Small Claims Fee Limit in California
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Published July 14, 2026 • By DocketMath Team
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Quoted from the source law itself. Not legal advice; confirm how it applies to your matter.
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California small-claims-fee-limit: limitation period is see statute; limitation period is small claims up to $12,500 (natural persons).
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Citation: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.221 (natural-person plaintiff $12,500 limit; eff. Jan 1, 2024 per AB 1517 / SB 71)
View the primary sourceVerified April 26, 2026
- Limitation Period: see statute
- Limitation Period: small claims up to $12,500 (natural persons)
- Max Claim Amount: 12500
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Small Claims Fee Limit in California
Effective January 1, 2024, the small claims court monetary limit in California is $12,500 for claims brought by a natural person, as set by Code of Civil Procedure § 116.221. This cap applies to the amount of damages a plaintiff can seek, excluding court costs, attorney fees, and interest. The limit was raised by Assembly Bill 1517 and Senate Bill 71. Any claim exceeding this amount must be filed in a higher court. For other plaintiffs, such as businesses or government entities, a different statutory limit applies. The official statute, available at the link below, provides the full text and any exceptions. Use the DocketMath calculator to estimate whether your specific claim falls within this limit.
Governing authority
In California, the small claims fee limit rule is set by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.221 (natural-person plaintiff $12,500 limit; eff. Jan 1, 2024 per AB 1517 / SB 71). The verified packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.221 (natural-person plaintiff $12,500 limit; eff. Jan 1, 2024 per AB 1517 / SB 71) (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=116.221.).
California small claims fee limit: the verified value is $12,500 under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.221 (natural-person plaintiff $12,500 limit; eff. Jan 1, 2024 per AB 1517 / SB 71). The verified packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.221 (natural-person plaintiff $12,500 limit; eff. Jan 1, 2024 per AB 1517 / SB 71) (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=116.221.).
Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the small claims fee limit calculator to estimate your specific figure.
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.