- Claim limit
- $10,000
- Court
- Small Claims Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 10 days
Small Claims Courts in North Carolina
Small Claims Desk currently supports 22 courts in North Carolina. Tap a pin or a court below for its filing details, fees, and forms.
- Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Buncombe County
60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 - Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Cabarrus County
61 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025 - Catawba County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Catawba County
100 Government Drive, Newton, NC 28658 - Cleveland County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Cleveland County
100 Justice Place, Shelby, NC 28150 - Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Cumberland County
117 Dick St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 - Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Davidson County
110 West Center St, Lexington, NC 27292 - Durham County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Durham County
510 South Dillard St., Durham, NC 27701 - Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Forsyth County
175 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 - Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Gaston County
325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Suite 1004, Gastonia, NC 28052 - Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Civil/Small Claims) — Guilford County
201 South Eugene St, Greensboro, NC 27401 - Harnett County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Harnett County
301 W. Cornelius Harnett Blvd, Suite 100, Lillington, NC 27546 - Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Iredell County
226 Stockton St, Statesville, NC 28677 - Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Johnston County
207 E Johnston St, Smithfield, NC 27577 - Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Civil/Small Claims) — Mecklenburg County
832 East Fourth St, Charlotte, NC 28202 - Nash County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Nash County
234 W Washington St, Nashville, NC 27856 - New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — New Hanover County
316 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401 - Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Onslow County
602 Anne Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540 - Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Pitt County
100 W Third St, Greenville, NC 27834 - Randolph County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Randolph County
176 East Salisbury St, Asheboro, NC 27203 - Rowan County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Rowan County
210 N Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144 - Union County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Union County
400 North Main St, Monroe, NC 28112 - Wake County Clerk of Superior Court — Magistrates (Small Claims) — Wake County
316 Fayetteville St. Mall, Raleigh, NC 27601
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.
Common 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.
Not sure this fits your situation? Ask us about it — we answer by email, and it costs nothing.
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.