How to File Small Claims in North Carolina

Claim limit

$10,000

Court

Small Claims Court

File online

Yes (statewide)

Appeal window

10 days

Common questions

Step 1 — Which court do I file in?

North Carolina small claims cases go to Small Claims Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute arose. Pick your county below.

Step 2 — What form do I file?

Your county's claim form (Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition). We complete it with your claim in the language the court expects.

Step 3 — What does it cost?

A filing fee set by your county, plus a small service fee. Your county page shows the current amounts.

Step 4 — How is the defendant served?

The plaintiff. The clerk of superior court issues the Magistrate Summons after filing but does not perform service itself.

Step 5 — What happens at the hearing?

North Carolina uses a Trial. Bring your documents and be ready to explain what happened. We give you a checklist of what to bring.

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.