Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Washington
The most you can sue for in Washington 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 Washington
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $10,000Business entity: $5,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | $35–$50 a $35 base plus a dispute-resolution surcharge (RCW 7.75.035) in counties that have a DRC — about $50 in King, Pierce, and Snohomish |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Not allowedself-represent only Attorneys are barred unless the judicial officer gives consent (RCW 12.40.080). The same applies to paid representatives and collection agents — small claims is meant to be argued by the parties. |
| Statute / court rule | RCW §12.40.010 (limit); §12.40.020 (fee); §12.40.080 (attorneys) |
Where to file in Washington
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 Washington's official court self-help resource.
→ Washington CourtsWhat Washington filers get wrong
Washington splits its small-claims ceiling by who is suing: a natural person can claim up to $10,000, but "all other cases" — businesses, and people suing on a business's behalf — are capped at $5,000. RCW 12.40.010 states both figures verbatim, so this is a genuine two-tier limit, not a rounding difference. Washington also bars lawyers: under RCW 12.40.080 an attorney can't appear unless the judicial officer consents, and the same restriction reaches paid representatives and collection agents. The base filing fee is $35 (RCW 12.40.020), but counties with a dispute-resolution center add a surcharge, so you'll pay closer to $50 in King, Pierce, or Snohomish. It's one of the cleaner statutes to read — the whole chapter opened without trouble.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Washington?
A natural person can sue for up to $10,000; businesses (and anyone suing on a business’s behalf) are limited to $5,000. Both figures are in RCW 12.40.010.
Why is the Washington small claims limit $5,000 for businesses?
RCW 12.40.010 sets $10,000 for cases "brought by a natural person" and $5,000 "in all other cases." A corporation or LLC therefore has a lower small-claims ceiling than an individual.
Can I bring a lawyer to Washington small claims court?
Only if the judge allows it. RCW 12.40.080 bars attorneys — and paid representatives — unless the judicial officer consents. Small claims is designed for the parties to argue themselves.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Washington?
The base fee is $35 (RCW 12.40.020). Counties with a dispute-resolution center add a surcharge, so the total is closer to $50 in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
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.