Travis County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Travis County, TX. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Austin area.
Small claims in Texas — the numbers for Travis County courts
$20,000
maximum claim
from $54
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 Texas small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Travis County has 5 independent courts
How to choose: File in the JP precinct where one or more defendants reside, OR where the cause of action arose. Eviction (forcible detainer) cases must be filed in the precinct where the leased property is located. Plaintiff bears responsibility for filing in the correct precinct — incorrectly venued cases may be transferred or dismissed.
All Courts in Travis County
Travis County Justice Court — Precinct 1
4717 Heflin Lane, Suite 107
Austin, TX 78721
Serves: Northeast Travis County including parts of Austin, Manor, and Pflugerville
Travis County Justice Court — Precinct 2
10409 Burnet Road, Suite 180
Austin, TX 78758
Serves: Northwest Travis County including parts of Austin, Cedar Park, and Leander
Travis County Justice Court — Precinct 3
8656 W. State Highway 71
Austin, TX 78735
Serves: West and Southwest Travis County including parts of Austin, Bee Cave, and Lakeway
Travis County Justice Court — Precinct 4
4011 McKinney Falls Parkway, Suite 1200
Austin, TX 78744
Serves: Southeast Travis County including Del Valle and parts of Austin
Travis County Justice Court — Precinct 5
1000 Guadalupe Street, Suite 117 (Civil) / Suite 112 (Criminal)
Austin, TX 78701
Serves: Central Travis County including downtown Austin
How to File in Travis County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
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 Travis County: Texas does NOT require a formal demand letter before filing a small claims suit. Demand letter is recommended best practice but not legally required. There are no mandatory pre-filing mediation requirements. Plaintiff must file in the correct precinct based on defendant's residence or where the cause of action arose; Travis County JP courts will not advise on which precinct is correct — use the official precinct map or contact the court for routing questions before filing. Some precincts (JP1, JP4) require appointments for in-person service; call ahead.
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 Texas
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $20,000.
Limit raised to $20,000 effective October 2025. Filed in Justice of the Peace courts. Texas does not allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
4 yrs written contract · 4 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Travis County?
Filing fees in Texas are set by the state and run from $54 to $99, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Texas 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 Travis County?
Small claims cases in Travis County are limited to $20,000. 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 Travis County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Travis County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Travis 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.