New York Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in New York.
Maximum Claim
$10,000
$5,000 for businesses
Filing Fee
$15–$20
Fee waiver available
Court Name
Small Claims Court
Hearing Timeline
30–60 days from filing
Find your courthouse in New York
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 New York?
In New York, individuals can file small claims cases for up to $10,000. Businesses, corporations, and LLCs are limited to $5,000.
New York Small Claims Court Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Claims up to $1,000 | $15 |
| Claims $1,001–$10,000 | $20 |
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 New York
You must file your claim within the time limits below, or the court will dismiss your case regardless of its merits.
6
years — written contract
6
years — oral contract
3
years — property damage
3
years — personal injury
Ready to take action in New York?
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 New York
Small claims cases in New York are handled by the Small Claims Court. New York has 62 county City Courts, District Courts, and Justice Courts.
Where to file: File in the court of the city, town, or village where the defendant lives or works
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 New York
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 clerk sends notice by certified and regular first-class mail
Deadline: Service must be completed at least 14 days before the hearing.
New York Small Claims Court Procedures
Can I bring a lawyer?
Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in New York small claims court.
Can I appeal?
Only defendant may appeal within 30 days for new trial. Plaintiff may appeal only on grounds of substantial justice not received.
Is e-filing available?
No, e-filing is not currently available for small claims in New York. You must file in person or by mail.
Are remote hearings available?
Remote hearings are available in some New York courts. Check with your specific court location for current policies.
Official New York Court Resources
Find Your Courthouse in New York
Select your county to get the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and filing options.
Albany County
area
(518) 453-4640
Allegany County
area
(607) 587-9142
Bronx County
Bronx area
(718) 618-2517
Broome County
area
(607) 240-4272
Cattaraugus County
area
(716) 379-6660
Cayuga County
area
(315) 237-6420
Chautauqua County
area
(716) 483-7561
Chemung County
area
(607) 873-9520
Chenango County
area
(607) 371-7220
Clinton County
area
(518) 536-3870
Columbia County
area
Cortland County
area
(607) 218-3300
Delaware County
area
(845) 676-3550
Dutchess County
area
(845) 483-8200
Erie County
area
(716) 845-2663
Essex County
area
(518) 834-9211
Franklin County
area
(518) 481-6570
Fulton County
area
(518) 773-4527
Genesee County
area
(585) 201-5764
Greene County
area
(518) 943-2141 ext. 2
Hamilton County
area
(518) 548-5703
Herkimer County
area
(315) 619-3408
Jefferson County
area
(315) 570-2720
Kings County (Brooklyn)
Brooklyn area
(347) 404-9021
Lewis County
area
(315) 346-1212 x2
Livingston County
area
(585) 243-4530, Option #3
Madison County
area
(315) 266-4740
Monroe County
area
(585) 371-3412
Montgomery County
area
(518) 842-9510
Nassau County
Hempstead area
(516) 493-4113
New York County (Manhattan)
Manhattan area
(646) 386-5484
Niagara County
area
(716) 371-4131
Oneida County
area
(315) 266-4603 (Civil Department)
Onondaga County
area
(315) 671-2782
Ontario County
area
(585) 412-5170
Orange County
area
(845) 476-3630
Orleans County
area
(585) 589-7048 ext 18
Oswego County
area
(315) 207-7251
Otsego County
area
(607) 376-5380
Putnam County
area
(845) 279-4020
Queens County
Queens area
(718) 262-7123
Rensselaer County
area
(518) 453-5900
Richmond County (Staten Island)
Staten Island area
(718) 675-8460
Rockland County
area
(845) 414-5522
Saratoga County
area
(518) 451-8780
Schenectady County
area
(518) 382-5077
Schoharie County
area
(518) 827-6115
Schuyler County
area
(607) 594-2273 ext. 2
Seneca County
area
607-532-4091
St. Lawrence County
area
(315) 393-3941
Steuben County
area
(607) 654-6033
Suffolk County
Ronkonkoma area
(631) 854-9676
Sullivan County
area
(845) 583-7420
Tioga County
area
(607) 565-2261
Tompkins County
area
(607) 216-6660
Ulster County
area
(845) 481-9350
Warren County
area
(518) 798-4714
Washington County
area
Wayne County
area
(315) 331-7666
Westchester County
area
(914) 831-6440
Wyoming County
area
(585) 492-4479
Yates County
area
(607) 243-8959
Don't see your county? Let us know here!
Ready to take action in New York?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court — our free guide shows you how to write one.
Read the demand letter guide