How to file a small claims case in Nevada, step by step

Ask for payment in writing

You must ask for the money before you file. Las Vegas accepts any form of demand; North Las Vegas and Henderson want a letter by certified mail and a 15-day wait.

Use the free demand letter generator, give them 10–14 days, and keep a copy with proof of the date you sent it.

Check the limit and your deadline

In Nevada you can sue for up to $10,000 in the Justice Court (small claims).

Run the 60-second case check to see the last day you can file.

Collect the details the form asks for

• Your full name, address and phone (you must be 18 or older)
• The defendant's exact legal name and a street address where they can be served
• For a business, its officer or resident agent
• The amount you're asking for, up to $10,000
• A short description of what happened and when
• A copy of your demand and proof you sent it

Find the defendant's exact legal name

Use the exact legal name and serve the resident agent or an officer.

Search: Nevada Secretary of State Business Entity Search (SilverFlume).

Gather your evidence

• The contract, lease, invoice or receipt
• Photos of the damage, dated if possible
• Texts, emails and letters with the other side
• Two written repair estimates or proof of what you paid
• Your demand letter and proof it was sent
• Names and contact details of any witnesses

Get the right form

Affidavit of Complaint: Small Claims Affidavit of Complaint. Get the form.

Describe your claim clearly

• Who: you and the defendant, with full legal names and addresses
• What: the agreement or event, in 2–4 plain sentences
• When: the date it happened
• How much: the exact amount (no more than $10,000) and how you calculated it
• What you did: when you asked for payment and their response

Sign it the right way

The complaint is sworn; sign it before the clerk, a justice of the peace or a notary.

Make copies

Bring the original and three copies of the complaint, plus copies of your demand letter and mailing receipt.

File your claim

Choose how you'll file:

File in the justice court township where the defendant lives, works or does business, where the injury or damage happened, or where the contract was to be performed.

Pay the filing fee

The fee depends on how much you ask for. The state lists $55 up to $2,500, $95 up to $5,000 and $145 up to $10,000, but courts add local fees: in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas it's $66 to $196. Serving the papers costs extra. Can't afford it? Ask for a fee waiver: Application to Proceed in Forma Pauperis (fee waiver).

Keep what the clerk gives you

The court gives you a tentative court date. Arrange service right away and file the Affidavit of Service before your court's deadline, or the case is taken off calendar.

Have the papers served

You can't serve the papers yourself. Use the constable, sheriff, a licensed process server, or an adult who isn't part of the case. Service by certified mail needs a judge's approval first.

At least 14 days before the trial date under state rules; some courts want proof of service filed earlier, so check your court's deadline.

File proof of service

Affidavit of Service

The server fills out and signs the Affidavit of Service; you file it with the court well before the hearing.

If service fails

Don't wait until the hearing. Ask the clerk right away for a new hearing date and try another method, such as personal delivery instead of mail, or a different address.

Watch for the defendant's response

The defendant can come to the hearing to defend, and may file an answer or counterclaim with the court; check local fees.

Settling before the hearing

If you settle, file a dismissal or tell the court in writing before the hearing.

Get any settlement in writing, signed by both sides, with the amount and payment date.

Line up your witnesses

A witness who saw what happened is stronger than a written statement; some judges won't accept letters.

Ask the clerk to issue a subpoena for a witness; there's usually no fee to issue it, but the constable charges to serve it.

Prepare your file

• Three copies of every document: for you, the judge and the defendant
• A one-page timeline of what happened, with dates
• A short sheet showing how you calculated the amount
• Photos printed or ready on your phone (ask the clerk if screens are allowed)

On the day

• Confirm your date and time with the court the day before
• Bring at least three copies of every piece of evidence
• Print texts and emails; the judge won't read them on your phone
• Bring your witnesses
• Dress neatly; no food or drink in court

Tell your story

Speak to the judge, not the other side. Stay calm, answer the question asked, and don't interrupt.

If someone doesn't show up

If the defendant doesn't come, the court can enter a default judgment. If you don't come, your case can be dismissed.

Know the appeal rules

Either side can appeal to district court, but the window is very short: 7 calendar days after the judgment is served under state rules (Las Vegas says 5 judicial days). Appeal fees and bonds often total about $350 or more, and you usually need a transcript.

Collect your money

The court doesn't collect for you. After judgment you can use wage garnishment or a bank levy through the constable or sheriff.

Close the case once you're paid

Keep proof of every payment. When you're paid in full, tell the court; some courts require a satisfaction-of-judgment form.