Small claims court in Maryland

$5,000maximum claim in District Court of Maryland (small claims), as of 29 October 2026

The basics

Small claims limit: $5,000^1,2,3Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. 4-405
A small claim is a lawsuit for up to $5,000, not counting interest, court costs and attorney's fees.
Court: District Court of Maryland (small claims)^1,2Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. 4-405
Small claims are heard only in the District Court of Maryland.
Filing fee: $44^4,3
The District Court charges $44 statewide to file a new small claims contract or tort case. Fees for serving the papers are extra.
Lawyers: Yes, not required³
You do not need a lawyer for a small claim, but you may hire one.
Appeals: 30 days (new trial)⁵Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. 12-401(e), (f)
Either side may appeal by filing with the District Court clerk within 30 days after the final judgment. For claims of $5,000 or less, the circuit court holds a new trial.

Deadlines to sue (statutes of limitations)

How long you usually have to file, counted from when the claim arose. Exceptions apply.

Written contract: 3 years^6,7Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. 5-101, 5-102(a)
3 years for most written contracts. Contracts and promissory notes under seal have 12 years.
Oral contract: 3 years⁶Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. 5-101
3 years for most lawsuits, unless another law sets a different period.
Property damage: 3 years⁶Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. 5-101
3 years for most lawsuits, unless another law sets a different period.
Personal injury: 3 years⁶Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. 5-101
3 years for most lawsuits, unless another law sets a different period.

Small claims rules are set by state law and court rules, and fees are often set locally. Before you file, check the court's own page or call the clerk.

Sources

Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings 4-405, Maryland General Assemblyofficial
Tip Sheet, How to File a Small Claim, Maryland Judiciaryofficial
Small Claims booklet (DC-CV-001BR, Rev. 10/2023), Maryland Judiciary, 2023-10official
District Court of Maryland Civil Cost Schedule (DCA-109, Rev. 03/2026), Maryland Judiciary, 2026-03official
Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings 12-401, Maryland General Assemblyofficial
Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings 5-101, Maryland General Assemblyofficial
Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings 5-102, Maryland General Assemblyofficial

Checked 29 October 2026. "Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read and mark them here.