Washington Small Claims Filing Fees: How Much Does It Cost?

Filing a small claims case in Washington costs between $35 and $50 depending on your county — but that's just the filing fee. Between service of process, potential appeal costs, and your time, it helps to know the full picture before you commit.

Base Filing Fee: $35

Every county in Washington charges a $35 base filing fee under RCW 12.40.020. This is the statutory minimum — no county charges less.

DRC Surcharge: $10 to $15

Most counties add a Dispute Resolution Center surcharge under RCW 7.75.035. This funds local mediation services. The surcharge varies by county:

• $50 total (base + $15 surcharge): King County, Pierce County, Spokane County
• $45 total (base + $10 surcharge): Grant County
• $35 to $45 total: Kittitas County, depending on district DRC funding

Check with your District Court clerk for the exact fee in your county. Payment methods vary — most accept cash, check, and credit card in person. Mail filings typically require a check or money order.

Service of Process Costs

You'll also pay to have the defendant served. Taxable court costs and process server fees do not count toward the claim limit:

• County sheriff: $30 to $65 or more, depending on mileage and the number of attempts
• Private process server: Varies (professional servers charge $40–$100+; a competent, disinterested adult who isn't a party can serve without hiring a professional)
• Certified mail: $10 to $18 for USPS certified mail with return receipt requested

If You Win: Recoverable Costs

Under RCW 12.40.040, the filing fee and the statutory service fee plus mileage are added to a judgment for the plaintiff. Under RCW 12.40.045, if a private process server charges more than the statutory service fee, only the statutory amount is recoverable as court costs. These costs do not count toward the $10,000/$5,000 jurisdictional limit.

If You Lose: Appeal Costs

Appeals are expensive relative to the original filing:

• District Court appeal processing fee: $40
• District Court transcript fee: $20
• Superior Court filing fee: $230
• Appeal bond: Cash or surety bond equal to twice the judgment and costs or twice the amount in controversy, whichever is greater

These costs apply to either side filing an appeal. No party may appeal when the total amount claimed was less than $250; a plaintiff or counterclaimant can appeal only if that party's original claim exceeded $1,000.

GR 34 Fee Waivers

If you can't afford the filing fee, Washington's General Rule 34 provides a waiver mechanism. You're eligible if:

• Your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines
• You receive means-tested public assistance (TANF, SSI, SNAP, Medicaid)
• Paying court fees would create an undue financial hardship

Complete the Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Court Fees and Surcharges (Form Motion GR 34), signed under penalty of perjury. Financial declarations are kept confidential.

An approved GR 34 waiver covers internal court filing fees and DRC surcharges. It does not automatically bind private process servers or out-of-county sheriff departments, so you may want to use certified mail or a disinterested adult who is not a party.

If the waiver is denied, the clerk gives you 14 days to pay the fee or request a judicial review hearing.

Counterclaim Filing Fee

If the defendant files a counterclaim against you, they pay the same filing fee — $35 to $50 depending on the county.

Total Cost Estimate

For a typical small claims case in a $50-fee county with sheriff service:

• Filing fee: $50
• Sheriff service: ~$45
• Certified mail for demand letter: ~$12
• Total out-of-pocket: ~$107

Plan Your Filing Budget

Our Washington Small Claims Filing Guide includes a complete county fee table and cost worksheet so you know exactly what to expect before you file.

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