San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims
Filing information for San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims in San Luis Obispo, CA. Part of the San Luis Obispo County small claims court system.
Small claims in California — the numbers that apply at this court
$12,500
maximum claim
from $30
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–4 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full California small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SC-100): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims
1050 Monterey St, Room 220
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Hours: Counter Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Phone Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Area Served
Cities and towns within San Luis Obispo County, including but not limited to: San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Avila Beach, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Cambria, Nipomo, Grover Beach, Baywood-Los Osos, Cayucos, Templeton, Oceano, Santa Margarita, San Simeon, Lake Nacimiento, San Miguel, Creston, Shandon.
How to File at San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-Filing became mandatory on January 1, 2017, for all civil case types, including small claims, for attorneys. Self-represented parties are exempt but encouraged to participate voluntarily.
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 guideWrong court? San Luis Obispo County has 2 courts.
See all 2 courts in San Luis Obispo County →Small claims rules in California
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $12,500 · businesses up to $6,250.
Individuals limited to 2 claims over $2,500/year. Businesses limited to 2 claims over $2,500/year. Filing fee increases to $100 if you file more than 12 claims/year.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
4 yrs written contract · 2 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims?
Filing fees in California are set by the state and run from $30 to $75, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, California 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 San Luis Obispo County?
Small claims cases in San Luis Obispo County are limited to $12,500. 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 San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims?
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 San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims, and when is it open?
San Luis Obispo Branch Small Claims is at 1050 Monterey St, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Posted hours: Counter Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Phone Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.. Phone: (805) 706-3600. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in San Luis Obispo?
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.