Wake County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Wake County, NC. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Raleigh area.
Small claims in North Carolina — the numbers for Wake County courts
$10,000
maximum claim
$96
filing fee (published)
3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full North Carolina small claims guide · The form that starts a case (AOC-CVM-200): every field explained.
Main Courthouse
Wake County Justice Center (Clerk's Office)
300 S. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
Other Courthouse Locations
Wake County Courthouse
316 Fayetteville St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
Serves: Wake County
How to File in Wake 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 Wake County: Small claims cases are heard by a magistrate without a jury. Appeals must be filed within 10 days of judgment for trial de novo in District Court. All Wake County small claims filing is centralized in downtown Raleigh — NO satellite courts in Apex, Cary, or other municipalities.
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 North Carolina
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000.
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 in Wake County?
Filing fees in North Carolina are set by the state and are $96. If you can't afford the fee, North Carolina 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 Wake County?
Small claims cases in Wake County are limited to $10,000. 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 Wake County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Wake 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 Wake 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.