Fairfax County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Fairfax County, VA. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Fairfax area.
Small claims in Virginia — the numbers for Fairfax County courts
$5,000
maximum claim
$46
filing fee (published)
2–5 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Virginia small claims guide · The form that starts a case (DC-402): every field explained.
Main Courthouse
Fairfax County General District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Other Courthouse Locations
City of Fairfax General District Court
10455 Armstrong Street, Room 1
Fairfax, VA 22030
Serves: City of Fairfax (Note: Civil cases are generally filed at the main Fairfax County courthouse. This court primarily handles traffic and criminal misdemeanors with its own clerical staff, though Fairfax County GDC judges preside).
How to File in Fairfax County
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Important for Fairfax County: DC suburb (Virginia side). Virginia small claims limit is $5,000.
Ready to take action in Fairfax County?
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 Virginia
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.
General District Court handles claims up to $25,000, but small claims procedures apply to claims up to $5,000
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
5 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 5 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Fairfax County?
Filing fees in Virginia are set by the state and are $46. If you can't afford the fee, Virginia 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 Fairfax County?
Small claims cases in Fairfax County are limited to $5,000. 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 in Fairfax County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Fairfax County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Fairfax County?
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.