California Small Claims Court Forms SC-100

Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 05:03 am

Overview

The Judicial Council form SC-100, titled Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, is the primary document used to start a small claims action in California. It tells the court who is suing, who is being sued, the factual basis for the claim, and the exact amount requested. Because small claims is designed to be accessible and informal, SC-100 is written in plain language and includes only the information the court needs to schedule a hearing and notify the defendant. The SC-100 form must be completed accurately — especially party names, addresses, the amount claimed, and a succinct statement of facts — because errors often lead to service problems, continuances, or dismissal. The Judicial Council publishes SC-100 and an accompanying information sheet (SC-100-INFO) that explains eligibility, filing rules, and basic courtroom expectations; courts.ca.gov also provides form packets, filing instructions, and county-specific guidance. If you cannot afford filing fees you may include a fee-waiver request (FW-001) when you file. SC-100 is complemented by other small-claims forms (SC-100A for additional parties, SC-120 for Defendant’s Claim, SC-103 for fictitious business names, and enforcement forms after judgment). Using the official Judicial Council forms and the California Courts self-help pages reduces the risk of procedural errors and helps ensure your case proceeds on schedule.

Who typically benefits and who can apply (including on behalf of someone else)

SC-100 and the small claims process are aimed at individuals and certain businesses who seek to recover relatively small monetary sums without full formal civil litigation. Typical claimants include consumers, renters seeking return of security deposits, individuals owed money on personal loans, people seeking compensation for property damage, and small-business owners (subject to entity limits). A natural person may sue up to the individual small claims limit; some types of business entities have different limits and special rules. Parents, guardians, or conservators can file on behalf of minors or conservatees where permitted; an authorized agent may file when properly designated. The SC-100-INFO information sheet explains who may file and the special rules on assignments of claims (assigned claims often cannot be filed in small claims). Always consult SC-100-INFO and county self-help resources before filing to confirm eligibility and representation limits.

Benefits of using SC-100 / small claims forms

• Simplicity: SC-100 captures only essential facts so filing is straightforward for non-lawyers.
• Standardization: Judicial Council forms are mandatory statewide which reduces local variation and mistake risk.
• Self-help resources: the California Courts website provides downloadable forms, instructions, and form packets.
• Integrated process: related forms (SC-100A, SC-120, FW-001) and instructions are linked to the main SC-100 to guide filing, service, and fee-waiver requests.

Detailed step-wise coverage of using SC-100 and related forms

Step 1 — Confirm the claim belongs in small claims and that SC-100 is the right form

Before initiating a small claims action, the filer must confirm that the dispute falls within the jurisdiction and monetary limits of the California Small Claims Court. Small claims jurisdiction is defined by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §116.210 et seq., which sets forth that the forum is intended for civil disputes not exceeding statutory limits and designed to be efficient, informal, and accessible to individuals and small entities. The plaintiff must ensure that the total amount claimed does not exceed $12,500 when the plaintiff is a natural person, and $6,250 when the plaintiff is a business or other non-natural person, as prescribed by §116.220.

Additionally, certain categories of disputes are excluded. For example, claims involving title to real property, libel or slander, or injunctive relief cannot be adjudicated through the SC-100 procedure. The plaintiff must review §116.220(b) and §116.221 to confirm eligibility. Venue must also be proper—usually where the defendant resides, where the contract was entered into or to be performed, or where the injury or damage occurred (§395(a)). Filing in the wrong venue can result in dismissal or transfer under §396a.

The filer must verify that no other forum already has jurisdiction over the same dispute. If another superior court action is pending, the doctrine of abatement may bar filing. Where the claim was assigned to the filer, §116.420(a) prohibits filing assigned debts for collection purposes. Only the real party in interest may sue.

When government entities are defendants, the plaintiff must comply with the Government Claims Act (Gov. Code §910 et seq.) by presenting a written claim to the entity before filing SC-100. Failure to exhaust this prerequisite results in dismissal. The filer must also verify that the defendant is legally subject to service of process within California and that the claim is timely under applicable limitation periods (§116.220(c) referencing §§335–349.4).

This preliminary verification step prevents filing rejection or dismissal and ensures the clerk’s office can accept the SC-100 for processing. The Judicial Council’s SC-100-INFO explains eligibility, and clerks are prohibited from providing legal advice under Gov. Code §24004.3. Therefore, accuracy and jurisdictional compliance are the filer’s responsibility.

Step 2 — Gather the facts and documents you will put on SC-100

The second phase involves assembling factual and evidentiary material sufficient to satisfy the pleading standards of the small claims process. Although small claims procedure is simplified, the plaintiff still bears the burden of articulating a prima facie case that identifies the transaction, occurrence, or event giving rise to the monetary claim. Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §116.310, the SC-100 requires a concise statement of facts and the exact amount sought. Supporting documentation—such as contracts, receipts, photographs, estimates, or correspondence—serves as corroboration for the factual narrative.

Each element of the claim should correspond to a factual allegation supported by tangible evidence. For example, in a property-damage dispute, include repair invoices and photographs; in a contract claim, attach the signed agreement or proof of payment. Although exhibits are not formally filed with the SC-100, they must be available for inspection and presentation at the hearing. If space on the form is insufficient, the filer must attach a separate sheet labeled “Attachment to Item 3 of SC-100,” as authorized by Rule 2.111 of the California Rules of Court.

Accuracy in the identification of parties is critical. The plaintiff should verify the defendant’s correct legal name and service address using official sources such as the Secretary of State’s Business Search for entities, county fictitious-business-name records, or DMV registration information for vehicle-related claims. Misnaming a defendant can render service invalid and prevent enforcement of judgment (§116.340).

The plaintiff should maintain a chronological fact summary identifying the date of the event, each communication, and the resulting damages. This pre-filing documentation becomes the foundation for testimony under Evidence Code §§ 350–352. The small claims court expects plaintiffs to present concise, chronological evidence. The more organized the submission, the more efficiently the hearing will proceed.

In sum, the evidence-gathering phase ensures the filer can complete SC-100 truthfully and substantively, avoiding later amendment or dismissal for insufficiency. This preparatory diligence aligns with the Judicial Council’s goal of “substantial justice according to the rules of substantive law” (§116.520).

Step 3 — Download and use the current official SC-100 and SC-100-INFO

The Judicial Council of California mandates use of official forms for specified proceedings under Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 1.35. Plaintiffs must obtain the current SC-100 (“Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court”) directly from courts.ca.gov/forms to ensure the latest revision. Each form bears a revision date in the footer; courts reject obsolete versions because local case-management systems rely on current form barcodes and standardized captions.

The SC-100-INFO companion sheet is equally essential. It summarizes procedural rights, limits, and filing steps, serving as a quasi-instruction manual sanctioned by the Judicial Council. The plaintiff should download both PDFs and review any county supplements—many superior courts issue local self-help sheets clarifying filing windows, electronic-filing (eFiling) policies, and service deadlines.

When multiple plaintiffs or defendants exist, the filer must also obtain SC-100A (“Other Plaintiffs or Defendants”). Businesses operating under fictitious names may need SC-103 (“Fictitious Business Name (DBA) Declaration”). Failure to attach these when applicable can cause rejection at intake per Rule 2.100(b).

The plaintiff should store a digital copy of the official PDF as downloaded and print copies directly, avoiding re-formatted versions. Handwritten alterations to barcoded fields are discouraged. County clerks verify version integrity before docketing; incorrect form versions delay processing under Rule 2.259.

In short, use only the current, official Judicial Council forms. This compliance step ensures uniform statewide data capture, assists in electronic transmission under the Trial Court Records Manual, and prevents rejection at filing intake.

Step 4 — Fill out SC-100 carefully: names, amounts, and the short statement of facts

Completing SC-100 demands precision and compliance with statutory pleading standards. Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §116.310(a), the claim must state the amount sought, the basis for liability, and the names and addresses of all parties. Each entry becomes part of the public record and the clerk’s notice of hearing, so typographical accuracy is essential.

Party names must reflect legal entities as registered. For individuals, include full first, middle, and last names. For corporations, list the registered corporate name and the agent for service of process as filed with the Secretary of State (Corp. Code §1502(b)). For partnerships or DBAs, include the fictitious-business declaration reference (Bus. & Prof. Code §17900 et seq.). The caption must match precisely on all subsequent filings and proof-of-service forms (Rule 2.111(c)).

The “Amount of claim” section must list the principal amount owed, interest (if applicable and permissible), and any allowable costs. Small claims jurisdiction generally excludes punitive damages or attorney’s fees unless expressly authorized by statute (§116.220(a)). Overstating the claim can trigger dismissal or transfer to limited civil.

The “Briefly describe why you are suing” field functions as a concise statement of facts—akin to a verified complaint summary. Plaintiffs should identify the event (e.g., “failure to return security deposit dated May 1 2024 after tenancy ended”), rather than legal conclusions. Attach a supplemental page if more space is needed, referencing “Attachment to Item 3.” Clarity here assists the clerk and judge in categorizing the claim under the small claims docket code set forth in the Judicial Council Case Type matrix.

Once the form is completed, the filer should review all entries for consistency, sign under penalty of perjury (§2015.5), and date the form. The signature certifies truthfulness and completeness of information and subjects the filer to perjury penalties under Pen. Code §118.

Step 5 — Decide whether to ask for a fee waiver (FW-001) and complete it if needed

California provides a uniform fee-waiver process governed by Cal. Gov. Code §§ 68630–68641 and implemented through Judicial Council forms FW-001 (“Request to Waive Court Fees”) and FW-003 (“Order on Court Fee Waiver”). Plaintiffs unable to pay initial filing fees may submit FW-001 concurrently with SC-100. The application must disclose household income, employment status, and public-benefit participation. The clerk reviews eligibility per Rule 3.56 of the California Rules of Court.

Filing FW-001 ensures the SC-100 will not be rejected for non-payment at intake. The filer must sign under penalty of perjury, acknowledging that false information constitutes perjury (Pen. Code §118). The court may later review eligibility and require updated financial information under §68636(c).

If the waiver is denied, the plaintiff will receive notice (FW-003) and a time limit, usually 10 days, to pay the filing fee. Failure to do so results in automatic dismissal of the action under §68634(e). Therefore, filers uncertain about eligibility should apply proactively. Certain litigants—such as recipients of SSI, TANF, or CalFresh—are presumptively eligible (§68632(a)).

Clerks must keep FW-001 confidential per Rule 2.550(d). Applicants should not attach supporting documents to SC-100 itself but should file FW-001 separately, in the same envelope or e-filing transaction. This procedural step ensures due-process access to justice consistent with Judicial Council policy on economic-barrier reduction.

Step 6 — Make copies and file SC-100 with the proper superior court clerk

Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §116.330, filing commences the action. The plaintiff must prepare the original SC-100 plus at least two copies: one for personal retention and one for service. If multiple defendants exist, an additional copy for each is required. The clerk retains the original for docketing and stamps all copies “Filed.” The stamp constitutes proof of filing date under Rule 2.259(b).

Filing venue follows §395(a) and §116.370. Typically, the correct court is the superior court’s small claims division in the county of defendant’s residence or where the cause of action arose. Certain counties centralize small claims intake at designated courthouses; failure to file in the correct branch may lead to transfer or dismissal.

Many courts now permit electronic filing through approved EFSPs under Rule 2.250 et seq.. Where e-filing is available, plaintiffs must submit PDFs in text-searchable format, signed electronically under Rule 2.257. Paper filers should use black or blue ink and ensure legibility. Clerks reject incomplete or unsigned forms under Rule 2.100(c).

Upon acceptance, the clerk assigns a case number and schedules a hearing date, usually 20–70 days from filing (§116.330(b)). The clerk issues a Notice of Hearing printed on the SC-100 itself. This document must be served on each defendant with the claim. The filing date also starts service deadlines—service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing (or 20 if out-of-county) per §116.340(a).

Proper filing establishes jurisdiction and triggers court scheduling. Plaintiffs should retain the filed-stamped copy, as it functions as the official record for subsequent enforcement or appeal under §116.710.

Step 7 — Serve SC-100 correctly and file proof of service

Proper service of process is jurisdictional. The plaintiff must ensure the defendant receives the SC-100 and the Notice of Hearing within statutory timelines and by authorized persons. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §116.340 and §116.330(b) outline methods: personal service by a non-party adult at least 18 years old, substituted service at the defendant’s residence or business followed by mailing, or service by the sheriff or a registered process server.

For defendants residing outside the county, service must be completed at least 20 days before the hearing (§116.340(a)(2)); within the same county, at least 15 days. Service by mail by the clerk is allowed only for specific counties offering certified-mail service (§116.340(b)), but the plaintiff assumes risk of non-delivery.

Step 8 — Use supporting forms when relevant (SC-100A, SC-103, SC-120, enforcement forms)

The SC-100 often operates in conjunction with other mandatory Judicial Council forms, each serving a procedural purpose to ensure complete pleadings. Under Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 1.35, plaintiffs must use standardized forms where prescribed. Failure to include relevant attachments or supplemental forms may render the pleading defective under Rule 2.100(c).

Where multiple plaintiffs or defendants exist, form SC-100A must be filed to list all parties not accommodated on page 1 of SC-100. Each additional party must include their full legal name, mailing address, and role (plaintiff or defendant). This attachment becomes an integral part of the record and must be referenced on the main form. Courts rely on it to generate summons and docket entries; omission can create inconsistencies in notices or judgments.

If the plaintiff or defendant does business under a fictitious business name, form SC-103 (“Fictitious Business Name (DBA) Declaration”) must accompany the SC-100 per Bus. & Prof. Code § 17900 et seq. and § 116.420. This confirms that the party is properly registered to transact business and establishes standing to sue or be sued under that name. Without it, the court may question capacity to sue, leading to continuance or dismissal.

If the defendant wishes to assert a counterclaim against the plaintiff arising out of the same transaction, form SC-120 (“Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court”) must be used. Under § 116.360, the counterclaim must be served on the plaintiff at least 5 days before the hearing (or 20 days if the plaintiff resides out-of-county). The SC-120 triggers a cross-filing within the same case number.

Following judgment, plaintiffs often must transition to enforcement. The Judicial Council’s enforcement suite—forms such as EJ-130 (“Writ of Execution”), SC-134 (“Application and Order to Renew Judgment”), and WG-002 (“Earnings Withholding Order”)—are authorized by §§ 699.510 – 706.154. Plaintiffs should also review form SC-133 (“Judgment Debtor’s Statement of Assets”) required under § 116.830. Collectively, these forms implement post-judgment remedies standardized statewide.

In procedural terms, attaching or referencing the correct supporting forms ensures the case is docketed correctly within the Court’s Case Management System (CMS), avoids return for correction, and preserves statutory compliance. Plaintiffs should verify the latest revision dates on courts.ca.gov/forms before filing. Proper cross-referencing of attachments on the face of SC-100 provides a complete administrative record for both the clerk and judicial officer.

Step 9 — Prepare for the hearing using SC-100-INFO and county self-help pages

Once the claim is filed and served, the focus shifts to adjudication. Preparation for hearing under the Small Claims Act (§§ 116.510 – 116.780) requires methodical organization of facts, exhibits, and procedural awareness. The plaintiff should review SC-100-INFO, which outlines courtroom decorum, burden of proof, and evidentiary expectations. The hearing is conducted by a judge, commissioner, or temporary judge appointed under Cal. Const. Art. VI § 21.

The plaintiff bears the burden to prove the claim by a preponderance of evidence. While formal evidence rules are relaxed (§ 116.520), relevancy and reliability remain governing standards (Evid. Code §§ 350–352). The plaintiff should prepare exhibits—contracts, receipts, correspondence—labeled numerically (Exhibit 1, 2, 3 etc.) and maintain three copies: one for the court, one for self, one for the defendant. Visual aids or demonstratives are permitted at the judge’s discretion.

The plaintiff must also ensure attendance of witnesses with firsthand knowledge. Witnesses may appear voluntarily or under subpoena (form SC-107 “Small Claims Subpoena”) per § 1985. Service of subpoenas must comply with § 1987. Costs may later be recoverable under § 1033.5(a)(4).

Courtroom conduct should remain respectful and concise. Plaintiffs should refrain from interrupting, maintain eye contact with the judge, and use clear factual statements. The judge may attempt mediation under county dispute-resolution programs (§ 116.520(c)). Settlements reached may be entered as stipulated judgments (§ 664.6).

If the defendant fails to appear and proof of service is proper, the court may enter default judgment (§ 116.340(d)). Conversely, if service is defective, the case may be dismissed without prejudice. The clerk records the outcome on the minute order, which later forms the basis of the “Notice of Entry of Judgment” (form SC-130).

Thorough preparation—guided by SC-100-INFO and county self-help portals—minimizes procedural errors and ensures the plaintiff can meet evidentiary expectations. This aligns with the Judicial Council’s objective of uniform and equitable small-claims adjudication.

Step 10 — After judgment: use Judicial Council enforcement forms and keep SC-100 records

Following adjudication, enforcement of judgment is governed by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.820 – 116.880 and Part 2, Title 9 of the Code. The prevailing party (judgment creditor) must wait 30 days after mailing of the “Notice of Entry of Judgment” (SC-130) before initiating enforcement (§ 116.620(a)). This period allows time for appeal or payment.

If the judgment debtor fails to pay voluntarily, the creditor may request the debtor’s financial disclosure via form SC-133 (“Judgment Debtor’s Statement of Assets”). Debtors are statutorily obligated to file this within 30 days (§ 116.830(a)). Non-compliance allows the creditor to move for an order to appear for examination under § 708.110, using form EJ-125.

To enforce collection, the creditor may file form EJ-130 (“Writ of Execution”) directing the sheriff or levying officer to seize non-exempt property (§ 699.510). Wage garnishment follows § 706.010 et seq. using form WG-002. Bank levies require a Writ plus a “Memorandum of Garnishee” (form EJ-150). Each enforcement method incurs statutory fees recoverable as costs under § 685.070.

Judgments remain enforceable for 10 years (§ 683.020) and may be renewed for an additional 10 years using form SC-134 (“Application and Order to Renew Judgment”). The creditor must record an Abstract of Judgment (form EJ-001) with the county recorder to create a lien on real property (§ 697.310).

Appeals by defendants must be filed within 30 days of mailing of the Notice of Entry of Judgment using form SC-140 (“Notice of Appeal (Small Claims)”) (§ 116.710(a)). Appeal proceedings are de novo (§ 116.770). Plaintiffs cannot appeal their own claims but may challenge counterclaim outcomes under limited circumstances.

All SC-100 originals, attachments, and proofs of service should be retained for the life of the judgment. These documents constitute the judgment roll under Rule 2.506 and must be available for transcript certification if the judgment is appealed or abstracted. Clerks may charge per-page copy fees under Gov. Code § 70627.

Post-judgment diligence—tracking deadlines, maintaining certified copies, and following enforcement protocols—ensures the plaintiff converts judgment into collection efficiently and lawfully, fulfilling the objective of the Small Claims Act to deliver “substantial justice promptly and at low cost” (§ 116.520).

Costs associated (forms and filing)

The filing fee for SC-100 generally ranges from about $30 to $100 depending on the amount claimed and filing history; exact amounts and local surcharges are listed in the statewide fee schedule and on county small claims pages. Service costs (process server or certified mail), copying, and any mediation or enforcement fees are additional. If you qualify, file FW-001 to request a fee waiver so you can file SC-100 without paying fees upfront. Check your county clerk’s website or the Judicial Council fee schedule for the latest amounts.

Time required

After filing SC-100 and completing service, most counties schedule hearings within a few weeks to a few months depending on caseload. Timelines are county-specific; consult the superior court’s small claims calendar for precise hearing dates. If service issues, continuances, appeals or enforcement steps arise, resolution time may extend significantly. The SC-100 and SC-100-INFO pages overview typical timelines and steps.

Limitations of SC-100 / small claims forms

• Monetary limits and eligibility rules — small claims and SC-100 cannot be used for larger or certain complex disputes.
• SC-100 cannot request injunctive or non-monetary relief — small claims awards are monetary judgments only.
• Attorneys are generally not permitted to speak for parties at the small claims hearing (though you may consult one beforehand).
• Failure to use the correct, current Judicial Council forms or to follow service/form instructions can cause dismissal or delay.

Risks and unexpected problems when using SC-100

Common problems include using an outdated form version, misspelling or misnaming a defendant (which can invalidate service), failing to attach required documents (SC-100A, SC-103), incomplete or improper proof of service, and filing in the wrong county. Fee-waiver denials, service difficulties, or a defendant’s bankruptcy can also complicate outcomes. To mitigate these risks, download forms directly from courts.ca.gov, follow SC-100-INFO guidance, make copies, and consult county self-help centers when in doubt.

Authoritative sources (all from California Courts / Judicial Council)

• SC-100 Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Judicial Council / courts.ca.gov).
• SC-100-INFO Information for the Small Claims Plaintiff (Judicial Council / courts.ca.gov).
• Small claims forms index and form packets (California Courts self-help).
• Request to Waive Court Fees FW-001 and FW-003 (California Courts).
• How to fill out and file small claims forms — county and statewide guidance (California Courts).