How to File a Small Claims Case in Clark County

Claim limit

$10,000

Filing fee

$66–$196

File online

Yes

First court date

Trial

Filing in Clark County, step by step

Every step below happens at Las Vegas Justice Court or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Clark County small claims handles claims up to $10,000 (the $10,000 limit is for the claim itself; the justice of the peace separately assesses costs against the losing party, which are not part of the claimed amount (nrs 73.030)). 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. Clark County uses Small Claims Complaint (Affidavit of Complaint and Order to Appear) - Las Vegas Justice Court, Small Claims Notice of Appeal to District Court - Las Vegas Justice Court. 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. Clark County accepts filings in person at the las vegas justice court (or the applicable clark county township justice court with proper venue); electronically via the odyssey efilenv portal - a self-represented plaintiff filing in las vegas justice court must provide a working email address because the court electronically files all documents. The fee is $66–$196.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. The plaintiff arranges and pays for service; the clerk does not serve the defendant. In practice, self-represented plaintiffs most often use the township constable (fee-based) or the sheriff.

Where to file in Clark County

• In person at the Las Vegas Justice Court (or the applicable Clark County township justice court with proper venue)
• Electronically via the Odyssey eFileNV portal - a self-represented plaintiff filing in Las Vegas Justice Court must provide a working email address because the court electronically files all documents

Walk-in filing is available at 11 locations: Las Vegas Township, Henderson Township, North Las Vegas Township, Boulder City Township, Laughlin Township, Mesquite Township, Moapa Township, Moapa Valley Township, Bunkerville Township, Goodsprings Township, Searchlight Township.

What happens after you file

Clark 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 7 days to move for a new trial and 7 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 $66–$196 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 Clark County?

Las Vegas Justice Court, 200 Lewis Avenue, 2nd Floor (Civil Division), Regional Justice Center, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Open 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday; closed Fridays and court holidays.

Can I file small claims online in Clark County?

Yes. Clark County accepts filings through Odyssey File & Serve (eFileNV, Tyler Technologies), and filers representing themselves may register.

How long does a small claims case take in Clark 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 Clark County?

Up to $10,000, the $10,000 limit is for the claim itself; the justice of the peace separately assesses costs against the losing party, which are not part of the claimed amount (nrs 73.030).