St. Louis County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in St. Louis County, MO. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Clayton area.
Small claims in Missouri — the numbers that apply at this court
$5,000
maximum claim
$50
filing fee (published)
5–10 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Missouri small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SC 40): every field explained.
Courthouse Location
St. Louis County Circuit Court
105 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
How to File in St. Louis 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 St. Louis County: St. Louis metro (county, not city). Missouri small claims limit is $5,000.
Ready to take action in St. Louis 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 Missouri
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
10 yrs written contract · 5 yrs oral contract · 5 yrs property damage · 5 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in St. Louis County?
Filing fees in Missouri are set by the state and are $50. If you can't afford the fee, Missouri 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 St. Louis County?
Small claims cases in St. Louis 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 St. Louis County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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.