- Claim limit
- $10,000
- Court
- Small Claims Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 10 days
Serving the defendant
The plaintiff. The clerk of superior court issues the Magistrate Summons after filing but does not perform service itself.
- Sheriff delivers a copy of the summons and complaint to the defendant, or leaves it at the defendant's dwelling with a person of suitable age and discretion residing there, for the statutory service fee
- Certified or registered mail, return receipt requested
- Mail with USPS signature confirmation
- A designated delivery service authorized under 26 U.S.C. §7502(f)(2), with a delivery receipt
Mail service is not complete unless the return receipt or delivery confirmation is obtained; an unreturned or unsigned receipt can stall the case.
Find your county court
Small claims is filed at the county level. Pick your county for its court, fee, and forms — or start your claim and we'll ask where you'd sue.
Start my claimCommon questions
How much can I sue for in small claims court in North Carolina?
Up to $10,000, excluding interest and costs. If your claim is larger, you can sue for the limit and waive the rest.
What court hears small claims in North Carolina?
Small Claims Court. Cases are filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
Who can file a small claims case in North Carolina?
Any individual; Partnership; Corporation or other business entity — may be represented by a non-attorney authorized agent (owner or employee); small claims parties are exempt from the general attorney-representation requirement of N.C.G.S. §84-4; Parent or guardian on behalf of a minor.
Can I file small claims online in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers statewide e-filing through eCourts NC — File & Serve (Tyler Technologies Odyssey / Enterprise Justice). Some counties also accept in-person or mail filing.
How long do I have to appeal in North Carolina?
Generally 10 days from the judgment. Confirm the exact window for your court.
Your small claims filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Your court's own forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- A filing checklist with your court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your hearing
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-23 · Sourced from North Carolina judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and N.C.G.S. §7A-210 (small claim action defined; $10,000 amount-in-controversy ceiling). See how we verify.