filing options — Guide & File for self-represented people, and eFile & eServe (eFS) for those comfortable with a more formal submission process. Neither requires you to visit the courthouse.

Guide & File: The Simpler Option

Minnesota Guide & File is an interview-style tool on the state court website. It walks you through a series of questions about your dispute, fills in Form CCT102 (Plaintiff's Statement of Claim and Summons) based on your answers, and lets you pay the filing fee online.

How it works:

1. Answer questions about your claim — who you are suing, why, and the dollar amount
2. The system generates a completed CCT102 from your answers
3. Review the generated form carefully before final submission
4. Pay the filing fee online ($70–$80 depending on county)
5. Submit the form electronically to the correct county

Important: Completing the Guide & File interview does not mean your claim is filed. You must execute the final submission step and pay the fee. Many people fill out the questions, get to the payment screen, and assume the job is done. It is not filed until the payment goes through and you receive a confirmation.

Guide & File does not let you attach evidence or exhibits. Those are presented at the hearing, not during filing.

eFile & eServe (eFS): The Formal System

eFS is the state's main electronic filing platform, used primarily by attorneys. Self-represented litigants can register for an account and use it too. It lets you:

• Upload and submit court documents electronically
• Receive electronic notifications about your case
• File additional documents (like Form CCT103 or CCT202) after the initial claim

Attorneys are required to use eFS. For self-represented filers, it is optional — Guide & File is usually easier for the initial claim, but eFS is useful for filing follow-up documents like the Affidavit of Service.

Do not share your eFS login with anyone else involved in the case. Shared accounts create authentication problems and can raise procedural objections.

Can You Do Everything Online?

Filing — yes, in most counties. But online filing has limits:

• Service is not online. For claims over $2,500, you must serve the defendant via certified mail or process server. The initial service of process cannot be done through eFS unless the defendant has registered and agreed to electronic service in your specific case.
• Check how to appear. Hearings may be in person or remote. Follow the hearing notice and county court instructions; if you need a different appearance format, ask the judge and appear as stated in the notice unless the court approves the change.
• Fee waivers require separate paperwork. If you need to apply for an IFP (In Forma Pauperis) waiver, you file Form CCT104 — this can be done through eFS or submitted with your Guide & File claim, depending on the county.

Paper Filing Is Still Available

If online filing is not for you, every county courthouse accepts paper filings. Bring the completed CCT102 to the court administrator's office during business hours (typically 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday) and pay the filing fee in person. Some rural counties also accept filings by mail.

For a complete walkthrough of the Minnesota Conciliation Court filing process — online or on paper — see the Filing a Small Claims Case in Minnesota guide.

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