Travis County Small Claims Court: Filing Steps, Fees, and Precinct Guide

Where to File in Travis County

Small claims cases in Travis County are heard in the Justice of the Peace Courts — the same courts that handle debt claims and eviction cases. Travis County has multiple precincts, each covering a different part of the Austin metro area. Venue generally lies in the precinct where the defendant resides, where a tort occurred or contract was breached, or as otherwise allowed under CPRC Chapter 15 and TRCP 502.4.

Travis County's website lists each precinct's geographic boundaries. Venue generally lies in the precinct where the defendant resides, where a tort occurred or contract was breached, or as otherwise allowed under CPRC Chapter 15 and TRCP 502.4. Getting the precinct right matters — a defendant can object to improper venue, so confirm the correct precinct before filing.

Filing Fees

Travis County filing costs follow the same base structure as other Texas counties:

• Base filing fee: $54
• Constable service fee: check the precinct's current fee schedule
• Total for one defendant: $54 base filing fee plus the precinct's constable service fee
• Jury demand: $22
• eFileTexas portal fee: ~$5 plus credit card processing

If you can't afford the fees, file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under TRCP Rule 502.3.

Filing Steps

1. Send a demand letter. This isn't required for most claims, but Travis County judges notice when you've made a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute before filing. For a security deposit claim, the landlord's 30-day return period begins after surrender and written forwarding-address notice; a 10-day demand is standard practice, not a statutory prerequisite. Consumer suits seeking DTPA damages generally require 60 days' written notice under Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 17.505(a), except when notice is impracticable because suit must be filed to prevent the limitations period from expiring or the claim is asserted as a counterclaim.

2. Identify the defendant correctly. For businesses, search the Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect portal to confirm the registered legal name and registered agent address. A sole proprietor is sued as "Jane Smith d/b/a Business Name," while an LLC is sued under its registered name.

3. Complete the Small Claims Petition. Include the precinct number, both parties' contact information, the facts, the amount you're claiming (up to $20,000), and a military status statement. Redact Social Security numbers and financial account numbers.

4. File online or in person. eFileTexas works for all Travis County JP courts. For in-person filing, bring the original plus two copies per defendant.

5. Pay the filing and service fees. The clerk issues a citation, and a Travis County constable delivers it.

The Hearing

Travis County JP courts hold informal hearings. The formal Texas Rules of Evidence don't apply. Some Texas JP courts conduct hearings by Zoom — check your precinct's standing orders for remote-attendance availability and rules for electronic exhibits.

One Travis County litigant described getting 30 seconds for an opening statement before the judge moved to evidence. Print every piece of evidence and bring three copies. Organize exhibits in chronological order with a summary sheet on top.

The defendant has 14 calendar days from service to file a written answer. If they don't respond, you can move for a default judgment after the return of service has been on file for at least 6 calendar days, excluding the day it is filed and the day judgment is signed.

Get Started

The Texas Small Claims Filing Guide covers the full process from demand letter through the hearing, with a deadline calendar and printable worksheets for organizing your case in any Travis County precinct.

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