In Burleigh County, small claims cases up to $15,000 are heard by the Burleigh County District Court, Small Claims (Clerk of District Court). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 514 E. Thayer Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 · Map
Phone: 701-222-6690
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Usually the county where the defendant lives. For a company, file where it has a place of business or where the claim arose. Lease and deposit disputes go where the property is.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all North Dakota counties.
North Dakota doesn't require a demand before filing, but asking for payment first can settle things faster. Make a free demand letter.
Claim Affidavit (Small Claims Court) Get the form.
$20 to file the Claim Affidavit (raised from $10 on July 1, 2025). Service by the sheriff or certified mail costs extra. If the defendant moves the case to district court, they pay a $160 fee. Fee waiver: Ask the clerk of district court about a fee waiver if you can't afford the costs..
Serve the Claim Affidavit by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt, by the sheriff, or by an adult who isn't part of the case. You can't serve it yourself.
If the defendant asks for a hearing, it's held 10 to 30 days after the court gets the request. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full North Dakota filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Burleigh County are filed with the Burleigh County District Court, Small Claims (Clerk of District Court), 514 E. Thayer Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501. Phone: 701-222-6690.
Up to $15,000. You can sue for up to $15,000. Businesses have the same limit. Someone who bought or was assigned a claim (like a collection agency) can't file it in small claims.
$20 to file the Claim Affidavit (raised from $10 on July 1, 2025). Service by the sheriff or certified mail costs extra. If the defendant moves the case to district court, they pay a $160 fee.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.