Polk County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Polk County, IA. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Des Moines area.
E-Filing
✓ Available
File your claim online — no trip to file
Max Claim
$6,500
Court
Polk County Justice Center
Courthouse Location
Polk County Justice Center
222 5th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
How to File in Polk County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
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 Polk County: Des Moines area. Iowa small claims limit is $6,500.
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 guideFor statewide rules including filing limits, statutes of limitations, and court procedures, see the full Iowa small claims court guide →