Whatcom County District Court
Filing information for Whatcom County District Court in Bellingham, WA. Part of the Whatcom County small claims court system.
Small claims in Washington — the numbers that apply at this court
$10,000
maximum claim
$35
filing fee (published)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Washington small claims guide · The form that starts a case (MISC 05.0100): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Mailing Address
311 Grand Avenue Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Area Served
Whatcom County
How to File at Whatcom County District Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing for court claim forms is available through eFileWA. A fee of $26 USD applies for online filing. While Whatcom County Superior Court currently accepts Civil and Probate filings via e-filing, the eFileWA system is generally used for filing documents to several Washington courts, including District Courts for small claims.
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 guideSmall claims rules in Washington
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000 · businesses up to $5,000.
Corporations and LLCs limited to $5,000
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 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 at Whatcom County District Court?
Filing fees in Washington are set by the state and are $35. If you can't afford the fee, Washington 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 Whatcom County?
Small claims cases in Whatcom 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 at Whatcom County District Court?
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 Whatcom County District Court, and when is it open?
Whatcom County District Court is at 311 Grand Avenue Suite 401, Bellingham, WA 98225. Posted hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Phone: (360) 778-5400. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Bellingham?
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.