Filing a small claims case in Minnesota means using Minnesota's own forms and following its court's procedure. This guide covers the core documents a typical case uses, the claim limit, and where to get the official Minnesota forms — without paying for something your court provides free.
The short version: file your claim in Conciliation Court (division of District Court), serve the defendant, and prepare your evidence for the hearing. You can claim up to $20,000. Get the official forms free from Minnesota Judicial Branch - Conciliation/Small Claims Court forms.
What Forms Do You Need in Minnesota?
Form names and numbers differ by state, but a Minnesota small claims case generally uses the same core documents:
📄 Plaintiff's Statement of Claim (Conciliation Court), form CCT102
The document that opens your case — it names the parties, the amount you're claiming, and the basis of the claim. Get the current version from Minnesota Judicial Branch - Conciliation/Small Claims Court forms.
📬 Serving the defendant
Statewide numbered form CCT102 exists; after filing, the Court Administrator serves the defendant (claims of $2,500 or less served by first-class mail)
💵 Fee waiver
Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Filing Fee, form CCT104 (IFP) Ask the clerk for the current fee-waiver form.
⚖️ Default judgment
If the defendant is properly served but doesn't respond or appear, you can ask the court to enter a judgment in your favor by default.
Where to Get Official Minnesota Forms
Minnesota small claims forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- Minnesota court forms — Minnesota Judicial Branch - Conciliation/Small Claims Court forms
- Official source — mncourts.gov
- Official source — mncourts.gov
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
Minnesota Small Claims Limit & Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Conciliation Court (division of District Court) |
| Claim limit | $20,000 |
| Filing fee | Filing fee varies by county (District Court fee schedule); +$5 for eFiling |
| Fee waiver | Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Filing Fee, form CCT104 (IFP) |
$20,000 general limit (statewide) Limits and fees change over time and can vary by county — confirm the current figures with your Minnesota court before you file.
Minnesota Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in Minnesota?
A Minnesota small claims case is filed in Conciliation Court (division of District Court). You generally need a claim/complaint form to open the case, a way to serve the defendant with proof of service, and — if you can't afford the fee — a fee-waiver form. Form names and numbers are set by the court, so download the current official versions from Minnesota Judicial Branch - Conciliation/Small Claims Court forms before you file.
❓ How much can you sue for in Minnesota small claims court?
In Minnesota you can claim up to $20,000. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit to stay in small claims or file in a higher court instead.
❓ Where do I get official Minnesota small claims forms?
From your state court — Minnesota's judiciary publishes the official forms, and the Conciliation Court (division of District Court) clerk can provide the current versions and tell you which ones your court requires. Court-issued forms are free; you only pay the filing fee.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in Minnesota?
No. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves without an attorney, and Minnesota is no exception. The forms and procedure are simplified so you can file, serve, and present your own case.
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Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. Minnesota small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.