Want it filled in for you? Answer a few plain-English questions and get a completed draft of the DC-CV-001 Complaint — 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 Maryland claim qualifiesThe Maryland Small Claims Form
📄 DC-CV-001 Complaint
The form that opens your case. Download it free from courts.state.md.us.
Maryland Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court of Maryland (small claims) |
| Claim limit | $5,000 |
| Claim form | DC-CV-001 Complaint |
| Filing fee | $44 + service ($20 by clerk mail, $60 by sheriff/constable, per defendant) |
| Serving the defendant | Certified mail, sheriff (~$40), or private adult non-party (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
| Law that sets the limit | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405 |
| Court data verified | October 6, 2026 |
Filing Deadlines in Maryland
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 | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. sec. 5-101 |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 3 years | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. sec. 5-101 |
| Damage to property | 3 years | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. sec. 5-101 |
| Personal injury | 3 years — 1 year for assault, libel, or slander — Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105. | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. sec. 5-101 |
| Unpaid debt or account | 3 years | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Maryland Instead?
Do you file an answer? To defend, file the Notice of Intention to Defend within 15 days of receiving the summons (60 days if you are out of state). If you do not, judgment may be entered without a trial. (Md. Rule 3-307 (Maryland Judiciary guidance))
If they owe you money: You may file a counterclaim within 10 days after the time for filing your Notice of Intention to Defend. (Md. Rule 3-331 (Maryland Judiciary guidance))
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Maryland Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — courts.state.md.us
- Official source — mdcourts.gov
- Official source — mdcourts.gov
- The law itself — Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405
- The clerk of the District Court of Maryland (small claims) — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Maryland compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Maryland Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Maryland?
The form that opens the case is the DC-CV-001 Complaint. The official source is courts.state.md.us. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Maryland small claims court?
In Maryland you can claim up to $5,000 in the District Court of Maryland (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 Maryland?
The filing fee is $44 + service ($20 by clerk mail, $60 by sheriff/constable, per defendant). Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Maryland small claims form for me?
Yes. Answer a few plain-English questions and we produce a completed draft of the DC-CV-001 Complaint, 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 Maryland case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Maryland claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.