Maryland Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Maryland.
Maximum Claim
$5,000
Filing Fee
$34
Fee waiver available
Court Name
Small Claims Court (District Court)
Hearing Timeline
30–60 days from filing
Find your courthouse in Maryland
Search by city, county, or ZIP code to get the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and filing options.
How Much Can You Sue For in Maryland?
In Maryland, individuals can file small claims cases for up to $5,000. This limit applies to both individuals and businesses.
Maryland Small Claims Court Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard filing fee | $34 |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application when you file.
Statutes of Limitations in Maryland
You must file your claim within the time limits below, or the court will dismiss your case regardless of its merits.
3
years — written contract
3
years — oral contract
3
years — property damage
3
years — personal injury
Ready to take action in Maryland?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one in minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWhere to File in Maryland
Small claims cases in Maryland are handled by the Small Claims Court (District Court). Maryland has 24 county/city District Courts.
Where to file: File in the county where the defendant lives, works, or does business
Not sure which court you need? Our step-by-step filing guide walks you through finding the right court for your case.
Find your specific courthouse: Search for your county courthouse below ↓ — get the address, phone number, hours, and see if e-filing is available.
How to Serve the Defendant in Maryland
After filing your claim, you must formally notify the defendant. This is called "service of process" and is required before your case can be heard.
Accepted methods: Court sends notice by certified and first-class mail
Deadline: Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing.
Maryland Small Claims Court Procedures
Can I bring a lawyer?
Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in Maryland small claims court.
Can I appeal?
Either party may appeal within 30 days for new trial in circuit court
Is e-filing available?
Yes, electronic filing is available in Maryland.
Are remote hearings available?
Remote hearings are available in some Maryland courts. Check with your specific court location for current policies.
Official Maryland Court Resources
Find Your Courthouse in Maryland
Select your county to get the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and filing options.
Allegany County
Cumberland area
(301) 723-3100
Anne Arundel County
Annapolis area
(410) 260-1370
Baltimore city
area
410-878-8000
Baltimore County
Towson area
410-512-2500
Calvert County
Prince Frederick area
(443) 486-4000
Caroline County
Denton area
(410) 819-4600
Carroll County
Westminster area
(410) 871-3500
Cecil County
Elkton area
(410) 996-2700
Charles County
La Plata area
(301) 934-5110
Dorchester County
Cambridge area
(410) 901-1420
Frederick County
Frederick area
(301) 600-2000
Garrett County
Oakland area
(301) 334-8020
Harford County
Bel Air area
(410) 836-4545
Howard County
Columbia area
(410) 480-7700
Kent County
Chestertown area
(410) 810-3360
Montgomery County
Silver Spring area
301-563-8800
Prince George's County
Hyattsville area
301-298-4000
Queen Anne County
Centreville area
(410) 819-4000
Queen Anne's County
area
(410) 819-4000
Somerset County
Princess Anne area
(410) 845-4700
St. Mary County
Leonardtown area
(301) 880-2700
St. Mary's County
area
(301) 880-2700
Talbot County
Easton area
(410) 819-5850
Washington County
Hagerstown area
(240) 420-4600
Wicomico County
Salisbury area
(410) 713-3500
Worcester County
Snow Hill area
(410) 723-6935
Don't see your county? Let us know here!
Ready to take action in Maryland?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court — our free guide shows you how to write one.
Read the demand letter guide