Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia
Filing information for Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. Part of the District of Columbia small claims court system.
Small claims in District of Columbia — the numbers that apply at this court
$10,000
maximum claim
from $5
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full District of Columbia small claims guide · The form that starts a case (CV-471): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia
510 4th St. NW, Building B, Room 120
Washington, DC 20001
Mailing Address
Small Claims Branch Clerk's Office, 510 4th St. NW, Building B, Room 120
Washington, DC 20001
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Area Served
District of Columbia
How to File at Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Electronic filing (eFiling) is required for parties represented by counsel (with some exceptions) and optional for self-represented parties. All eFilings must be submitted in PDF format. E-filing fees are calculated by adding the court filing fee (if applicable) + eFiling Fee ($5.00) + a (2.89% with a $1.00 minimum) or ($.25 eCheck) payment processing fee.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in District of Columbia
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000 · businesses up to $10,000.
Same limit applies to individuals, businesses, and corporate entities. Limit excludes interest, attorney fees, and costs. Filing fees per DC Superior Court Civil Rule 202.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
3 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
See the full District of Columbia small claims court guide →
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia?
Filing fees in District of Columbia are set by the state and run from $5 to $45, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, District of Columbia offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in District of Columbia?
Small claims cases in District of Columbia are limited to $10,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and when is it open?
Small Claims Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia is at 510 4th St. NW, Building B, Room 120, Washington, DC 20001. Posted hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Phone: (202) 879-1120. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Washington?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.