Want it written for you? Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim laid out so you can copy each field onto the official Original Notice, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Iowa claim qualifiesThe Iowa Small Claims Form
📄 Original Notice (generated in mandatory eFile flow)
The form that opens your case. Download it free from iowacourts.gov.
Iowa Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court, Small Claims |
| Claim limit | $6,500 |
| Claim form | Original Notice (generated in mandatory eFile flow) |
| Filing fee | $115 — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing |
| Serving the defendant | Personal or certified mail restricted delivery (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
| Law that sets the limit | Iowa Code § 631.1(1)(b) |
| Court data verified | October 6, 2026 |
Filing Deadlines in Iowa
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 | 10 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(5)(a) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 5 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
| Damage to property | 5 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
| Personal injury | 2 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(2) |
| Unpaid debt or account | 5 years — 10 years where the debt is on a written contract — Iowa Code § 614.1(5)(a). | Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Iowa Instead?
Do you file an answer? Return the answer (appearance) form within 20 days after you were served. The hearing is then set 5 to 20 days later. (Iowa Code § 631.4(1))
If they owe you money: In writing, on the Supreme Court form. No counterclaim is needed for an offset arising from the plaintiff's own claim. (Iowa Code § 631.7(3)-(4))
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Iowa Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — iowacourts.gov
- Official source — iowacourts.gov
- Official source — legis.iowa.gov
- The law itself — Iowa Code § 631.1(1)(b)
- The clerk of the District Court, Small Claims — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Iowa compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Iowa Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Iowa?
The form that opens the case is the Original Notice. The official source is iowacourts.gov. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Iowa small claims court?
In Iowa you can claim up to $6,500 in the District Court, Small Claims. 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 Iowa?
The filing fee is $115 — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Iowa small claims form for me?
We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto the official Original Notice yourself — we do not produce the form itself. It comes with a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Iowa case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Iowa claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.