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Idaho Small Claims Court Limits
Idaho small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims Department of Magistrate Court
Official Website: https://www.isc.idaho.gov/irsca
Filing Fees in Idaho
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $69-136 |
Filing fees vary by claim amount. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 9 days before the hearing (5 days if served in county).
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail
- Private process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 9 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Idaho small claims court but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to District Court within 30 days.
Idaho Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to show you attempted to resolve the dispute before filing.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Idaho?
The Idaho small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs, handled by the Magistrate Court.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Idaho?
Filing fees range from $69 to $136 depending on the claim amount. Service fees are additional.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Idaho?
In Idaho, you have 5 years for written contracts and 4 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.
Can I appeal a small claims judgment in Idaho?
Yes. Either party may appeal to District Court within 30 days of the judgment.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup