Iowa small claims court handles money disputes up to $6,500, plus interest and court costs [1]. Cases are filed electronically through the Iowa Judicial Branch’s eFile system [2], hearings are informal [5], and either side can appeal within 20 days [6].
At a glance
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Money claims | $6,500 or less, excluding interest and costs |
| Replevin (getting specific property back) | Property worth $6,500 or less |
| Evictions | Forcible entry and detainer on certain grounds |
| Filing and docketing fee (Iowa Code) | $95 |
| Postage for mailing the original notice (Iowa Code) | $20 |
| Appeal from a small claims judgment | $195 |
What small claims can handle
A small claim is a civil case for a money judgment of $6,500 or less, not counting interest and costs [1]. Small claims court can also hear replevin cases for property worth $6,500 or less, and some eviction cases [1].
Where to file
Iowa’s venue rules apply in small claims [3]. A personal case generally goes in a county where one of the defendants lives [8]. A case over an injury to a person or damage to property can also be filed in the county where the injury or damage happened [9]. If you’re not sure which county is right, ask the clerk of court before filing.
How to file
- Fill out the forms. For a defendant who lives in Iowa, use Form 3.1, the Original Notice and Petition for Money Judgment; there are separate forms for nonresident drivers and out-of-state companies [2]. State how much you’re owed and why, but don’t add the filing fee or court costs to the amount [2].
- Add the Verification of Account (Form 3.27), one for each defendant, with an itemized statement showing how you got to your number [2]. If you’re suing on a promissory note, include the original note [2].
- E-file the forms through the Iowa Judicial Branch eFiling system. The Judicial Branch says $115 is collected when you file [2].
Serving the other side
Each defendant has to receive the Original Notice before a trial is held [2]. You can choose [2][4]:
- Certified mail, restricted delivery, sent by the clerk. The Judicial Branch charges $20 more for each party served this way [2].
- The sheriff or another person for personal service. Call the sheriff’s civil process office in the county where the defendant lives; some bill you later and some want the fee up front [2].
- The Iowa Secretary of State, for some out-of-state defendants, for an additional $20 [2].
If you’re the defendant
You generally have 20 days after you’re served to file an Appearance and Answer (Form 3.11) [2][4]. If you were served through the Secretary of State, you have 60 days [2]. You can file your answer through eFile; the Judicial Branch has step-by-step instructions for finding your case and uploading the form [10].
If you deny the claim, the clerk sets a hearing 5 to 20 days after the last timely appearance, unless the court orders otherwise [11]. If you don’t answer in time and the amount is clear, the clerk can enter a default judgment against you [11]. A default can be challenged under the same rule used in district court [12].
The hearing
The hearing is in front of a judicial officer, not a jury, and it’s meant to be simple and informal [5]. The court swears in the parties and witnesses and questions them to get at the truth [5]. You can represent yourself or have a lawyer [5]. The decision is based on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning what’s more likely true [5].
Bring the documents you want the judge to see and any witnesses you need [2]. If you’re the plaintiff, be ready to show that the defendant was served [2]. If you’re paid in full before the hearing, file a Dismissal (Form 3.18) [2].
After the judgment
The court can order the judgment paid in installments [12]. Payments go directly to the person who won, not through the clerk, unless a judge orders otherwise [2]. Once a judgment is paid in full, the winner files a Release and Satisfaction of Judgment (Form 3.23) [2].
Appeals
Either side can appeal by giving oral notice at the end of the hearing or by filing a written notice of appeal within 20 days after judgment, and paying the docket fee within those 20 days [6]. No appeal is allowed after 20 days [6]. The fee for an appeal from a small claims judgment is $195 [7].
A district judge, or in some cases a district associate judge, decides the appeal on the record from the original hearing, usually without new evidence [6]. An appeal doesn’t automatically pause collection: the judgment is stayed only if an appeal bond approved by the clerk is filed [6].
Sources
- Iowa Code § 631.1: Small claims jurisdiction
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Instructions for Filing a Small Claims Action for Money Judgment
- Iowa Code § 631.2: Small claims jurisdiction and procedures (venue rules apply)
- Iowa Code § 631.4: Service, time for appearance
- Iowa Code § 631.11: Small claims hearing
- Iowa Code § 631.13: Small claims appeals
- Iowa Code § 602.8105: Fees for civil cases (small claims appeal fee)
- Iowa Code § 616.17: Place of bringing personal actions
- Iowa Code § 616.18: Personal injury or damage actions
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Responding to a Small Claims Original Notice and Petition
- Iowa Code § 631.5: Appearance, default
- Iowa Code § 631.12: Entry of judgment, setting aside default judgment
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What is the small claims limit in Iowa?
$6,500 for cases filed on or after July 1, 2018, not counting interest and court costs. Small claims can also hear some eviction cases, and replevin cases (getting specific property back) worth $6,500 or less.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Iowa?
The Iowa Judicial Branch's instructions say $115 is collected when you e-file a money claim, and $20 more for each party you serve by certified mail. Iowa Code sets the filing and docketing fee at $95 and the postage for mailing the notice at $20.
How long does a defendant have to respond in Iowa small claims?
Generally 20 days after being served to file an Appearance and Answer. A defendant served through the Iowa Secretary of State has 60 days. If the defendant doesn't answer in time, the court can enter a default judgment.
Can you appeal a small claims judgment in Iowa?
Yes. Say so in court at the end of the hearing, or file a written notice of appeal within 20 days after judgment, and pay the docket fee in that time. The appeal fee is $195. A judge decides the appeal on the record from the hearing, usually without new evidence.