- Claim limit
- $10,000
- Court
- New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 30 days
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.
- Clerk mails the notice of claim by ordinary first-class mail (CCA §1803)
- Clerk mails the notice of claim by certified mail, return receipt requested (CCA §1803)
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.
Find your county court
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.
Start my claimCommon questions
How much can I sue for in small claims court in New York?
Up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. If your claim is larger, you can sue for the limit and waive the rest.
What court hears small claims in New York?
New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part. Cases are filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
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?
New York offers statewide e-filing through None for small claims — the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) does not accept small claims matters; filing is in person or by mail only. Some counties also accept in-person or mail filing.
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:
- 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.
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.