A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Idaho you can sue for up to $15,000 in the Small Claims Department of the Magistrate Division (District Court), without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
Idaho doesn't require a demand before you file, but a written request for payment is good evidence and may settle the matter. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
The county where the defendant lives or where the problem happened. To sue the State of Idaho, file in the county where you live and also mail the papers to the Attorney General.
Small Claims Form (with Summons CAO SC 1-1). The clerk mails a hearing notice after the defendant answers or the 21 days pass. The court may send the case to mediation before trial. Timing varies by county.
$69 to file. Sheriff service costs extra and varies by county (for example, $55 in Owyhee County). An appeal costs $81. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Ask the clerk or Court Assistance Office for the fee waiver forms.
You can't serve the papers yourself. Use the sheriff, a process server, an adult who isn't part of the case, or certified mail through the clerk. The server files a sworn Affidavit of Service. After being served, the defendant has 21 days to file an answer.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you. If they don't pay, you can ask for a writ of execution or garnish wages or a bank account; lawyers can help with collection.
Want every detail? The full filing guide walks you through all 7 stages, from finding the defendant's legal name to collecting your money, with a checklist.
Open the filing guideFill in the details, then download the letter as a PDF or Word file, or copy the text. Send it by certified mail or email so you can prove the date.
Miss this date and the court will dismiss your case, however strong it is. Fraud deadlines start when the fraud was discovered.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 5 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 4 years |
| Damaged property | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Libel or slander | 2 years |
| Claims against a government agency | Before suing a state or local government agency for damages, you must file a written notice of claim with it, usually within 180 days. |
Not at the trial. You can get advice from a lawyer beforehand. A business is represented by an owner with a substantial interest or a non-lawyer employee.
Since July 1, 2026, you can sue for up to $15,000 (it was $5,000 before). Small claims can't award punitive damages or money for pain and suffering. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
Either side can appeal within 30 days of the judgment. A different magistrate hears the whole case again. The fee is $81.
Ask the clerk for an interpreter for you or a witness; it's free.