Small Claims DeskNY

Small Claims Desk is a private company — not a court or government agency, and not affiliated with any court.

New York · New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part

New York Small Claims Court

In New York, the small claims court and dollar limit depend on where you sue. In New York City it is New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part with a limit of $10,000 (exclusive of interest and costs) — and that is where Small Claims Desk currently prepares filings. Outside New York City, small claims are heard in local City, District, Town, or Village courts, often with different (usually lower) limits — check your local court.

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Claim limit
$10,000
Court
New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part
File online
No — in person/mail
Appeal window
30 days

Small Claims Courts in New York

Small Claims Desk currently supports 4 courts in New York. Tap a pin or a court below for its filing details, fees, and forms.

Serving the defendant

The court clerk. After the claim is filed the clerk mails the notice of claim to the defendant; the person suing (the claimant) does not arrange or pay for personal service of a summons.

If the post office cannot deliver the mailed notice (for example, the defendant moved without leaving a forwarding address), the clerk sets a new hearing date and the claimant must supply a correct address before the case can proceed.

Common questions

How much can I sue for in small claims court in New York?

In New York City it is up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Outside New York City, the limit is set by your local City, District, Town, or Village court and is often lower — check your court.

What court hears small claims in New York?

In New York City, New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part. Outside New York City, small claims are heard in the local City, District, Town, or Village court where the defendant lives or the dispute arose. Small Claims Desk currently prepares filings for the New York City counties.

Who can file a small claims case in New York?

Any individual 18 years of age or older; A parent or guardian suing on behalf of a person under 18; NOT corporations, partnerships, associations, or assignees — they cannot sue in the Small Claims Part and must use the Commercial Claims Part (CCA Article 18-A); however, any of them may be sued in Small Claims.

Can I file small claims online in New York?

There is no small claims e-filing in New York — cases are filed in person or by mail. Pick your county to see its exact filing steps.

How long do I have to appeal in New York?

Generally 30 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:

Start my claim

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.

Related tools

Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-20 · Sourced from New York judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and N.Y.C. Civil Court Act, Article 18 — Small Claims (§§ 1801-1814): §1801 (defines a small claim; $10,000 ceiling, exclusive of interest and costs), §1803 (commencement; $15 fee for claims of $1,000 or less and $20 for claims over $1,000; clerk serves notice of claim by ordinary first-class and certified mail), §1804 (informal, simplified procedure — court does substantial justice and is not bound by rules of practice, procedure, pleading or evidence), §1807 (review — either party may appeal only on the ground that substantial justice was not done). See how we verify.