District of Columbia Small Claims Court

How it works in District of Columbia

1. Complete a Statement of Claim and a Small Claims Information Sheet. You must be 18 or older to file.
2. File in person at 510 4th Street NW, Room 120, in the Moultrie Courthouse drop box, by mail, or electronically.
3. Pay the filing and service fees, or file an Application to Waive Court Costs and Fees.
4. The court sets a first hearing 21 to 30 days after filing, or 30 to 45 days for collection and insurance subrogation cases. You are responsible for getting the defendant served in time.
5. Attend the Initial Hearing, where you may be offered mediation.
6. If the case doesn’t settle, go to trial with your evidence and witnesses. Any jury request must be in writing before the first court date.

What it costs

$5 up to $500, $10 up to $2,500 and $45 up to $10,000, plus a service fee for each defendant

How long you have to sue

D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(2), (3), (7), (8). These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

A Magistrate Judge’s decision goes to an Associate Judge by Motion for Judicial Review within 14 calendar days, and an Associate Judge’s decision can be taken further only by an Application for Allowance of Appeal within 3 business days of docketing.

Official links

• District of Columbia small claims self-help
• Court forms
• Find your court