Washington Small Claims
Everything you need to know about filing in Washington District Courts
General Information Only: This page provides general educational information as of January 2025. Court rules and fees change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local District Court or the Washington Courts website.
Washington
District Courts - Small Claims Department
$10,000
Statewide limit
$35-$50
Varies by county
Allowed
Self-representation
Final
Judgment is final
Key Information
1District Courts
- Located in each county
- Simplified procedures
- No formal rules of evidence
- Decisions are final
2Who Can File
- Individuals 18 or older
- Businesses of any type
- Corporations can't use attorneys
- No limit on claim frequency
Common Case Types
Security Deposits
Landlord-tenant disputes
Property Damage
Auto, neighbor issues
Unpaid Services
Work not compensated
Contract Disputes
Broken agreements
Consumer Issues
Defective products
Personal Property
Items not returned
Statutes of Limitations
You must file your claim within these time limits from when the issue occurred:
Filing Process Overview
Complete Notice of Claim
Fill out small claims form from District Court
File with Clerk
Submit to District Court Clerk and pay filing fee
Serve the Defendant
Sheriff, process server, or certified mail
Wait for Response
Defendant has 14-20 days to respond
Attend Hearing
Present your case; judgment usually same day
No Appeals Allowed
Washington small claims decisions are final and cannot be appealed. This makes it important to bring all your evidence and witnesses to the hearing. You only get one chance.
Tip: Organize your evidence well and practice explaining your case clearly and concisely.
Seattle / King County
King County District Court handles small claims for Seattle and surrounding areas. They offer online filing and helpful self-help resources.
King County Small ClaimsOfficial Resources
Find Your District Court
Washington has 39 counties, each with District Courts handling small claims cases.
View Washington CountiesLegal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and may be outdated. Laws and procedures change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local District Court or consult a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.