How to File a Small Claims Case in San Mateo County

Claim limit

$12,500

Filing fee

$30–$75

File online

No — in person or by mail

First court date

Trial

Filing in San Mateo County, step by step

Every step below happens at Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo — Small Claims Division or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. San Mateo County small claims handles claims up to $12,500 (individual limit; an entity or other non-natural person may claim only up to $6,250). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. San Mateo County uses SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, SC-104 Proof of Service, SC-140 Notice of Appeal (Small Claims). The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. San Mateo County accepts filings in person by appointment at 400 county center, 1st floor, room a, redwood city; by mail to the small claims division, 400 county center, redwood city, ca 94063. The fee is $30–$75.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. San Mateo County charges $15 per defendant. The plaintiff arranges and pays for service and may not serve the papers personally. Service is made by any adult 18 or older who is not a party, by the county sheriff or marshal for a fee, by a registered process server, or by the court clerk by certified mail where that option is offered.

Where to file in San Mateo County

• In person by appointment at 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A, Redwood City
• By mail to the Small Claims Division, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063

Walk-in filing is available at 2 locations: Hall of Justice & Records, 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650-261-5100 option 6) — small claims filing, Northern Branch, South San Francisco — some small claims hearings.

What happens after you file

San Mateo County sets your court date when you file, so you leave the counter knowing it. The first appearance is trial. If the defendant loses, they have 30 days to move for a new trial and 30 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $30–$75 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in San Mateo County?

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo — Small Claims Division, 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A, Redwood City, CA 94063. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., by appointment only.

Can I file small claims online in San Mateo County?

No. San Mateo County takes small claims filings in person or by mail.

How long does a small claims case take in San Mateo County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. Your first date is set at filing.

How much can I sue for in San Mateo County?

Up to $12,500, individual limit; an entity or other non-natural person may claim only up to $6,250.