Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in North Dakota
The most you can sue for in North Dakota small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in North Dakota
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $15,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | $20Uniform statewide uniform statewide; the small-claims filing fee rose from $10 to $20 effective July 1, 2025 |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Allowed North Dakota small claims court is built for self-representation, and most parties appear without counsel, but lawyers are not barred. A party may be represented by a lawyer admitted in the state. |
| Statute / court rule | N.D. Cent. Code §27-08.1-01 |
Small claims court hears money claims, a tenant's claim for civil damages, or cancellation of an agreement tainted by fraud, where the amount does not exceed $15,000. The cap is statewide. Choosing small claims court is irrevocable for the plaintiff and waives the right to appeal, though the defendant may remove the case to district court.
The small-claims filing fee doubled from $10 to $20 effective July 1, 2025. Confirm the current amount with the clerk of district court where you file.
Where to file in North Dakota
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use North Dakota's official court self-help resource.
→ ND Courts small claims self-helpWhat North Dakota filers get wrong
North Dakota sets one of the higher small-claims ceilings in the country at $15,000, written in N.D.C.C. §27-08.1-01 as "fifteen thousand dollars." Small claims court hears money claims, a tenant's claim for civil damages, and requests to cancel an agreement tainted by fraud or misrepresentation, so long as the amount stays at or below $15,000. Two features stand out. First, the plaintiff's choice to use small claims court is irrevocable and gives up any right to appeal the decision, though the defendant can remove the case to regular district court. Second, the filing fee is uniform statewide and low: it rose from $10 to $20 effective July 1, 2025. The court is designed for people without lawyers, but attorneys are not barred if a party wants one.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in North Dakota?
North Dakota small claims court hears cases up to $15,000 under N.D.C.C. §27-08.1-01, which sets the cap as "fifteen thousand dollars." That covers money claims, a tenant's claim for damages, and cancellation of an agreement tainted by fraud.
How much is the filing fee for small claims in North Dakota?
It is $20 statewide. The small-claims filing fee doubled from $10 to $20 effective July 1, 2025, so confirm the current amount with the clerk of district court where you file.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in North Dakota?
No, not if you are the plaintiff. Electing to use small claims court is irrevocable and waives the right to appeal the decision. The defendant, however, can remove the case to regular district court before the hearing.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court in North Dakota?
No. Small claims court is designed for self-representation and most parties appear on their own, but lawyers are not barred. A party may bring a lawyer admitted to practice in North Dakota if they choose.
What kinds of cases can small claims court hear in North Dakota?
Claims to recover money, a tenant's claim for civil damages, and requests to cancel an agreement involving fraud, deception, misrepresentation, or a false promise, as long as the amount does not exceed $15,000.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.