District Court of Maryland for Howard County
Filing information for District Court of Maryland for Howard County in Ellicott City, MD. Part of the Howard County small claims court system.
Small claims in Maryland — the numbers that apply at this court
$5,000
maximum claim
$34
filing fee (published)
3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Maryland small claims guide · The form that starts a case (DC-CV-001): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
District Court of Maryland for Howard County
3451 Courthouse Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (except legal holidays)
Area Served
All of Howard County
How to File at District Court of Maryland for Howard County
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Self-represented litigants can electronically file new cases, including small claims, through the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system. E-filing is optional for pro-se litigants. The portal is a statewide system, and filers will need to select the correct court location (Howard County District Court) during the case initiation process.
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 Maryland
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
3 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at District Court of Maryland for Howard County?
Filing fees in Maryland are set by the state and are $34. If you can't afford the fee, Maryland 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 Howard County?
Small claims cases in Howard 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 at District Court of Maryland for Howard County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Howard County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is District Court of Maryland for Howard County, and when is it open?
District Court of Maryland for Howard County is at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Posted hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (except legal holidays). Phone: (410) 480-7700. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Ellicott City?
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.