Iowa Small Claims Court

How it works in Iowa

1. Read the court's self-represented filing instructions and complete the small claims Original Notice.
2. File electronically and pay the $115 fee. Paper filing needs the court's permission.
3. Have the notice served on the defendant and pay for service.
4. If the defendant answers on time, the clerk schedules a hearing. Contested hearings are recorded and usually held before a magistrate.
5. If there's no answer, you can get a default judgment. A defendant can ask to set it aside for good cause within 60 days.

What it costs

$115, plus the cost of serving the notice.

How long you have to sue

Iowa Code § 614.1. 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

Any party can appeal by telling the court at the end of the hearing or filing notice within 20 days, and must pay the docket fee within those 20 days. A judge decides on the existing record, normally without new evidence.

Official links

• Iowa small claims self-help
• Court forms
• Find your court