Small claims and limited civil filing fee tiers rise to cover bigger claims
The $50 small claims filing fee now covers claims up to $6,250, up from $5,000, with $75 above that. The $205 civil filing fee applies to cases asking for $12,500 or less, up from $10,000.
Who it affects
People filing small claims and limited civil cases
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027. California laws take effect on January 1 of the year after they are signed, unless the law says otherwise.
- : Signed into law
- : This law takes effect
Official text
California AB 2781: Civil cases: filing fees.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.