- Claim limit
- $20,000
- Court
- Justice Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 21 days
Small Claims Courts in Texas
Small Claims Desk currently supports 5 courts in Texas. Tap a pin or a court below for its filing details, fees, and forms.
- Bexar County Justice of the Peace Courts — Bexar County
3505 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio, TX 78221 - Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts — Dallas County
8301 S. Polk St., Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75232 - Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts — Harris County
7300 North Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77091 - Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts — Tarrant County
100 W. Weatherford St., Room 450, Fort Worth, TX 76196 - Travis County Justice of the Peace Courts — Travis County
Richard Scott Building, 4717 Heflin Lane, Suite 107, Austin, TX 78721
Serving the defendant
The plaintiff pays for service; the court or clerk issues the citation after filing, then the plaintiff chooses the method (usually the constable). Clerks do not perform physical service.
- Sheriff or constable (for a fee, per county constable fee schedule)
- Private process server certified under order of the Texas Supreme Court
- Clerk of the court by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested
- Any other person authorized by written court order who is 18 or older and not a party to or interested in the outcome (Tex. R. Civ. P. 501.2)
Service by certified mail is not complete unless the return receipt is signed by the addressee; an unsigned or unreturned green card will stall the case.
Common questions
How much can I sue for in small claims court in Texas?
Up to $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs, but including attorney fees, if any. If your claim is larger, you can sue for the limit and waive the rest.
What court hears small claims in Texas?
Justice Court. Cases are filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
Who can file a small claims case in Texas?
Any individual (a minor sues through a next friend or guardian); Sole proprietorship or person doing business under an assumed name; Partnership; Corporation or other business entity (need not be represented by an attorney — Tex. Gov't Code §27.031(d)); Assignee of a claim, a person in the business of lending money at interest, or a collection agency or agent (subject to the special procedures of Tex. R. Civ. P. 508 and Gov't Code §27.060(c)).
Can I file small claims online in Texas?
Texas offers statewide e-filing through eFileTexas.gov (Odyssey File & Serve). Some counties also accept in-person or mail filing.
How long do I have to appeal in Texas?
Generally 21 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.
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 2026-08-20 · Sourced from Texas judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 27 (Justice Courts) — §27.031 (civil jurisdiction, $20,000), §27.031(d) (corporation need not be represented by attorney), §27.060 (small claims). See how we verify.