Washington Small Claims Court

How it works in Washington

1. Get a Notice of Small Claim from the district court clerk and fill it in, including a sworn statement of your claim.
2. File in the district court of the county where the defendant lives, sign in front of the clerk unless told otherwise, and pay the fee.
3. Have the Notice served at least 10 days before the hearing by an adult who isn’t a party, by the sheriff, or by registered or certified mail with a signed receipt.
4. Try to settle. If you do, tell the court so the hearing can be canceled.
5. Bring your papers, photos and receipts to the hearing, and write out the facts in order beforehand.

What it costs

$35 or $50, depending on whether the county adds a dispute resolution surcharge. Service costs are extra

How long you have to sue

RCW 4.16.040(1), 4.16.080(1)-(3). 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 party can appeal to superior court within 30 days by filing notice in district court, paying the fee and posting a bond, and the review is based on the district court record; appeals are barred when $250 or less is at stake or when the party who filed claimed under $1,000.

Official links

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