Want it filled in for you? Answer a few plain-English questions and get a completed draft of the Statement of Claim — every field filled in from your answers, ready to copy onto the official form — plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your District of Columbia claim qualifiesThe District of Columbia Small Claims Form
📄 Statement of Claim (Small Claims Form 1)
The form that opens your case. Download it free from dccourts.gov.
District of Columbia Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | DC Superior Court, Small Claims & Conciliation Branch |
| Claim limit | $10,000 |
| Claim form | Statement of Claim (Small Claims Form 1) |
| Filing fee | $5 / $10 / $45 (≤$500 / ≤$2.5k / >$2.5k) — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing |
| Serving the defendant | Certified mail (plaintiff), process server, or US Marshal (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
| Law that sets the limit | D.C. Code § 11-1321 |
| Court data verified | October 6, 2026 |
Filing Deadlines in District of Columbia
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(7) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(7) |
| Damage to property | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(3) |
| Personal injury | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8) |
| Unpaid debt or account | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(7) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in District of Columbia Instead?
Do you file an answer? No written answer is required. You must be present at the hearing to avoid a default judgment. (D.C. Code § 16-3902(e))
If they owe you money: The statute sets no filing deadline. A setoff or counterclaim over the Small Claims Branch limit but within Superior Court jurisdiction stays in Small Claims and is tried there in full. (D.C. Code § 16-3904)
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official District of Columbia Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — dccourts.gov
- Official source — dccourts.gov
- Official source — dccourts.gov
- The law itself — D.C. Code § 11-1321
- The clerk of the DC Superior Court, Small Claims & Conciliation Branch — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does District of Columbia compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
District of Columbia Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in District of Columbia?
The form that opens the case is the Statement of Claim. The official source is dccourts.gov. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in District of Columbia small claims court?
In District of Columbia you can claim up to $10,000 in the DC Superior Court, Small Claims & Conciliation Branch. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in District of Columbia?
The filing fee is $5 / $10 / $45 (≤$500 / ≤$2.5k / >$2.5k) — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the District of Columbia small claims form for me?
Yes. Answer a few plain-English questions and we produce a completed draft of the Statement of Claim, with every field filled in from your answers, ready to copy onto the official form and file. It comes with a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it filled in for you?
A few plain-English questions about your District of Columbia case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your District of Columbia claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.