California is one of the easier states to file in because it uses the same statewide Judicial Council forms in every county. You won't need many forms to start a case — often just one. This guide covers the core California small claims forms, what each is for, and where to get the current official version.
The short version: file Form SC-100 to start your case, serve the defendant and file a Form SC-104 proof of service, and download both free from courts.ca.gov. Individuals can claim up to $12,500.
The Main Form: SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim)
Form SC-100, the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, is the document that opens your case. On it you list the plaintiff and defendant's names and addresses, the exact amount you're claiming, and a short explanation of why the defendant owes you the money and how you calculated the amount.
📄 SC-100 — Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
The main claim form. It identifies the parties, the amount, and the basis of your claim, and it sets your hearing. This is the one form every California small claims case needs.
ℹ️ SC-100-INFO — Information for the Plaintiff
A plain-language instruction sheet the courts recommend you read before completing SC-100. It walks through who can sue, where to file, and how the process works.
➕ SC-100A — Other Plaintiffs or Defendants
An attachment for cases with more parties than fit on the SC-100 itself — for example, suing two defendants.
Serving the Defendant: The SC-104 Proof-of-Service Series
After you file SC-100, California requires that the defendant be formally served and that you file proof of it before the hearing. The proof-of-service forms are the SC-104 series. Note that the person who serves the papers must be at least 18 and not a party to the case — you cannot serve your own defendant.
📬 SC-104 — Proof of Service
The form your server signs to document how and when the defendant was served. It must be on file before your hearing goes forward.
📖 SC-104B — What Is "Proof of Service"?
An instruction sheet explaining the allowed methods of service and how to complete the proof of service correctly.
🏢 SC-104C — Serving a Business or Public Entity
Guidance for the extra steps required when your defendant is a company, LLC, or government agency rather than an individual.
Other California Forms You Might Need
Most cases don't need these, but depending on how things unfold you may run into:
- Fee waiver — if you can't afford the filing fee, California has a request-to-waive-court-fees form you can submit with your claim.
- Request to postpone the trial — if you need to move your hearing date.
- Defendant's Claim — if you've been sued and have your own claim against the plaintiff, the defendant files their own claim form to raise it.
- Judgment and enforcement forms — if you win and the other side doesn't pay, California has forms for enforcing the judgment (such as a writ of execution and wage garnishment).
Verify the exact form numbers before filing. Fee-waiver, postponement, and enforcement form numbers change and are beyond this overview — look them up on the official California Courts forms finder below rather than relying on a number you saw elsewhere.
Where to Download Official California Forms
California small claims forms are free. Get them from any of these official sources:
- California Courts forms finder — courts.ca.gov/rules-forms/find-your-court-forms lets you download fillable PDFs of every Judicial Council form, including SC-100 and the SC-104 series.
- Small Claims self-help guide — selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/small-claims gives step-by-step instructions alongside the forms.
- Your courthouse or county law library — the small claims clerk and self-help center can provide the current forms in person.
California Small Claims Limits
| Who is filing | Maximum claim (2026) |
|---|---|
| Individual / natural person (incl. sole proprietor) | $12,500 |
| Business or public entity | $6,250 |
If your claim exceeds these amounts, you can waive the excess and stay in small claims, or file in a different court. Limits and rules can change — confirm the current figures on courts.ca.gov before you file.
Generate Your California Small Claims Forms
Answer a few plain-English questions and SmallClaimsHelper drafts your completed claim and a judge script for California — ready to review and file for $19.
Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. California small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time — always use the current official Judicial Council forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.