On This Page
Iowa Small Claims Court Limits
Iowa small claims court limit is $6,500 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims Division of District Court
Official Website: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/small-claims
Filing Fees in Iowa
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $95 |
Filing fee is approximately $95. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail
- Private process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 10 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 15-30 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Iowa small claims court but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to District Court within 20 days for a new trial.
Iowa 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 Iowa?
The Iowa small claims court limit is $6,500 for all plaintiffs.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Iowa?
In Iowa, you have 10 years for written contracts and 5 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Iowa?
The filing fee is approximately $95. Service fees by sheriff are additional.
How do I appeal a small claims judgment in Iowa?
Either party may appeal to District Court within 20 days. The appeal results in a new trial (trial de novo).
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup