- Claim limit
- $10,000
- Court
- Small Claims Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 10 days
Common questions
Who can I sue in small claims court in North Carolina?
An individual or a business, as long as your claim is within the limit. You must name and serve the correct legal person or entity.
How much can I sue for in North Carolina?
Up to $10,000, excluding interest and costs. Over that, you can waive the excess and still use small claims.
Do I need a lawyer to sue in North Carolina small claims?
No — small claims is designed for self-representation.
What are the steps to sue someone in North Carolina?
Send a demand, file your county's claim form in Small Claims Court, pay the fee, and serve the defendant. We prepare the demand and the filing from the same facts.
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.
Pick the county where you'll sue
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.
- Mecklenburg County Small Claims Court
- Wake County Small Claims Court
- Guilford County Small Claims Court
- Durham County Small Claims Court
- Forsyth County Small Claims Court
- Buncombe County Small Claims Court
- Cumberland County Small Claims Court
- New Hanover County Small Claims Court
- Gaston County Small Claims Court
- Cabarrus County Small Claims Court
- Johnston County Small Claims Court
- Onslow County Small Claims Court
- Pitt County Small Claims Court
- Iredell County Small Claims Court
- Rowan County Small Claims Court
- Davidson County Small Claims Court
- Catawba County Small Claims Court
- Randolph County Small Claims Court
- Union County Small Claims Court
- Harnett County Small Claims Court
- Nash County Small Claims Court
- Cleveland County Small Claims 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.