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Get My California Forms — $19California 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:
| If you need to… | Form | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Ask the court to waive the filing fee | Request to Waive Court Fees | FW-001 |
| …and read the court's decision on that request | Order on Court Fee Waiver | FW-003 |
| Move your hearing to a different date | Request to Postpone Trial | SC-150 |
| Raise your own claim after being sued | Defendant's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court | SC-120 |
| Enforce a judgment the other side won't pay | Writ of Execution | EJ-130 |
| Garnish the losing side's wages | Application for Earnings Withholding Order (Wage Garnishment) | WG-001 |
A Writ of Execution (EJ-130) comes first in any enforcement route — the wage-garnishment application is filed against a writ you already hold, not on its own.
These numbers were checked against the forms themselves on 4 August 2026, not copied from a summary — each Judicial Council PDF carries its own number, title and revision date. Even so, form numbers and revisions do change: confirm the current version on the official California Courts small claims forms list before you file, and note that FW-001 and FW-003 are general civil fee-waiver forms rather than small claims ones, so they are listed with the fee-waiver guidance instead.
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.
California Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in California?
The SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court opens the case. You'll also use the SC-104 proof-of-service series to show the defendant was served, and the FW-001 if you're requesting a fee waiver. Download the current versions free from the California Courts forms site.
❓ How much can you sue for in California small claims court?
Individuals can claim up to $12,500. Businesses and other entities are capped at $6,250. If your claim is larger, you can waive the excess to stay in small claims or file in a different court.
❓ Does California use a "statement of claim" form?
No — the form other states call a statement of claim is the SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim in California. If you've seen "statement of claim" mentioned (Florida, Georgia and several other states use that name), the SC-100 is the California equivalent.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in California?
No — in fact, California generally does not allow attorneys to represent parties at the small claims hearing. The forms and procedure are simplified so you can file, serve, and present your own case.
Generate Your California Small Claims Forms
Walk through a few simple questions and SmallClaimsHelper fills out your California claim and a judge script for you — review it and file for $19.
Start My Claim — $19General information only, not legal advice. Because California small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and vary by county, use the current official forms and confirm requirements with your court before filing.
Before you file, run the numbers. Now that you know the California limit, three free tools answer the questions that come next: is the claim still in time (statute of limitations checker), is suing worth it once you count the fee and your time (worth-it calculator), and what will the whole thing cost (cost-to-sue estimator)? Many disputes settle before any of this, once the other side gets a written demand letter.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get official California small claims forms?
Download them free from the California Courts website at courts.ca.gov/rules-forms/find-your-court-forms, or get them from the self-help center or small claims clerk at your courthouse or county law library. Always use the current official Judicial Council version, because forms are revised periodically.
What is the small claims limit in California?
As of 2026, an individual (a natural person, including a sole proprietor) can claim up to $12,500 in California small claims court. A business or public entity is limited to $6,250. If your claim is larger, you can either reduce it to the limit or file in a different court. Confirm the current figure on courts.ca.gov before filing.
How do I serve the defendant in a California small claims case?
After you file SC-100, the defendant must be served and you must file proof of it. California uses the SC-104 series: Form SC-104 (Proof of Service), with SC-104B explaining what proof of service is and SC-104C covering how to serve a business or public entity. Someone 18 or older who is not a party to the case completes and signs the proof of service.
What form do I need to file a small claims case in California?
The main California small claims form is Form SC-100, the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court. It names the plaintiff and defendant, states the amount you are claiming, and briefly describes the dispute. Before filling it out, read Form SC-100-INFO, Information for the Plaintiff. Both are free Judicial Council forms available at courts.ca.gov.