How to file small claims online
Digital filing has spread fast since 2020. Here is how online small claims works in 2026, what you need, and where it is available.
Standing in line at a courthouse is no longer the only way to start a claim. Many jurisdictions now let you file - and sometimes serve and pay - entirely online. The process is the same in substance; only the front door has changed.
How online filing works, step by step
- Find your court's portal. Search your state court or provincial court name plus "small claims e-filing" or "online filing." Use only the official government site.
- Create an account and start a new claim.
- Enter the dispute - who, what, when, and the exact amount, with the defendant's correct legal name and address.
- Upload your evidence - contract, invoices, photos and your demand letter.
- Pay the filing fee by card (roughly $25-$250). Keep the receipt; the loser can be ordered to repay it.
- Arrange service - some portals handle it for a fee; otherwise serve by an approved method and file proof of service.
- Track the case online for the response, any settlement conference, and the hearing date.
What's the same as paper filing
Online filing changes the mechanics, not the law. You still must name the correct legal entity, file in the right court, serve the defendant properly, and bring organised evidence. The two most common failure points - naming the wrong party and improper service - are exactly the same online as on paper, so do not let the convenience make you skip the basics. See our how to file guide and evidence checklist.
Where online filing stands in 2026
Coverage is expanding but uneven. In Canada, British Columbia's Civil Resolution Tribunal resolves many disputes fully online, and other provinces have added digital intake. In the US, a growing number of states offer e-filing for small claims while others remain in person or hybrid. Because it changes jurisdiction by jurisdiction, the only reliable source is your own court's website - check what is available before assuming you can file from your couch.
Helpful legal services
Prefer to have documents prepared for you?
LegalZoomAffordable legal documents and attorney advice plans.ViewRocket Lawyer
Free legal document templates with a membership trial.ViewNolo
Plain-English legal books and DIY guides.View
Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Before you file - online or not
Filing is the easy part; preparing is what wins. Confirm you are inside the limitation deadline, send a demand letter first, and check your claim limit. Then file - on paper or online - and keep every confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a small claims case online?
Increasingly, yes. Many US states and Canadian provinces have launched or expanded online small claims portals, especially since 2020. Availability still varies by jurisdiction - some let you file, serve and pay entirely online, others only start the process digitally.
What do I need to file online?
Your dispute details and amount, the defendant's correct legal name and address, your key documents (contract, invoices, your demand letter), a credit/debit card for the fee, and an account on the court's portal. Have everything ready before you start.
How much does it cost to file online?
Filing fees are the same online as in person - roughly $25 to $250 depending on jurisdiction and claim size. The court can order the losing party to repay your filing fee, so keep the receipt.
How are defendants served if I file online?
Service rules still apply even when filing is digital. Some portals arrange service for a fee; otherwise you serve by an approved method and file proof of service. Improper service is a leading cause of delays, so follow your court's rules exactly.
Is online filing available everywhere?
Not yet. Coverage is expanding but uneven. British Columbia's Civil Resolution Tribunal handles many claims fully online; several US states offer e-filing for small claims while others remain in-person. Check your court's website for what is available where you are.